Philippine organizations continue to face significant cybersecurity challenges as a shortage of skilled professionals remains a major contributor to security breaches, according to Fortinet’s 2026 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report.
The study found that 93% of organizations in the Philippines experienced at least one cybersecurity breach over the past 12 months. More than half (52%) reported losses exceeding US$1 million, while 70% said it took longer than a month to recover from a cyberattack.
For the third consecutive year, a lack of cybersecurity skills was identified as one of the leading causes of security incidents, with 71% of IT leaders citing talent shortages as a key concern. The demand for experienced cybersecurity professionals remains particularly acute, with 63% of organizations saying they need senior-level cybersecurity expertise, while 55% struggle to secure approval for additional cybersecurity hires.
The report also highlights the growing impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity operations. While 94% of Philippine organizations are already using or experimenting with AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, 73% of respondents said their biggest recruitment challenge is finding cybersecurity professionals with AI-related expertise.
According to Fortinet Philippines Country Manager Bambi Escalante, organizations must balance investments in technology with investments in people and skills development.
AI adoption is also creating new cybersecurity governance requirements. The survey found that 78% of organizations expect an increased need for AI oversight and governance roles within cybersecurity teams over the next three years. At the same time, 49% of respondents identified defending against AI-powered cyberattacks as a top concern.
Despite the talent gap, organizations are increasing investments in training and certifications. Nearly all respondents (98%) said they are likely to invest in AI-related cybersecurity training or certifications within the next 12 months. In addition, 96% indicated a preference for hiring certified cybersecurity professionals, up from 82% in the previous year’s report.
Companies are also expanding talent development efforts. About 73% are implementing internal training and reskilling programs to support AI adoption, while 65% are sourcing training from industry partners and vendors. To broaden the talent pipeline, 97% of organizations are leveraging internships, apprenticeships, partnerships, and other workforce development initiatives.
The findings underscore the growing need for organizations to adopt a holistic cybersecurity strategy that combines technology, governance, and workforce development. As AI continues to transform both cyber defense and cyber threats, Fortinet said building a skilled cybersecurity workforce will be critical to improving resilience and reducing business risk.
The survey was conducted among 60 IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across various industries in the Philippines, including technology, manufacturing, and financial services sectors.
