Understanding Cybersecurity Challenges Across Industries: Insights from CDW’s 2024 Report

Every industry is unique, and the federal government is no exception. However, when it comes to cybersecurity, organizations across various sectors exhibit striking similarities. This revelation comes from new research conducted by CDW, which highlights the common challenges and strategies that technology and security professionals face in safeguarding their organizations.

Common Ground in Cybersecurity

A March 2024 survey involving over 950 technology and security professionals from diverse U.S. industries uncovered widespread commonalities in critical areas such as zero trust, staffing, and cyber resilience. This finding underscores the notion that while the specifics of each industry may differ, the fundamental cybersecurity challenges remain largely the same.

Stephanie Hagopian, Vice President of Security at CDW, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among institutions facing similar hurdles. “There is a huge amount of value in understanding that you are not alone as an institution going through these challenges,” she states. Engaging with peers and leveraging insights from companies like CDW can significantly aid organizations in prioritizing and executing initiatives that have already proven successful in the market.

For those interested in a deeper dive into these findings, the 2024 CDW Cybersecurity Report offers comprehensive insights.

Integration of Cyber Tools Remains a Hurdle

One of the most pressing challenges identified in the report is the growing complexity of cybersecurity, which is often exacerbated by insufficient employee training. With 68% of organizations utilizing between 10 and 49 security tools and platforms, the burden on employees to understand and effectively leverage each solution is significant. They must not only be proficient in using these tools but also comprehend how they integrate and how to derive meaningful metrics from them.

The proliferation of tools can enhance visibility but also complicates the process of managing alerts and sifting through vast amounts of data. Alarmingly, 40% of professionals reported that integrating these tools is somewhat or very difficult, highlighting a critical area for improvement in cybersecurity strategy.

Automation and AI Supplement Security Talent Gaps

To address the challenges posed by a complex security environment, organizations have opportunities to simplify their operations by eliminating redundant capabilities. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) emerge as powerful allies in this endeavor. By automating data flows and utilizing AI for triaging security screenings, organizations can empower their employees to focus on the most critical issues at hand.

For instance, automation solutions can help manage the overwhelming volume of alerts, allowing security teams to prioritize their responses effectively. Additionally, managed security services and outsourced security training can play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of security staff shortages, which is a primary source of stress for 45% of the professionals surveyed.

Organizations that maintain all their security functions in-house may be missing out on valuable opportunities to enhance their security posture while reallocating internal resources to focus on their core missions.

Conclusion

The findings from CDW’s 2024 Cybersecurity Report reveal that while each industry faces unique challenges, there are significant commonalities in the realm of cybersecurity. By fostering collaboration, embracing automation, and leveraging AI, organizations can navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape more effectively. As Stephanie Hagopian aptly puts it, understanding that you are not alone in these challenges can pave the way for valuable initiatives that lead to positive outcomes.

For those looking to enhance their cybersecurity strategies, the insights from this report serve as a valuable resource, encouraging organizations to learn from one another and adopt best practices that have been successful across various sectors.