The digital divide worsens disparities between countries and companies: WEF

The increasing complexity of cyberspace further exacerbates inequality and division between developed and emerging economies; Likewise, it widens sectoral disparities and the gap between large and small organizations, warned a study published yesterday by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Cyberspace is more complex and challenging than ever due to rapid technological advances, the growing sophistication of cybercriminals, and the deep interconnectedness of supply chains.is mentioned in the study Increasing complexity of cyberspace prepares global cybersecurity outlook for 2025.

The WEF mentions in the document that 54 percent of large organizations identify supply chain interdependencies as the biggest barrier to achieving cyber resilience.

However, Jeremy Jurgens, director general of the WEF, highlighted in the analysis that collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders is essential to ensure the benefits of digitalization for all.

Geopolitical turmoil has affected perceptions of the risks opened up by cyberspace, with one in three CEOs citing cyberespionage and the loss of confidential information or theft of intellectual property as their top concerns.

“The unprecedented level of sophistication of cyber threats enabled by technologies enhances the ability of malicious actors to commit scams and social engineering attacks, generate disinformation, and execute ransomware at a pace, scope and scale never seen before,” the WEF commented in the document.

He explained that since 2024 the cyber skills gap has increased 8 percent and two out of three organizations lack essential talent and capabilities to meet security requirements. Only 14 percent of organizations are confident they have the trained people currently required.

While 66 percent of organizations expect AI to have a significant impact on cybersecurity by 2025, only 37 percent reported having processes to evaluate the security of AI tools before implementation.he detailed.