Digital Expansion Leads to Cybersecurity Solution Constriction

Utilties have been adopting digital technology, like cloud, mobile, social networking, in growing numbers. One ripple effecti is their systems have become larger, more dispersed, and more difficult to secure. In response, energy companies are now reducing the number of security vendors that they deal with, according to market research firm Gartner Inc.

Security is top of mind among energy company executives. As a result, they have been investing in a growing number of solutions. Managing such diversity is challenging, so many started to pull back on the number of vendors that they deal with. In fact, 75% of organizations are consolidating their security vendors in 2022, up from 29% in 2020.

Organizations are consolidating to reduce system complexity and lower their risk. As more solutions are deployed, ensuring that new security holes are not being created becomes more challenging.

SASE and XDR Gain Acceptance 

Two technologies are gaining traction as the consolidation occurs. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines network security functions together with the principles of SD-WAN to deliver security functions typically used with cloud applications. SASE functions typically consolidate Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Zero-Touch Network Access (ZTNA) into a single system.

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is the latest version of endpoint detection and response (EDR). It employs deep analytics and automation to detect, analyze, and remediate potential digital security threats.

Energy company struggled to secure their devices as they embraced digisal technology and their networks expanded and became more complex. In response, they are now limiting the number of suppliers that they deal with.