Report: WEF sees increased cyber inequity

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently released its Global Cyber Security Outlook 2025 report, shedding light on the increasing complexity of cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations worldwide. The report underscores key issues such as supply chain vulnerabilities, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity, and the pressing shortage of cybersecurity talent. Akshay Joshi, Head of the Centre for Cybersecurity at the WEF, discussed the findings of the report in an interview with CNBC Africa. Joshi emphasized that complexity is the central theme of this year's report, which is a stark contrast to last year's focus on cyber inequity. One of the major challenges highlighted in the report is the issue of supply chain vulnerability, with 54% of large organizations identifying it as a significant barrier to achieving cyber resilience. The report also points out that geopolitics has impacted the cybersecurity strategies of nearly 60% of organizations globally. Furthermore, concerns about cyber espionage, loss of intellectual property, and operational shutdowns are top-of-mind for many CEOs and cybersecurity leaders. The integration of AI technologies into cybersecurity practices is another key area of interest. While 67% of executives are enthusiastic about AI's potential impact on cybersecurity, only 37% have established secure and responsible processes for adopting AI technologies. The adversarial use of AI by cybercriminals poses a significant risk, with 47% of respondents citing it as a growing concern. Regulations play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity measures, but they also introduce new challenges for organizations. While progressive regulation aims to raise cybersecurity standards, 76% of respondents at the WEF's annual cybersecurity meeting believe that it adds new burdens to compliance requirements. Additionally, the report highlights a concerning shortage of cybersecurity talent, with two-thirds of organizations lacking essential skills to address existing cyber risks. Collaboration emerges as a key strategy to address these cybersecurity challenges. Joshi emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, private sector entities, and civil society to develop responsible governance frameworks for emerging technologies. The WEF's AI Governance Alliance is actively working towards promoting secure and ethical AI adoption. Joshi also addresses the issue of skills gap in cybersecurity, stressing the importance of capacity-building efforts to bridge the inequity in cyber talent between developed and developing markets. The WEF's Center for Cybersecurity has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity talent framework to educate and upskill individuals for careers in cybersecurity, emphasizing the holistic development of cybersecurity professionals. As organizations grapple with the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the WEF's report serves as a timely reminder of the critical need for collaborative efforts, regulatory alignment, and talent development to safeguard against cyber threats in the digital age.