Global cybersecurity leader Fortinet has published its 2024 Security Awareness and Training Global Research Report, emphasizing the critical role an informed workforce plays in minimizing organizational risks. As threat actors increasingly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to escalate the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, Fortinet’s report stresses the importance of establishing a robust cybersecurity culture through comprehensive, organization-wide training.

Fortinet’s findings reveal heightened concerns among executives as AI-fueled cyber threats continue to evolve, making them harder to detect. Over 60% of respondents anticipate a rise in employees falling for these sophisticated attacks, although 82% report that awareness of AI-augmented threats has encouraged their companies to adopt more thorough training programs. The majority of leaders (64%) also feel that their employees lack sufficient cybersecurity knowledge, a sentiment that has grown since last year’s survey.

The report also highlights that organizations are becoming increasingly proactive in security awareness, with 75% of leaders planning targeted campaigns and delivering regular content, often on a quarterly or monthly basis. Executives noted that the effectiveness of these programs depends heavily on the quality of content, emphasizing that engaging and well-crafted materials are essential for success.

A significant portion of AI-enhanced threats includes sophisticated phishing schemes that directly target employees. With more than 80% of organizations experiencing phishing, malware, or password attacks in the past year, businesses are focused on educating employees to recognize and avoid these personalized threats. Nearly all respondents (98%) incorporate phishing prevention into their training, with data security and privacy also being high priorities.

Fortinet’s survey underscores the positive impact of security training, with 94% of leaders reporting that employees are receptive to learning about cybersecurity. Additionally, 86% of respondents indicated that their organization’s security posture improved following training initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustained awareness programs.

Fortinet’s Security Awareness and Training service, developed by its Training Institute, offers comprehensive resources that cater to various industry needs, including customizable content and progress-tracking tools. This service enables businesses to create a culture of cybersecurity, enhancing defenses against today’s evolving cyber threats while supporting compliance and cyber insurance requirements.

The survey, conducted among 1,850 executives and managers from 29 countries, reflects insights across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, technology, and professional services.