Key shifts in cybersecurity trends examined in new CompTIA report

"State of Cybersecurity 2025" explores how AI, OT, data and other factors are altering the landscape

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The cybersecurity landscape is being reshaped by forces that simultaneously create greater efficiencies and stronger protections, but expand the attack surface that must be defended, according to a new report from CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications.

"State of Cybersecurity 2025" reveals that 81% of survey respondents¹ rate cybersecurity as a high priority within their organization. This prioritization is reflected in hiring intent. There were over 514,000 U.S. employer job postings in a 12-month period for dedicated cybersecurity roles and technology-adjacent positions with a high concentration of cybersecurity skills, a 9% increase from the previous 12 months.²

"The scope is broader, and the stakes higher," said Seth Robinson, vice president, industry research, CompTIA. "Organizations that succeed will be those that align cybersecurity strategy with business objectives, prioritize skill development and embed security into every layer of their digital architecture."

Business and technology professionals acknowledge that artificial intelligence (AI), operational technologies (OT), data security and other factors are impacting risk assessment, cybersecurity policies and skills development.

Early days for AI usage

Companies are proceeding cautiously with their use of AI. The report finds that 70% of firms place themselves in an early education phase or a stage of testing AI implementation on low-priority systems. The go-slow approach is due in part to skills gaps in using AI tools, identified by 45% of firms, and in basic cybersecurity topics (43%). From a cybersecurity standpoint, there is a relatively even split between those organizations focused on using AI to prioritize internal improvements (37%) and those defending against new threats (31%).

OT security challenges grow

The digitization of building management functions and physical security systems has moved OT beyond its traditional domains of critical infrastructure and manufacturing. That has elevated the level of concern about the vulnerability of OT architecture. In the CompTIA survey 58% of firms said they have a high focus on OT and 36% characterized their focus as moderate. This heightened focus is reflected in increased cooperation, communication and training for OT and IT teams. Companies are also ramping up their OT teams. CompTIA's analysis of Lightcast job posting data shows that there were over 184,000 OT job postings in 2024, with significant growth in OT security since 2020.

Prioritizing data protection

The abundance of data is another factor that is prompting new approaches to cybersecurity. Many companies are creating dedicated teams or individuals for handling data activities. This is most common for data security, where 66% of companies have dedicated employees, compared to other high-profile activities such as database administration (60%) and data analytics (58%).

Cybersecurity staffing and skills

Options under consideration to develop more robust cybersecurity skills include new hiring (56%), training current employees (54%), certifying current employees (48%), expanding the use of third parties (46%) and exploring new use of third parties (42%). While each of these activities may deliver some positive results, employers would be wise to take a multi-pronged approach to developing cybersecurity talent, according to Robinson.

"Businesses need a pipeline of early-career talent, reskilled employees from other disciplines and cross-functional training to bridge skill gaps and allow for career growth," he said.

CompTIA's "State of the Cybersecurity 2025" is available at https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/research/state-of-cybersecurity/. More analysis from the study https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/research/state-of-cybersecurity/.

About CompTIA

CompTIA Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications. CompTIA unlocks potential in millions of aspiring technology professionals and careers changers. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions and training providers, CompTIA helps students build career-ready skills through best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/.

Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
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¹ 1,026 business and technology professionals based in the United States participated in the Q3 2025 survey.
² For the 12-month period between May 2024 and April 2025. https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html

SOURCE CompTIA