Every new device added to the network, be it an employee home laptop, an IoT sensor, a machine vision camera, or a cloud-based server, brings a new security threat to the company.
All of these changes are making network security a critical defense measure, and at the same time, they require higher levels of access control.
We see many successful organizations focusing on network security, as part of overall network modernization efforts.
Network modernization can mean many things, including replacing hardware, adopting, software-defined networking solutions, and setting up private 5G networks.
A big piece of most network modernization is baking security in at the core to better protect the network.
NTT's Global Network Report, a recent survey that looks at how networks are evolving, how organizations' preparedness for these changes is advancing, and how they will adapt their networks to new demands, found that 87% of top-performing organizations are investing in their cybersecurity capabilities, compared with just 41% of underperformers.
Without a real-time look at the networks, organizations are flying blind, and serious problems can go undetected for days or even weeks.
Going back to the recent survey, nearly nine in 10 CIOs and CTOs agree that they need AIOps, automation and improved analytics to optimize their network operations.
There's a problem: While 91% of organizations agree that predictive analytics is critical to operational insight and a proactive approach, 85% say a lack of visibility across their network architectures currently restricts their operational insight and causes reactive firefighting.
Many organizations struggle to find the right partner with the right capabilities, especially because vendor capabilities and rigidity are cited by companies as a top challenge in attaining network success, apart from budget constraints.
Vendors need to be agile: Building the client network to be agile is the key to adding emerging technologies or swapping technologies that best meet the organization's challenges.
Organizations undergoing network transformation should remember that network security has increased in importance as a major network architecture component.
It's valuable to work with an experienced managed service partner that offers a range of networking services and partners with other top providers.
NTT recently announced that it has added Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE to its Managed Campus Networks portfolio.
The networking environment is changing, and smart organizations are embracing the new network.
The widespread adoption of hybrid-work and post-pandemic digital transformation are key security considerations driving network modernization in 2023 and beyond.
Organizations will be tested as new target vectors emerge alongside rapid growth in networks and connected devices.
Network modernization, with better security as a core goal, can help organizations meet these challenges and grow for the future.
Amit Dhingra is the Executive Vice President of Network Services at NTT. Amit has over 25 years of experience in telecom and hi-tech sector.
Prior to NTT, Amit worked with Tech Mahindra, where he led Network Services business globally.
This Cyber News was published on www.cyberdefensemagazine.com. Publication date: Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:13:03 +0000