Among organizations struggling to hire, 85% expect wireless security failures to increase over the next two years, compared to 59% of those without hiring difficulty. According to Cisco, “85% of organizations experienced a wireless security incident in the past year, and 54% report that threats are increasing in frequency and impact.”
Half of organizations with hiring challenges report spending most of their time on reactive troubleshooting and incident response, versus 37% of those with adequate staffing. Cisco says these factors create a reinforcing loop: less talent leads to more reactive work, which limits modernization and increases both risk and cost.
The shortage is compounded by a lack of formal expertise. Only 46% of wireless professionals report holding certifications in wireless technologies.
Organizations with more certified staff are significantly more likely to implement modern security protocols such as WPA3 and certificate-based authentication, according to the report, both of which are linked to improved security outcomes and lower financial losses. As networks become more complex and threat actors more sophisticated, the absence of certified expertise leaves organizations increasingly exposed.
AI: the problem, and the solution
Organizations that have implemented AI-driven automation report significant operational gains, including time savings of more than three hours per IT staff member per day—or more than 850 hours per IT staff annually. These efficiencies reduce time spent on reactive tasks, improve morale, and allow teams to focus on higher-value work, according to Cisco.
“The operational benefits of AI with autonomous actions are substantial and immediate: wireless teams free up over three hours per day, enabling them to shift from reactive operations to a more strategic, proactive approach,” the report reads.
