A pressing cybersecurity skills crisis is prompting 64% of organisations in EMEA to resort to risky shortcuts and quick fixes to satisfy security demands, as highlighted in a recent report by Insight Enterprises.
In the UK, the issue is equally alarming. A substantial 67% of organisations acknowledge a cybersecurity skills gap, with over half describing the repercussions as "severe" or "significant." The scarcity most affects senior roles, with 50% reporting deficiencies in strategic skills such as governance, planning, and risk assessment.
Across EMEA, just 24% of IT decision-makers affirm that their in-house cyber skills are sufficient to counter evolving threats. These shortages are stalling critical initiatives (57%) and ensuring that more than half toil to meet compliance mandates.
The report identifies primary barriers to bridging the skills gap in EMEA:
- 68% of IT leaders blame the high costs associated with hiring and training.
- 65% point to a dearth of qualified candidates available in the market.
Simplifying the dilemma to recruitment fails to capture the full scope. The cyber skills shortage is not merely a technical gap; it spans operations, leadership, and compliance, undermining resilience and long-term planning.
Cybersecurity has evolved past a staffing dilemma—it is now a strategic concern. As organisations hasten digital transformation, the widening cyber skills gap is shaking confidence in their secure innovation capabilities. It's more than a talent issue; it's a threat to sustained growth and resilience.
Insight EMEA President Adrian Gregory emphasised a fundamental evolution in approach, stating that successful organisations are those that " align strategic talent with intelligent technology and trusted partnerships" The key lies in leadership adept at orchestrating human–machine synergies, translating technical risks into business impacts, and embedding security in innovation.
Thus, the challenge extends beyond recruitment. It calls for a reimagining of leadership approaches to cultivate resilience and maintain a competitive edge.
