Today’s top drivers for cybersecurity strategy

The digital age has brought about unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. However, it has also introduced new vulnerabilities and risks. Enterprise technologies are advancing rapidly, and with them, the complexity and sophistication of emerging cyber threats. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, organizations face a myriad of challenges that require robust cybersecurity measures.

A substantial cyber attack can have devastating effects on a business, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Fortunately, there are strategies available to prepare teams and businesses to defend against these looming threats.

The practice of cybersecurity has become a critical focus for organizations worldwide.

According to data from our State of Cybersecurity 2025 report, 78% of respondents state that cybersecurity is a high priority at their firm, and 49% feel that it is relatively easy to procure funds for cybersecurity activities or feel that cybersecurity budgets are increasing. As technologies advance and the stakes grow higher, investing in cybersecurity skills is critical.

Understanding cybersecurity drivers

Organizations are driven by several key factors when it comes to cybersecurity, each playing a crucial role in shaping cybersecurity strategy. Understanding these drivers is essential for organizations to develop proactive and adaptive cybersecurity strategies that address the evolving threat landscape and safeguard their digital assets.

Emergence of generative AI

The rise of generative AI technologies presents new opportunities and challenges, requiring robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential risks.

Variety of attacks

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly diverse, with attackers employing various tactics to exploit vulnerabilities.

Reliance on data

As organizations become more data-driven, the need to protect sensitive information has never been more crucial.

Scale of attacks

The magnitude of cyber-attacks is growing, necessitating scalable and resilient cybersecurity solutions.

Breadth of skills needed

The complexity of modern cybersecurity demands a wide range of skills and expertise to effectively manage and respond to threats.

Nation-state attacks

These large-scale cyber-attacks pose significant risks, requiring heightened vigilance and strategic defense measures.

Quantifying cybersecurity progress

Measuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity efforts is essential for continuous improvement and risk management.

Compliance with regulations

Adhering to regulatory requirements is a key driver for implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

Privacy concerns

Protecting user privacy is paramount, driving organizations to adopt stringent data protection and privacy measures.

The challenge of specialization and skill gaps

Despite the critical need for cybersecurity expertise, organizations face a significant challenge: the need for specialization and mastery to manage emerging cyber threats has led to a substantial skill gap in the industry. While leaders are focused on investing in their teams and skill development, there are clear gaps and low confidence in the skills needed to effectively combat cyber threats. Areas like data protection and risk management are at the heart of effective cybersecurity. These elements help organizations manage the multitude of threats and tasks that come with safeguarding digital assets. By prioritizing data protection, organizations can mitigate risks and ensure that sensitive information remains secure.

To keep pace with technological advancements and manage cybersecurity threats effectively, there is an urgent need for specialization and upskilling within cybersecurity teams. Organizations must prioritize continuous learning and development to ensure their teams are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to safeguard their digital assets and build resilience against future threats. In this ever-changing digital landscape, cybersecurity is essential for success.

Explore CompTIA's enterprise solutions to help invest in your organization's skill level.

Eager to gain deeper insights into the state of cybersecurity and skill gaps? Check out our cybersecurity report.