ISC2 Research Reveals What Skills Needs Drive Enterprise Cybersecurity Training Investments

Enterprises Boost Cybersecurity Budgets to Close AI Skills Gap

Nearly three-quarters of large organizations have increased their cybersecurity training budgets over the past 12 months as businesses struggle to keep pace with emerging AI and cloud computing threats. According to the 2026 Security Training Trends report from ISC2, 73% of security leaders cite higher spending as a primary response to a widening gap in specialized technical expertise. While 47% of organizations prioritize AI-related training to combat new vulnerabilities, many security teams continue to face significant barriers, with 53% of leaders identifying time and scheduling constraints as the leading obstacle to effective workforce development.

Why is AI Driving Security Training Investments?

Artificial intelligence is currently the most pressing skill gap for enterprises, with 47% of security leaders identifying it as their top training priority. As AI tools become integrated into both defensive and offensive operations, organizations are moving to ensure their staff can manage the risks associated with automated threat actors. According to ISC2, this shift represents a move toward viewing cybersecurity training as a core business resilience issue rather than a standard HR compliance exercise. By focusing on AI, firms aim to prevent unauthorized data exposure and mitigate the risks posed by machine-learning-driven cyberattacks.

Pro Tip: Shift from standardized, one-size-fits-all training to role-specific learning paths. ISC2 data shows that 70% of high-performing enterprises now customize their training programs by job function to ensure staff learn skills directly applicable to their daily responsibilities.

What Are the Biggest Barriers to Effective Training?

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Despite a near-universal consensus that professional development is necessary, organizational structure often prevents employees from completing required courses. ISC2 reports that while 98% of enterprises allow for training during business hours, 53% of leaders still struggle with time and scheduling conflicts. This discrepancy suggests that even when budgets are available, the daily operational demand on security personnel often supersedes their ability to dedicate time to skill acquisition. For many firms, the challenge is no longer just funding the programs, but clearing the operational calendar to allow teams to complete them.

How Are Enterprises Adapting Their Training Strategies?

Organizations are increasingly moving away from generic, outsourced modules in favor of hybrid, structured development plans. ISC2 findings indicate that 77% of enterprises now utilize a mix of in-house expertise and third-party providers to deliver training. This balanced approach allows for the inclusion of proprietary company security protocols alongside broader industry certifications. The focus remains on agility; 94% of respondents believe their current strategy is either keeping up with or exceeding the pace of technological change, suggesting that while time remains a constraint, the content of these training programs is increasingly aligned with modern cloud and AI requirements.

Common Questions About Cybersecurity Training Trends

What is the most requested skill in cybersecurity training today?
AI-related skills are the top priority, with 47% of security leaders identifying them as the most pressing area for training. Cloud security follows closely at 44%.

Are training budgets actually rising?
Yes. According to ISC2, 73% of security leaders reported an increase in their cybersecurity training budgets over the past 12 months.

What is the biggest challenge to implementing these programs?
Time and scheduling constraints remain the primary barrier, cited by 53% of leaders despite most organizations permitting training during work hours.

Are training programs standardized?
No. The industry is shifting toward customization, with 70% of enterprises now tailoring training programs to specific job roles rather than using standardized, one-size-fits-all approaches.

Did you know? While AI and cloud security take the lead in training priorities, security analysis (44%), risk assessment (40%), and security administration (40%) remain foundational pillars for enterprise development programs.

Are you struggling to balance your team’s operational workload with the need for ongoing cybersecurity training? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on workforce development trends.