Education Is the Best Deterrent Against Cyber Attacks
Cybersecurity skills gaps—not headcount—are the biggest risk in 2025. New ISC2 research shows why education is the most effective deterrent against modern cyber attacks.
Education is the most effective way to reduce cyber risk because skills—not headcount—are the weakest link in modern security teams. When organisations invest in continuous learning, they close the gaps attackers exploit and turn technology like AI into a defensive advantage.
Cyber attacks rarely succeed because tools are missing; they succeed because people don’t have the right skills at the right time. New research from ISC2 shows that skills shortages—not staffing levels—are now the top concern for cybersecurity professionals ending 2025. That shift has major implications for how organisations should think about digital privacy, security, and long-term resilience.
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Why are cyber attacks still succeeding despite more security tools?
Security stacks are growing, but expertise isn’t keeping pace. According to the ISC2 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, nearly nine in ten cybersecurity professionals say they have experienced at least one significant incident caused by a skills shortage . The findings were reported by Digit in December 2025, highlighting that education and skills development—not just hiring—are now the critical defense layer.
The study surveyed over 16,000 cyber workers and found that:
- 95% report at least one skills gap in their organisation
- 59% say those gaps are critical or significant
- 72% believe reducing skilled personnel directly increases breach risk
This data reinforces a simple truth: untrained or undertrained teams are easier targets, regardless of how many tools they deploy.
What does the ISC2 study reveal about the skills gap in 2025?
The research makes it clear that economic pressure hasn’t disappeared, but the real risk lies elsewhere. While budget cuts and layoffs have slightly decreased, organisations still struggle to afford people with the right expertise.
Key facts from the ISC2 study include:
| Key Fact | 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| Professionals experiencing incidents due to skills gaps | 88% |
| Organisations unable to staff adequately | 33% |
| Unable to afford required skills | 29% |
| AI cited as a top needed skill | 41% |
Source: ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2025, reported by Digit.fyi
https://www.digit.fyi/skills-shortage-tops-cyber-professional-concerns-in-2025-isc2-finds/
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How does education reduce real-world cyber risk?
Education works because it changes outcomes at the human decision point—where most breaches begin. Trained professionals recognise threats faster, configure systems correctly, and respond before incidents escalate.
Instead of reacting to breaches, organisations that prioritise education can:
- Identify risks earlier through improved threat awareness
- Reduce misconfigurations in cloud and identity systems
- Respond faster using practiced incident workflows
- Adapt to new threats without waiting for external hires
This is especially important as AI and automation become mainstream. The ISC2 study found that 69% of professionals are already integrating or testing AI tools, and most see AI as a career opportunity rather than a threat. Education turns emerging technology into protection instead of exposure.
Which cybersecurity education platforms and companies are leading the way?
Several organisations are already proving that education-first security works:
- ISC2 – Certification and continuing education for security professionals
https://www.isc2.org - SANS Institute – Hands-on technical training and GIAC certifications
https://www.sans.org - KnowBe4 – Security awareness training focused on phishing and human risk
https://www.knowbe4.com
On the technology side, companies like Cloudflare (https://www.cloudflare.com) and Palo Alto Networks (https://www.paloaltonetworks.com) increasingly pair tools with learning resources, recognising that informed users are essential to effective security.
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Why is AI increasing the need for cybersecurity education?
AI doesn’t remove the need for skilled professionals—it raises the bar. The ISC2 study found that:
- 73% believe AI will create more specialised security skills
- 72% say it requires more strategic thinking
- 66% expect broader skillsets across teams
AI-driven systems can automate tasks, but they also introduce new attack surfaces. Without education, teams risk deploying powerful tools they don’t fully understand—creating exactly the kind of gaps attackers look for.
For further reading on AI and security skills:
- https://initiatives.weforum.org/bridging-the-cyber-skills-gap/home
- https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/cybersecurity-roles-and-skills-for-nis2-essential-and-important-entities
- https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education more important than hiring more cybersecurity staff?
Yes. The ISC2 study shows skills shortages cause more incidents than lack of headcount.
Does security awareness training actually prevent breaches?
Yes. Human error remains a leading breach cause, and training directly reduces phishing and misconfiguration risks.
How often should cybersecurity education be updated?
Continuously. Nearly half of professionals report burnout from trying to stay current, showing the pace of change.
Is AI making cybersecurity jobs obsolete?
No. Most professionals see AI as a tool that increases demand for advanced skills.
What’s the first area organisations should train for?
AI security, cloud security, and incident response are consistently top priorities.
What to do next
Start by auditing your organisation’s current security skills and committing to continuous cybersecurity education—not just new tools.
