Upskilling is crucial as it helps organizations enhance their internal capabilities to combat cyber threats effectively. With over 80% of organizations experiencing security breaches in the past year, and nearly 70% of security leaders acknowledging that the skills shortage contributes to these risks, investing in the development of current employees can mitigate organizational risk and reduce reliance on external hiring.

Cybersecurity certifications provide numerous benefits, including increased knowledge and better performance in security roles. According to a report, 95% of leaders with certifications or certified team members reported positive outcomes, such as enhanced cybersecurity knowledge (72%) and improved job performance (62%). Additionally, certifications can lead to career advancement and higher salaries, making them a valuable investment for both employees and employers.

Organizations can address the skills gap by offering upskilling and reskilling opportunities to their existing employees. This approach not only leverages the potential of current staff but also helps to fill critical roles without solely relying on external recruitment. Many organizations are already seeking candidates from untapped talent pools and are willing to support employees in obtaining certifications, with 90% of employers indicating they would pay for such programs.