In 2025, businesses rely on digital infrastructure more than ever, and the need to protect it has never been more critical.

Cyber threats are escalating in scale and sophistication, fueled by AI, global supply chains, and the massive amounts of sensitive data now stored in data centers. Nearly two-thirds of technology executives rank cybersecurity as the most significant challenge their business will face over the next decade. At the same time, breaches and attacks continue to rise, putting pressure on leaders to rethink how they protect their organizations.

The Cyber Threat Landscape Is Intensifying

Five years ago, cyberattacks were more straightforward. Today, the threat landscape is much more complex due to global supply chains, smart devices, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, faster, and harder to contain.

In late 2024, the average organization experienced nearly 1,900 cyberattacks per quarter. This is a 75% increase from the previous year. Cybersecurity teams struggle with the sheer volume of ransomware, phishing, and breach attempts. Business leaders from all industries agree that managing cyber risks is more difficult now than it was in the past.

• The challenge is not just the quantity of attacks but their growing sophistication. New technologies are reshaping both how companies operate and how adversaries strike, with AI quickly emerging as the most disruptive force of all.

AI Is Now a Double-Edged Sword

AI has unlocked innovation and efficiency for businesses, but it has also expanded the attack surface. One in three executives report that AI is amplifying attack vectors and making detection significantly more difficult. 

Hackers are already leveraging AI in three key ways:

Creating smarter phishing emails: AI models can generate convincing, personalized emails that trick customers and employees into giving away their passwords, bank information, and personal data.

Generating deepfakes: Deepfakes, or fake videos and voice recordings of executives, can be used to facilitate fraudulent money transfers or even spread misinformation about the organization.

Automating attacks: AI can also launch thousands of automated attacks simultaneously, which is often faster than security teams can respond.

These evolving threats make skilled technologists more critical than ever. Tools alone are not enough. Organizations need professionals who can configure, interpret, and adapt systems in real time.

The Skills Gap Is the Core Vulnerability

The biggest problem in handling cybersecurity risks isn’t the existence of software bugs. The challenge lies in the cybersecurity skills gap and the trained professionals available to fill these positions. In the United States alone, there are more than 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions.

Executives and HR personnel have struggled for a long time to find the right talent. As a result, many companies have scaled back their recruiting efforts. In fact, only 11% of business leaders say they plan to expand cybersecurity staff in 2025. This disconnect leaves organizations vulnerable just as attack volume continues to climb.

Per Scholas research has also shown that while companies understand the risks, only 56% reported defending against attacks, 43% experienced data breaches, and 14% suffered from successful hacks.

Employees Know the Risks Too

It’s not just leaders who have taken note of cybersecurity threats. Workers within organizations have also seen some of the same vulnerabilities. Fewer than half believe their companies are adequately prepared to handle external attacks. Among the top concerns are phishing scams, external threats, and weak data protection, which are the leading causes of data breaches.

The good news is that most workers are willing to be part of the solution. When asked, approximately 9 out of 10 employees say they would agree to cybersecurity training, averaging more than seven hours per month. This demonstrates an untapped opportunity: companies can strengthen defenses from within by upskilling and reskilling their existing workforce.

Workforce Solutions Are the Leverage Point

Technology investments will fail without skilled professionals who know how to apply them. Both executives and employees recognize training as the critical path forward.

Our research highlights that cybersecurity (53%), adaptability and problem-solving (52%), AI proficiency (42%), and technical skills (38%) are the most in-demand for hiring. Nearly half of executives already hire entry-level talent, making skills-based training an effective solution to quickly fill roles.

Organizations that invest in workforce alignment see measurable results. Accenture found that companies taking steps to adapt to today’s cyber challenges are 69% less likely to face advanced attacks, 1.5× more effective at blocking them, and earn 1.6× stronger customer trust. 

Per Scholas builds this alignment at scale. Through recruitment pipelines, tailored upskilling, and apprenticeships, we deliver cybersecurity technologists who are trained to strengthen defenses, manage compliance, and adapt to AI-driven risks.

Now Is the Time To Act

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the evidence is overwhelming: AI-powered threats are multiplying, compliance pressures are intensifying, and the cybersecurity talent shortage is the single greatest vulnerability.

Per Scholas is bridging this gap by delivering job-ready technologists trained in cybersecurity, cloud, and data engineering. Our programs are cost-effective for employers, proven to improve retention, and designed to accelerate the hiring process.

Book a 30-minute working session with Per Scholas Tech Talent Solutions and learn how we can strengthen your cybersecurity workforce.