Palo Alto Networks just dropped a major cybersecurity report, and here’s what you need to know.
If you think cybersecurity is just an IT department issue, think again. According to Palo Alto Networks’ latest study — their first-ever Cybersecurity Resilience in Mid-Market Organisations report for Asia-Pacific and Japan — companies are finally putting their money where their firewalls are. But while the budgets are getting bigger, there are still some pretty noticeable gaps, especially when it comes to AI.
The Big Picture:
Mid-market businesses across APJ (including the Philippines) are stepping up their cybersecurity game — boosting budgets, investing in new tools, and relying more on expert partners. But adopting AI into the mix? That’s still a work in progress.
Money Matters:
Cyber budgets now eat up 13.6% of total IT budgets in the region — more than double what it was in 2019. In the Philippines, that number sits at a solid 13.3% of overall revenue. Most of that is going toward software, network security hardware, and data privacy.
AI’s the Weak Link:
While awareness is high, actual use of AI in cybersecurity is still lagging. Many companies are just getting started with AI tools — meaning the benefits (like faster detection and smarter responses) aren’t fully being realized yet.
Top Tech Priorities:
In the next two years, the biggest investments will go into:
- Cloud security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- SIEM (Security Information and Event Management — basically, smarter alerts)
What About the Philippines?
Here’s the local lowdown:
- 61% of mid-sized businesses already rely on partners for cybersecurity — and that’s expected to jump to 79%.
- Most prefer MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers), followed by MSPs and systems integrators.
- Top reasons to switch partners? Poor performance, major breaches, and supply chain issues. Yikes.
- Local orgs score high in detection and protection, but governance, identification, and response need serious love.
Education and Expertise Rule:
When choosing partners, Pinoy companies care most about technical know-how, resilience, and the ability to transfer knowledge to in-house teams.
Why This Matters:
With the Philippine digital economy now valued at ₱2.25 trillion (that’s 8.5% of GDP!), cybersecurity isn’t optional — it’s essential. National strategies like the newly approved Cybersecurity Plan are a big deal. But the private sector needs to keep pace, especially when AI is changing the threat landscape by the second.
TL;DR:
Mid-sized businesses in APJ — including the Philippines — are spending more to stay safe online. But they’ve still got homework to do when it comes to AI, response strategies, and partner selection. The good news? They know it, and they’re making moves.
Want the full report? Check it out here: paloaltonetworks.com
