The Philippines has seen a significant number of cybersecurity breaches in the past 12 months, with nearly all organizations affected, according to a recent report.
The report found that 93% of the surveyed organizations experienced one or more breaches, with over half (52%) facing losses exceeding $1 million. Moreover, 70% of respondents took more than a month to recover from a cyberattack.
The lack of cybersecurity skills was cited as the top cause of breaches for the third consecutive year, with 71% of respondents pointing to this as the primary factor. This lack of skills is further compounded by the struggle to secure approval to hire additional cybersecurity professionals, with 55% of respondents reporting difficulty in doing so.
The pressure on organizations is mounting, with 58% facing penalties for executives and even board members following cyberattacks, highlighting the growing business and leadership risks associated with inadequate cybersecurity preparedness.
As organizations in the Philippines accelerate their adoption of AI, there is a growing need for cybersecurity talent with expertise in AI, automation, and governance. Strengthening cyber resilience requires a long-term commitment to people, continuous learning, and building the capabilities needed to address today's threats and future challenges.
The report also found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents believe their board members are fully aware of the potential risks associated with employees' use of AI. Furthermore, 78% expect organizations to need more AI oversight and governance roles within cybersecurity teams over the next three years.
Organizations are investing in cybersecurity talent, with 96% preferring certified cybersecurity professionals, up from 82% last year. A significant majority (98%) also plan to invest in AI-related cybersecurity training or certifications over the next 12 months.
The survey, which was based on responses from 60 IT and cybersecurity decision-makers in the Philippines, also showed that 94% of respondents are using or experimenting with AI-powered cybersecurity tools, with 91% reporting improved efficiency in their IT and cybersecurity teams.
