Toby Alcock, CTO Logicalis, discusses the pitfalls of tool overload and the benefits to a streamlined approach to cybersecurity.
In 2024, cybersecurity is at its sharpest and most sophisticated. Supercharged by emerging technologies such as AI, cybercrime is at an all-time high, so it is unsurprising that security is a priority concern for businesses.
In response to this evolving threat, the IT market has exploded with tools targeting specific vulnerabilities such as firewalls and endpoint detection and well-ended IT leaders are investing in securing their expanding IT infrastructure.
The average enterprise has 10-15 security vendors and 60-70 tools to defend itself and protect valuable data according to Panaseer’s 2022 Security Leaders Peer Report. Despite this, businesses are still falling victim to attacks. The Logicalis CIO Report found that 83% of businesses suffered a cyberhack in 2023, and over half of CIOs feel unprepared for another.
With security ecosystems expanding, it is important to understand that more tools do not necessarily mean greater protection. A toolbox of solutions often leads to a weakened security posture which is complex and, often, unmanageable.
The data boom and modern work
Businesses have grown their data footprints exponentially. The total amount of data created globally up until 2020 is projected to triple by 2025 according to Statista. In recent years we have seen businesses reach a peak in their Digital Transformation journey and to facilitate remote and hybrid working, many have moved much of their data from on-premise to the cloud to allow employees to access real-time data, from any location.
Fundamentally, this exponential growth means businesses have far more data to protect.
CIOs are, understandably, reacting to this shift and bolstering security. However, stepping back and gaining a strategic oversite is crucial so pitfalls such as the ones below can be avoided:
- Increased complexity: Running an efficient IT team is critical to avoid fatigue and mishandling. With an existing global shortage of IT talent, and stretched tech teams, managing multiple tools creates an operational overhead for IT and security teams. This added complexity and inefficiency can be detrimental to a business’s security posture.
- Visibility gaps: Excess solutions can create a convoluted patchwork-like effect of security coverage with gaps all in between. Risks can go undetected between systems and tools that are operating in silos. It is also difficult to identify blind spots in these environments leaving parts of businesses unknowingly vulnerable.
- Multiple tools, multiple entry points: With interconnected systems, and third-party partners often deploying tools, the attack surface extends far beyond the company’s direct control. This places businesses at a higher risk if partners don’t have secure systems in place.
- Higher costs: Overlapping solutions can waste resources without adding value. There can be instances where tools may protect the same elements and are unnecessary yet add to business costs.
A streamlined approach, a consolidated view
Rather than continuing to buy more tools, there is a growing need for a more critical and streamlined approach to security. This approach not only ensures robust protection and enhanced visibility but also ensures investments are being focused on the most effective, high-impact solutions.
By adopting a simplified security portfolio, businesses can use one solution to cover multiple areas. With an integrated approach, where tools communicate with each other, businesses gain more comprehensive security coverage. Managed Service Providers are one example of how businesses can do this by offering security tools in a unified framework, improving visibility and reducing the burden on in-house teams.
By outsourcing routine security tasks, such as monitoring and threat detection, CIOs can alleviate internal resources to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Businesses can also enhance their visibility by keeping an accurate, up-to-date record of its inventory. Having a clear understanding of the assets that require protection makes inventory easier to protect. In instances of an attack, an up-to-date asset inventory aids in the recovery process – CIOs can see what is missing quickly and act on their recovery plans.
Simplifying for stronger security
In an era where complexity is the enemy of security, scaling back on duplicate IT tools is essential. The overabundance of fragmented solutions often creates blind spots and inefficiencies, leaving businesses more vulnerable, not less.
By adopting a more streamlined, integrated security approach, CIOs can reduce their attack surface and improve visibility, agility and protection. Consolidating security through unified solutions and leveraging experts will allow businesses to shift from a reactive to a proactive posture.
