Recruitment is becoming a big challenge for businesses specialized cybersecurity personnel. Despite the fact that today over 70% of companies say they are confident in their cyber defenses, the The security skills gap puts a serious damper on how effectively businesses can build the right defenses.

“An overwhelming 89% of IT and security professionals report that there is significant skills deficitwhich underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions,” says research from Check Point and Vanson Bourne, which explores how industry professionals are adopting Genetic Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into their practices.

According to SEPE, the skills gap is weighing on the effectiveness of security

The professionals surveyed said the skills gap significantly hinders an organization’s ability to conduct effective security operations. A significant 98% of those affected reported an “impact” on their security operations from the skills shortage, while 40% reported a “strong impact”.

According to the research, GenAI can be an ally in tackling the skills gap. It offers a way to augment existing capabilities and improve efficiency, particularly in areas with high demand for cybersecurity knowledge.

“GenAI is instrumental in bridging the cybersecurity skills gap, with 98% of affected organizations recognizing its impact on operational efficiency.”

Cybersecurity with AI as a weapon

In order to strengthen their cyber security, the companies that participated in the survey are turning to tools that work with artificial intelligence. According to the survey, 97%-99% of companies use AI-powered tools, with a significant shift towards GenAI for a comprehensive security strategy.

In fact, a significant percentage of respondents said they have been leveraging GenAI for more than a year now to bolster their cybersecurity against sophisticated threats. Improving incident response rates was cited as an example.

Commitment to integrating GenAI into cybersecurity is strong, with 90% of companies planning to prioritize AI/ML and GenAI tools. This comes with an expected increase in budget funds for GenAI tools.

“90% of companies are prioritizing investment in GenAI tools, reflecting a strategic shift toward innovative cybersecurity solutions. The journey to an integrated GenAI security landscape will offer security leaders both rewards and challenges. However, it is clear that GenAI will help transform organizations as cyber security providers incorporate greater intelligence. Adopting GenAI with strategic foresight will pave the way for a more secure and resilient digital future,” the study emphasizes.