European firms want to grow their cybersecurity teams by at least 15% in the next 12 months, further showing the need for a response to cybersecurity threats.  From Rob Norris, VP Head of Enterprise & Cyber Security EMEIA, Fujitsu.

It’s unsurprising, but hugely encouraging that European businesses are looking to bolster their cybersecurity skills. Recent, large-scale breaches have shown just how devastating these attacks can be, not only for a company’s reputation but for its bottom line as well. As a result, European businesses face fierce competition for hiring cybersecurity professionals, and must implement smart talent strategies.

Business leaders should work with IT departments to identify the cyber security skills required in-house; then, organisations can use both targeted recruitment and the upskilling of existing employees in parallel to bring this about. Businesses can also work with outside providers to supplement their cybersecurity capability, and ensure that they stay ahead of the latest threats.

And last but not least, businesses must remember that right now, every employee is at the front line in the fight against cyber criminals. The whole workforce should be educated in key principles of cybersecurity to help to prevent attacks from taking place. That way, European businesses can work around the cybersecurity skills shortage and ensure that they are as safe as possible from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.”