Fortinet report flags global cyber skills gap as Jamaica faces rising digital threats

A new Fortinet report has warned that a severe shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals worldwide is fuelling costly breaches and fresh risks for businesses and governments. Raquel Seville, president of the Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA), formerly the Jamaica Computer Society, said the gap is keenly felt in Jamaica even as digital services expand.

Seville told TVJ that roughly 4.8 million cybersecurity positions remain unfilled globally, a figure that keeps climbing as attackers use artificial intelligence to launch more sophisticated campaigns. She said six in ten organisations lack adequate staffing to withstand threats ranging from phishing and smishing to ransomware. Local firms are stepping up public education, but she argued far more awareness is needed.

The JTDA, marking 51 years this year, advocates for responsible technology use and sound ICT policy. It has partnered with Fortinet to offer free training, including pathways to Network Security Expert level-three certification via the alliance's website. Seville cited a case where scammers built a fake website and AI booking agent targeting a small tourism property that only maintained an Instagram page.

Without a stronger local talent pipeline, Jamaica remains highly exposed, she said, pointing to a recent Jamaica Stock Exchange report of compromised personal data. She urged investment from school level in STEM, mathematics, literacy and numeracy, while noting students who struggled at CSEC can join JTDA as student members for mentorship and Fortinet courses.

Seville acknowledged that wider online banking improves access but widens attack surfaces, and that low public trust could push some Jamaicans away from digital tools unless breaches decline. The Fortinet report also found many organisations struggle to secure budgets for cyber roles; she appealed to board members to fund security teams, citing average attack costs near US$1 million.

For everyday users, she advised never clicking unverified links in emails or messages, logging in only through official bank websites, enabling multi-factor authentication, and verifying distress calls by contacting the person directly. Those unsure can reach out to the JTDA for guidance.