EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND COMMON MISTAKES CIOS MAKE WHEN DESIGNING THEIR NETWORK SECURITY ?
In IT , network security is the act of maintaining the integrity of a computer network and the data within it . Network security is important because it keeps sensitive data safe from cyberattacks and ensures that the network is usable and can be trusted . Industry pundits share with Intelligent CIO Africa , several methods for overcoming network security challenges , evolving attack vectors and how to prevent breaches by limiting risk on the IT network .
Network security management may involve a wide variety of security tools , for both hardware and software . Network security becomes more important as networks become more complex and enterprises become more reliant on their networks and data to conduct business .
Methods for enforcing security should strive to evolve as networks and attack methods evolve , and aim to prevent breaches by limiting risk on the network . James Hennah , Director , Security , BT , Asia Middle East and Africa , said as digital technologies evolve and companies across the continent more readily embrace cloud computing and the associated benefits , so too are threat actors becoming more advanced and persistent in their attacks .
“ Take the prevalence of malware as an example . While the tools used to exploit weak points in the network might become more sophisticated , the fundamental premise still holds true – basic issues around phishing and poor patching remain the most popular methods of exploiting weak points when it comes to the integrity of business systems ,” he said .
Hennah said and with so many companies relying on the cloud for data analysis and collaboration , any weakness in network security can result in far-reaching compromises that impact the business bottom line as well as the reputation of the organisation .
Matthew Gaskell , Security Analyst , Synthesis , said as South African corporations seek to keep up with modern technologies , the demand for network security increases . “ With the increase in demand , skills for implementing and maintaining network security remains behind the curve with skills and resources being sourced from outside Africa ,” he said .
Edison Mazibuko , CTO at DRS , a cybersecurity specialist providing innovative agile solutions that deliver information security , IT risk management , fraud detection and digital forensics , said the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is well documented globally . Businesses around the world are pressured to do more with less which in turn will drive the consolidation of multiple security solutions .
Mazibuko explained that a recent hack on a top cybersecurity firm resulted in the theft of critical security tools . “ This brazen act will encourage more direct attacks on cybersecurity service providers and vendors in 2021 ,” he said .
Threat vectors
Given the expanding threat vectors , CIOs and their IT teams are being urged to design robust network security frameworks . According to Hennah , there is no universal cybersecurity strategy that works for every organisation . “ Instead , each company must design a network security framework that suits its specific requirements and risk appetite , and reflects the overall digital readiness of the business ,” he said . “ An effective network strategy starts by carefully assessing the systems and processes already in place and identifying their weak points . Frequent audits become critical to ensure all these systems are running optimally .”
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