Future Proof Security: Open, integrated platform to create harmony in a Hybrid multi-cloud environment
An intrinsic paradox of business is that growth creates complexity, whereas simplification is the key to achieving sustainable growth of the business. As it is with business operations, the cybersecurity environments too over the years become complex, as companies keep adding layer upon layer of security. Traditional security environments cause complexity, as they comprise too many processes, too many tools, too many alerts and too many vendors. Consider this fact - the average security team is using 25 to 49 security tools from up to 10 different vendors, according to a report by ESG. Hybrid multi-cloud environments, which are essential to business continuity and success in the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world, further add to this complexity.
Therefore, the question many companies face today is - how to integrate security teams and tools for deeper insights into threats enabling quicker and automated response ? and, how to ensure that this state of effectiveness is maintained even when it becomes more complex due to growth in business.
Open, integrated platform approach is the future of security
Today, as most security architectures are monolithic solutions working in silos, there is a need for a platform built on a modern architecture that is outcome-oriented. It is important to note that modernized security requires a unified approach leveraging open standards for continuous collaboration , Artificial Intelligence to provide continuous insights and automation for efficient usage. In this approach, it would be possible to connect security tools and data with capabilities for seamless integration with extended security teams and service providers.
In this age, data security assumes significance in the light of skyrocketing data volumes across on-premise, virtual servers, endpoints and in the cloud. Bringing data security directly into the threat management lifecycle becomes vital in this situation. Hence, an integrated platform must connect data-level insights and user behaviour analytics with security event detection, investigation and response – all in a single unified interface, with end-to-end workflows.
Further, leveraging open standards and technologies wherever possible enables deeper connections between various tools, creates an interoperable foundation and helps avoid vendor lock-ins. The open and integrated hybrid multi-cloud platform allows streamlining and automating of processes, all the while providing security across applications and hybrid multi-clouds. It will also enable integrating crucial capabilities such as threat management, data security and identity access management.
It is important here to point out the importance significance of containerization in modern architecture from a security standpoint. Containerization enables secure migration of monolithic workloads to on-premise, public and private cloud environments in an efficient and secure manner.
Security complexity is a growing concern
In the COVID era, concerns over complexity are top of the mind for businesses as they are aware that complexity in the security environment has the potential to inhibit traits such as agility, resiliency and innovation. Companies know these traits are crucial to retain a competitive edge and thrive in a constantly changing security landscape.
As per Cybersecurity Report 2019, 50 per cent of respondents said their complexity made it difficult for them to replace outdated security technology bringing to the fore another challenge that complex security environment poses. Concerns are also growing owing to distributed workforce spread across locations, apps consuming data from multiple environments and consumer demand for digital services that expand the company’s attack surface, leading to a rise in new and more complex threats. According to the study cited earlier, 91 per cent of respondents said that complex security environments are likely to present cost challenges and inefficiencies with technology and staff. For businesses, security complexity is also eroding return on investment, various studies have found.
Thus, the biggest priority for businesses today should be to ensure simplification of their security environment to unlock value. The key is to reducing security complexity lies in an open, integrated security platform built for the future.
