IBM and Palo Alto Networks have released a new study highlighting the challenges organizations face due to cybersecurity complexity. The research indicates that companies are managing an average of 83 different security solutions from 29 vendors, which contributes to inefficiencies and increased costs. The study, titled "Capturing the cybersecurity dividend: How security platforms generate business value," suggests that adopting a platformized approach can improve business outcomes by integrating security with hybrid cloud, AI, and other technologies.
The findings reveal that more than half of surveyed executives believe fragmented security solutions hinder their ability to address cyber threats effectively. However, 75% of organizations using a platformized approach report better integration across various technologies as crucial for improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services at IBM, stated, "Organizations continue to be challenged with updating their security posture to address new threats while simultaneously being pressed to reduce complexity and decrease spend." He emphasized the need for innovation in enabling organizations to thrive.
Karim Temsamani, President of Next Generation Security at Palo Alto Networks, added, "We have seen the positive impacts of adopting a platformized approach to security." He noted that strong partnerships are essential in today's AI-driven world.
Key insights from the study include:
- 52% of executives cite complexity as the biggest challenge in cybersecurity operations.
- 80% feel pressured to reduce security costs.
- Non-platform organizations struggle with handling numerous threats.
- Platformization adopters report improved visibility into vulnerabilities.
- Platformized organizations experience shorter response times for identifying and containing incidents.
The research also highlights how platformization can enhance digital transformation efforts by aligning technologies and driving innovation. By consolidating tools into a unified platform, businesses can achieve better returns on investment from their cybersecurity initiatives.
The study was conducted by IBM's Institute for Business Value (IBV) in collaboration with Oxford Economics and surveyed 1,000 executives across various industries worldwide. It aimed to measure the extent of security platformization within organizations and its impact on business outcomes.
For further information about IBM's partnership with Palo Alto Networks or insights from the study, visit their respective websites.
