INTHEBLACK February 2025 - Magazine - Page 10
FAS T F O C U S
SME cybersecurity challenges
Cybersecurity threats rank as the top concern for
more than half of Australian organisations, but small
businesses are not doing enough to mitigate threats,
according to research from internet security
company Vanta.
Less than half of small Australian businesses say
they have a dedicated security budget, and only
66 per cent feel confident in their team’s ability to
show how security measures protect their business.
Vanta’s Australia State of Trust Report 2024 shows
62 per cent of Australian businesses believe their
security and compliance measures need improving,
despite spending an average of 45 days per year
to become compliant.
The report also reveals that attitudes toward
compliance are changing, with 66 per cent of
businesses recognising that a more efficient approach
to security and compliance will benefit the business
through time- and cost-savings.
Read the report
Powering up on soft skills
As artificial intelligence continues to change the way
businesses operate, strong technical abilities are no longer
enough. Employers are now placing greater emphasis
on soft skills, especially communication and managing
relationships with stakeholders.
Research from Robert Walters shows 96 per cent
of employers are prioritising skills like communication,
problem-solving and negotiation over technical or hard
skills — and 92 per cent have rejected job candidates due
to insufficient soft skills.
Shay Peters, Roberts Walters CEO for Australia and
New Zealand, says the shift stems from the growing need
to balance AI's capabilities with human strengths.
“The growth of AI has been remarkable in recent years,
and I predict that it will eventually replace almost all hard
skills in white collar industries,” he says. “This means that
soft skills will take centre stage in talent acquisition as
‘the human touch’ becomes the distinguishing factor.”
Read the research
10 INTHEBLACK February 2025
