expert
OPINION
TOBY ALCOCK, CTO LOGICALIS
Toby Alcock, CTO Logicalis, discusses the pitfalls of tool overload and the benefits of a streamlined approach to cybersecurity.
The risk of IT tool overload – how scaling back leads to stronger protection
n 2024, cybersecurity is at its
I 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.
The pitfalls of tool overload
CIOs are, understandably, reacting to this shift and bolstering security. However, stepping back and
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