IDC Archives - Cyber Secure Forum | Forum Events Ltd
Posts Tagged :

IDC

The crucial role of audio solutions in IT security for hybrid work models

 960 640 Charles
By:
0
0

Shure partnered with global market research giant, IDC, to delve deep into the challenges IT security departments may face as they integrate hybrid work models. Drawing from insights of over 600 respondents from a range of countries, including the UK, the study sheds light on IT security concerns surrounding the quality of audio systems and its potential implications for secure and effective communication.

One of the paramount findings was that, while organisations in the UK are spearheading the adoption of hybrid work structures in Europe, they appear to be underestimating the security aspects linked to high-caliber audio solutions. The gaps in audio quality not only hinder effective communication but could also pose potential security risks, especially when critical information is misheard or misunderstood.

It was evident from the study that poor communication and reduced engagement during virtual meetings were key issues businesses were grappling with. Many IT security professionals highlighted that subpar audio equipment is not only a challenge for clear communication but also a potential security vulnerability, especially if employees resort to non-secure means of communication due to poor audio quality.

Globally, 72% of thriving organisations understand the importance of investing in professional-grade audio gear not just for clear communication, but also from a security standpoint. However, the UK seems to lag in this realisation, signifying an urgent call-to-action for IT security teams.

The IDC research underscores that top-tier audio isn’t merely about sound clarity; it’s also about creating a secure communication environment in the era of hybrid work. Quality audio solutions can prevent miscommunications, reduce the need for repeated information transfer, and thus limit exposure to potential security threats.

Key insights from the research with relevance to IT security are:

  • Team Dynamics: 94% of respondents acknowledge that technology which mimics the essence of face-to-face interactions can positively influence team dynamics and motivation.
  • Operational Efficiency: 90% believe robust audio solutions promote inclusive meetings and foster more efficient and secure work sessions.
  • Employee Trust: 90% perceive such investments as an indication of the company’s commitment to their well-being and security.
  • Organisational Reputation: 89% feel it impacts how both staff and external stakeholders perceive the company’s commitment to security.
  • Employee Confidence: 73% believe that quality audio solutions boost their confidence in the organisation’s dedication to secure and clear communication.
  • Decision-Making: 49% recognise its role in facilitating better-informed, and thus more secure, decision-making processes.

For a comprehensive understanding of the study and more in-depth insights, access the IDC Infobrief sponsored by Shure: : https://effortless.shure.com/content-hub/posts/idc-infobrief

84% of security and IT teams ‘don’t have a positive relationship’

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

Almost two thirds (59%) of European IT heads believe it is challenging to gain end-to-end visibility of their network, with almost half saying this lack of visibility is a major concern.

That’s according to a new poll by IDC/Forrester/VMware, which says more than a third (37%) feel the challenges associated with this lack of visibility has resulted in misalignment between security and IT teams – and a quarter (29%) have no plans to implement a consolidated IT and security strategy.

Only a third (38%) of networking teams are currently involved in the development of security strategies. Yet, 60% of these are involved in the execution of security, perhaps signalling that networking teams are not seen as having an equal role with the other IT or security teams when it comes to cybersecurity.

This is in stark contrast to the fact that network transformation is seen as being essential to delivering the levels of resilience and security required by modern businesses, with 43% of European organisations saying this is a key priority for them between 2019 to 2021. 

Critically, organisations need shared thinking and responsibilities to establish a cohesive security model if they are to deliver their company’s strategic goals, seen by Forrester as increased security (55%), technological advancement (56%) and the ability to respond faster (56%). 

Alongside the inconsistency in how the role of the network in security is perceived, there is a lack of cohesion within the IT and security teams as to who is responsible for network security.

“Businesses who are looking to adapt to fast-changing market conditions rely on the ability to efficiently connect, run and secure modern applications consistently, from the data center, across any cloud and all the way to the device. And it is the virtual cloud network that is delivering this. The network needs to be recognised as the DNA of any modern security, cloud and app strategy, and it should be seen as a strategic weapon and not merely the plumbing,” said Jeremy Van Doorn, Sr Director of Systems Engineering, Software Defined Data Center EMEA, VMware

The research also sheds light on the difference in priorities for both the IT and security teams. Globally, the top priority for IT is efficiency (51%), whilst security teams are focused on incident resolution (49%). And while new security threats require visibility across the entire IT infrastructure, less than three quarters of securityteams are involved in executing the organisation’s security strategy. 

Forty five percent of respondents recognise that a consolidated strategy could help reduce data breaches and more quickly identify threats. Yet this relationship isn’t proving an easy one to maintain as 84% of security and IT teams admit they don’t have a positive relationship with one another (at VP level and below). More than half of organisations want to move to a model of shared responsibility in the next 3-5 years, where IT securityarchitecture (58%), cloud security (43%) and threat hunting response (51%) is shared between IT and securityteams; but that calls for much closer collaboration than exists today. 

Denis Onuoha, Chief Information Security Officer at Arqiva, said: “It is critical that IT and security teams work in harmony to ensure every touch point of the IT infrastructure remains secure. The network forms a critical part of the business in delivering the best and most efficient services to customers. We recognise the importance of the network and therefore ensure security is embedded into the fabric of its infrastructure from the beginning and not bolted on as an afterthought. As we navigate a growing number of cloud and Edge environments and the network remains the connector between them all, it has become business critical for us to keep network security a top priority.”