Few organizations have the skills needed to combat rising cyber threats.
Recent surveys indicate that few organizations feel prepared to handle the rising sophistication of cyberattacks. Of particular concern are increasing geopolitical risks and attacks involving AI. A 2025 Accenture report found that 90 percent of large organizations are unprepared to protect against AI-enabled threats. Small to midsize enterprises (SMEs) face even greater challenges.
At the same time, the sheer volume of cyber threats is increasing. In one 2025 study, 72 percent of security leaders reported an increase in cyber risks. Additionally, 76 percent felt at risk of a material security breach in the coming 12 months.
It’s no wonder that IT security leaders are becoming discouraged. Cybercriminals are waging a relentless assault on corporate networks, cloud platforms and remote endpoints in search of big paydays, valuable data or both. In 2025, global cybercrime costs reached approximately $10.5 trillion, representing a 15 percent year-over-year increase from 2024. If measured as a country, cybercrime would be the world’s third-largest economy after the U.S. and China.
Analysts say about 560,000 new malicious programs or variants are identified every day. They estimate that more than 1.3 billion distinct malicious programs are now in circulation, a 70 percent increase since 2023. Automated systems now launch malware attacks every 11 seconds.
Why Cybersecurity Tools Aren’t Enough
Organizations worldwide spend billions on cybersecurity each year, but often with little or no effect. The fact is, having security tools isn’t enough. Organizations need the right skills and resources to combat these threats. However, they often struggle to find, hire, train and retain qualified cybersecurity specialists.
Because of the growing cybersecurity skills gap, there simply aren’t enough security pros available to fill open positions. According to projections from Cybersecurity Ventures, there are now more than 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions across the world. Some studies place the estimates much higher. In the U.S., only about 74 percent of cybersecurity roles are filled.
This persistent talent shortage spans multiple years, driven by the rapid evolution of digital threats and increasing demand for specialized skills in AI, cloud security and operational technology. The talent crunch persists despite rising layoffs in other tech sectors because there aren’t enough people entering the field. Only about half of high schools offer any kind of computer science classes. Only about 3 percent of college graduates have cybersecurity-related degrees.
In-House Training Won’t Close the Gap
Many organizations try to develop in-house expertise through training, but that’s not a surefire solution. Training and upskilling programs tend to focus on static, point-in-time skills, such as obtaining specific certifications. This approach fails to address the dynamic nature of new technologies and the rapid evolution of the threat landscape.
Because cybersecurity teams are understaffed and overwhelmed, they have little to no time for training. Furthermore, organizations aren’t making adequate investments in training. Despite the need for more training, 37 percent of professionals say they face budget cuts. Organizations often hesitate to provide cybersecurity training because staff members often move on to higher-paying jobs once they’ve been trained.
Organizations can close this gap by partnering with a managed security services provider (MSSP). Leading MSSPs will have a deep bench of certified security specialists with expertise across a wide range of security products from various vendors. That gives them the flexibility to select security solutions that meet the unique needs of customers across a wide range of industries.
Qualified MSSPs usually have security operations centers running around the clock in order to achieve continuous monitoring and management of IT security tools and devices. MSSPs further enhance security by taking on critical tasks such as patch management, software updates and vulnerability scanning.
Benefits of Partnering with an MSSP
Periodic security assessments and penetration tests are important elements of a good MSSP portfolio. Both help organizations evaluate their current security posture, identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, and provide the basis for an organization-wide incident-response plan.
The cost benefits of working with an MSSP can be significant. Leading MSSPs offer the latest security tools as part of the monthly service fee, eliminating the need to make upfront investments in security appliances and software. MSSPs are able to leverage economies of scale to offer enterprise-class cybersecurity that SMEs can afford.
When selecting an MSSP, organizations should look for around-the-clock monitoring, routine maintenance and rapid incident response. The MSSP’s team should have up-to-date skills and experience and a well-defined program for maintaining security skill sets.
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing forms of criminal activity in the world. Driven by increased digitization, remote work and AI, it poses a severe, evolving threat to organizations of all sizes. Working with an MSSP gives organizations access to the talent and tools they need to fend off the rising threats.
