Back in January, the World Economic Forum released its Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 Insight Report, highlighting a critical issue: growing global security threats are being worsened by a widening skills gap, making it increasingly difficult to manage cyber risks effectively. As cyberattacks continue to rise, these gaps will only become more evident—and more damaging.
To put things into perspective, approximately 8 billion records were breached throughout 2023. By May 2024 alone, that number had already skyrocketed past 35 billion.
For many, statistics like these feel distant—something that happens to others, somewhere else. But the reality is much closer to home than most realize.
Take January 2024, for example. A massive security breach exposed around 26 billion records, equating to a staggering 12 terabytes of leaked data. Major platforms like Adobe, Canva, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn were affected—so if you haven’t changed your passwords lately, now might be a good time. The sheer scale of such a breach is difficult to comprehend, with countless everyday users unknowingly caught in the fallout.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for businesses to cultivate a culture of cyber hygiene. Cybersecurity should be treated with the same level of importance as any other key stakeholder. Today’s organizations don’t just safeguard their own financial, sales, and market data—they also hold a wealth of personal information belonging to customers and employees. With that comes a significant ethical responsibility.
So, how do we address the cybersecurity gap identified by the World Economic Forum? With digital systems more interconnected than ever, and every entry point into an organization a potential target, how can businesses protect their people, data, and assets?
Closing the Cybersecurity Gap
The first step is recognizing that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed in isolation. It requires a dual approach that integrates both digital and physical security. After all, a robust physical security system is ineffective if it lacks cybersecurity considerations, just as a cyber-secure environment cannot ignore physical vulnerabilities.
Many organizations make the mistake of assuming that a past investment in security remains sufficient. But in today’s fast-evolving threat landscape, one-time investments won’t cut it. Systems that haven’t been updated—often referred to as legacy systems—become increasingly vulnerable over time. These outdated systems lack modern security protections, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. The consequences can be severe, from financial losses and data breaches to irreparable reputational damage.
Regulatory bodies and governments worldwide are also tightening data protection and privacy laws. Failing to meet these evolving standards can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. Yet, despite these risks, many businesses struggle with the cost of upgrading their cyber defenses.
That’s where the second key factor in building a strong cybersecurity culture comes in: education.
Many security managers, advisors, and directors acknowledge the need for regular upgrades but find themselves constrained by budget limitations. Without executive leadership that understands the importance of continuous cybersecurity reinvestment, securing necessary funding becomes an uphill battle.
But the knowledge gap isn’t just at the executive level. Many employees lack basic cybersecurity training, including best practices for password management, phishing detection, and network security. Establishing a culture of cyber hygiene requires participation from everyone—it’s an ongoing effort, not a one-time initiative.
That said, even with regular training, mistakes will happen. As Alexander Pope famously wrote, “To err is human.” Even well-intentioned individuals can slip up, making organizations vulnerable despite their best efforts.
That’s why forming partnerships with cyber-responsible vendors should be a fundamental part of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy.
The Role of Cyber-Responsible Vendors
Cyber-responsible vendors help ease the burden on organizations by embedding security into their systems from the ground up. They adhere to strict credentialing standards and provide security hardening guides to mitigate risks.
These vendors also conduct regular internal and external penetration testing, often collaborating with ethical hackers (also known as white-hat hackers) to identify and patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Many work toward becoming a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Numbering Authority, which allows them to publicly disclose security vulnerabilities found within their own products—contributing to a global culture of cyber vigilance.
Additionally, they often offer security health check tools, empowering businesses to assess and strengthen their cybersecurity posture proactively.
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous journey. If we want future cybersecurity reports to reflect progress in closing the gap between struggling organizations and cyber-resilient ones, we all have a role to play. Now is the time to take action.
Credit: Securitybrief
