Cisco Research Reveals Network Complexity and Security Risks

Cisco Research Reveals Network Complexity and Security Risks

A recent report highlighted that 40% of IT leaders are most concerned about cybersecurity risks impacting their network strategy in the next year. The report outlined two main strategies being implemented to address this challenge. Firstly, organizations are integrating network and security processes, technologies, and tools, with half of respondents planning to invest in this area. Secondly, there is a shift towards moving security tools to the cloud in order to protect distributed infrastructure and remote workforces more effectively.

When asked about their top network security priorities for the next two years, 52% of respondents indicated that integrating network security into broader IT security functions was their main focus. As a result, 76% of organizations are planning to implement a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture, incorporating SD-WAN and border security service cloud security within the same time frame.

Another key finding from the report was that 44% of respondents believe that faster identification and response to cybersecurity threats will be the most significant benefit from the convergence of networking and security technologies. Additionally, sharing data and telemetry across different domains and providing consistent and secure access to multi-cloud applications were identified as important benefits by 29% and 27% of respondents, respectively.

The report also highlighted the commonality of multicloud environments, with 92% of organizations deploying two or more public cloud providers and 34% using more than four. However, the varied network and security operating models across different cloud environments create management complexity. Organizations are advised to develop a strategy that enables better visibility and consistent control of connectivity and security in both public and private cloud environments.

In conclusion, IT leaders are prioritizing cybersecurity risks in network strategy moving forward. The integration of network and security processes, technologies, and tools, along with the migration of security tools to the cloud, are key strategies being implemented. Organizations are focusing on integrating network security into broader IT security functions and are adopting SASE architecture with SD-WAN and cloud security services. The main benefits expected from these initiatives include faster threat identification and response, as well as improved data sharing and consistent access to multi-cloud applications. Going forward, managing the complexity of multicloud environments will require a comprehensive strategy for enhancing visibility and control across different cloud environments.

Article Source
https://www.networkworld.com/article/2117728/cisco-research-network-complexity-ups-management-security-challenges.html