Report Finds Most Organizations Unprepared for Rising Cybersecurity Threats

[Administrator]

Many Organizations Struggle with Cybersecurity Readiness

A new report shows that less than half of organizations feel truly prepared to handle cyber threats. The 2025 State of Cybersecurity Readiness survey, conducted by ISACA, surveyed over 2,000 cybersecurity professionals from around the world. The results reveal that while many businesses know about cyber risks, most are not doing enough to protect themselves.

Cyber Attacks Are Common and Threats Are Rising

Cyber threats are a real problem for companies of all sizes. The survey found that 62% of organizations experienced at least one cyberattack in the past year. The most common types of attacks were:

• Phishing – when attackers try to trick people into sharing sensitive information through fake emails or messages
• Ransomware – when hackers lock important files and demand money to unlock them

Even though attacks are happening more often, only 44% of organizations feel confident in their ability to handle these threats. This means more than half of all businesses do not feel ready to deal with a serious cyber incident.

Many Organizations Lack a Strong Response Plan

One major reason for this lack of confidence is that very few companies have a clear plan for what to do when a cyberattack happens. The survey found that only 38% of organizations have a formal incident response plan that they regularly test and update. Without a well-practiced plan, organizations may not react quickly enough to stop an attack or recover from one.

Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA’s Chief Global Strategy Officer, said, “Organizations are aware of the risks, but there’s a significant gap between awareness and action. Cybersecurity readiness requires not just technology, but also skilled people and robust processes.”

Shortage of Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals

Another big problem is the lack of trained cybersecurity workers. The survey found that 54% of organizations say they have trouble finding enough qualified cybersecurity professionals. This makes it difficult for companies to build strong security teams. Other key findings include:

• 42% of organizations report that their cybersecurity teams are understaffed
• Many struggle to recruit and keep talented employees
• Budget issues and lack of support from upper management make hiring even harder

Without enough skilled people, it is much harder for organizations to set up the right security measures and react quickly to attacks.

Automation Helps But Isn’t Enough

Many organizations are turning to technology to help fill the gaps. 71% have adopted some type of security automation, such as software that can watch for suspicious activity or help respond to threats faster. However, only 29% have fully integrated automation into their security operations. This means most organizations are still relying heavily on human workers.

The report explained that while automation can help organizations deal with a shortage of workers and respond to incidents more quickly, it cannot replace skilled people. Experts are still needed to make decisions, plan strategies, and manage complex situations.

What Organizations Can Do to Improve

The ISACA report recommends several steps organizations should take to improve their cybersecurity readiness:

• Invest in continuous training – Teach employees about new threats and how to spot them
• Create and regularly test incident response plans – Make sure everyone knows what to do if an attack happens
• Develop a strong security culture – Encourage everyone, from top leaders to new hires, to take security seriously

Chris Dimitriadis emphasized, “Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and organizations must be proactive in building resilience. It’s not just about preventing attacks, but being prepared to respond and recover quickly when they occur.”

Cybersecurity Is More Than Just Technology

The report makes it clear that technology alone cannot keep organizations safe. Cybersecurity is about combining the right tools, skilled people, and strong processes. Without all three, companies are at risk of falling behind as criminals find new ways to attack.

As cyber threats become more complex, organizations need to pay attention to every part of their security system. This means investing in staff training, making sure response plans are up-to-date, and building a culture where everyone understands the importance of cybersecurity.

In today’s world, being ready for cyber threats isn’t just a job for the IT department. Everyone in an organization must work together to protect important information and keep operations running smoothly.

Key Takeaways for Organizations

• Cyber attacks are on the rise and most organizations are not fully prepared
• There is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals
• Automation helps, but cannot replace human experts
• Companies need to invest in training, planning, and a culture of security

As the threat landscape continues to grow, organizations must take action now to build stronger defenses and prepare for the challenges ahead. Being ready isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about people, planning, and staying one step ahead of the attackers.