NetApp report reveals evolving cyber threats & solutions

NetApp has unveiled a new report detailing current cybersecurity challenges and the significance of data management strategies in addressing growing threats.

The study, titled "Cloud, Complexity, AI: The Triple Threat Demanding New Cyber Resilience Strategies," was conducted by The Futurum Group and sponsored by NetApp. It surveyed over 1,300 cybersecurity leaders globally and presents an analysis of emerging cyber threats along with corresponding resiliency strategies.

According to the findings, over 54% of organisations reported experiencing a cyberattack in the last 12 to 18 months, and 20% of those affected were unable to recover their lost data. This highlights a pressing need for organisations to utilise intelligent data infrastructure to mitigate risks posed by complex threats and the intricacies of hybrid multi-cloud environments.

NetApp's General Manager for Data Services, Gagan Gulati, commented on the report: "The findings clearly highlight the urgency for organizations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies in an era of escalating threats. To reduce risks and ensure faster recovery, businesses must adopt an intelligent data strategy that prioritizes secure-by-design infrastructures, embedding security at the core of their data management approach. With data as a company's most valuable asset, resilient storage solutions—such as those offered by NetApp—serve as the last line of defense in a comprehensive security strategy, safeguarding critical information and enabling long-term success in hybrid multi-cloud environments."

The report identifies cloud security risks, notably misconfigurations and vulnerabilities within hybrid multi-cloud environments, as leading threats, surpassing even traditional attacks like ransomware. This underlines the necessity for companies to address these vulnerabilities to ensure data security and continuity of operations.

Furthermore, the study revealed that 70% of respondents are using more than 40 different cybersecurity tools, with 84% recognising operational complexity as a significant barrier to cyber resiliency. This complexity can create protection gaps and inefficiencies, signifying a need for streamlined tool use and integrated solutions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another focal point of the report, with 40% of organisations already leveraging AI for threat detection and planning to expand its application to automate response and recovery processes. However, the study emphasises balancing AI's deployment with human oversight to effectively manage false positives and ensure success.

Data classification plays a pivotal role in recovery efforts post-attack, as organisations with structured data classification frameworks exhibit stronger recovery capabilities. The report advocates for embedding intelligent data infrastructure that facilitates real-time anomaly detection and resilient recovery to assure business continuity even in challenging scenarios.

Investment in cybersecurity is also set to rise, with more than 90% of respondents planning increased expenditure in the coming year to focus on integrated and proactive solutions. This proactive approach is vital for addressing the escalating costs associated with cyberattacks and managing the increasing complexity of threats.

Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, underscored the importance of data strategies in cybersecurity: "This survey sheds light on the critical role of visibility and data-centric strategies in navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape. By harnessing intelligent data infrastructure solutions, organizations can better protect their assets, ensure recovery, and thrive amidst disruption."

The report concludes that advanced data infrastructure supports organisations in meeting cyber resiliency challenges by promoting stringent data protection practices, detecting threats in real-time, and adhering to industry regulations. The integration of AI, data classification, and consolidated cybersecurity tools enables quicker recovery times and enhanced data security.