Businesses struggle with IT security, Kaspersky reports

Businesses are facing significant challenges related to IT security, with downtime and lost productivity being the principal concerns.

A recent report from Kaspersky, titled the IT Security Economics report, highlights that 38% of companies surveyed identified inefficient IT security, resulting in downtime and lost productivity, as a major issue. The lengthy process of threat detection, response, and remediation contributes to this problem.

The annual report, which examines budgets, breaches, and business challenges affecting IT security decision-makers, is based on interviews with IT and IT security professionals from 27 countries.

Securing complex technology environments and enabling data protection are also high on the list of concerns, with 33% of respondents highlighting these issues. Businesses are troubled by the increase in incidents involving non-computing connected devices and incorrect cybersecurity solutions operations, which leave systems vulnerable. Furthermore, managing security across varied computing platforms is challenging, hindering the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

Data protection, tied with securing complex environments at 33%, was another significant concern identified in the report. Companies frequently encounter physical losses of devices by employees and data leaks from corporate systems due to both external and internal factors.

Alexey Vovk, Information Security Director at Kaspersky, stated, "In today's complex and constantly evolving threat landscape, the sophistication of cyberattacks has necessitated a heightened awareness among businesses. It is crucial for organizations to safeguard every aspect of their operations from potential breaches."

Vovk continued, "Attackers no longer solely rely on zero-day exploits, as a simple click on a malicious link or a vulnerability in a contractor's infrastructure can lead to devastating consequences. This underscores the idea that information security should be based on a comprehensive and systematic approach, rather than being limited to the implementation of individual point-specific measures."

To combat a wide range of cyber threats, Kaspersky recommends deploying comprehensive solutions from the Kaspersky Next product line, which offer real-time protection and advanced investigation and response capabilities. Depending on their needs and resources, companies can select the appropriate product tier and transition as their cybersecurity needs evolve.

Kaspersky also advises providing InfoSec professionals with comprehensive threat visibility using the latest Kaspersky Threat Intelligence to manage incidents effectively and timely identify cyber risks.

For companies lacking qualified InfoSec professionals, adopting managed security services such as Kaspersky Managed Detection and Response is recommended. This service offers advanced automated security measures to protect against sophisticated cyber attacks, leveraging real-time daily analysis of corporate data.