The Rise of Security Platforms: A Comprehensive Overview
In today’s digital landscape, the term "security platform" has become ubiquitous among security vendors. But what does it truly entail? What advantages does this shift toward "platformization" offer customers? And how does it affect business operations and existing tools? To shed light on these questions, Techzine consulted experts from various leading security companies, including Barracuda Networks, Check Point Software, Cisco, Darktrace, Dynatrace, Fortinet, Okta, Palo Alto Networks, ReliaQuest, SentinelOne, Trend Micro, and Zscaler.
Defining the Security Platform
The concept of a security platform is not straightforward. Stefan van der Wal, Consultant Solutions Architect at Barracuda Networks, defines it as “a set of systems that integrates various tools, technologies, and processes to protect an organization’s digital assets, infrastructure, and users from threats.” This integration reinforces individual components, enabling broader risk mitigation.
Peter Sandkuijl, VP of Engineering EMEA at Check Point Software, elaborates on this by stating that platformization signifies a transition from a product-based approach to a platform-based approach in cybersecurity. This shift allows organizations to move away from using multiple security solutions in isolation to a unified, integrated platform that provides comprehensive protection.
Approach or Product?
The debate continues: is a security platform primarily a software product, an approach, or both? Pieter Molen, Technical Director Benelux at Trend Micro, emphasizes that a platform must provide a complete view of the digital attack surface and allow for immediate responses to security incidents. André Noordam, AVP Solutions Engineering North at SentinelOne, illustrates this with the concept of a security datalake that integrates various solutions and serves as a single source of truth.
Cisco’s Jan Heijdra adds that a security platform should be an integrated, unified architecture that employs AI and cross-domain technologies to provide comprehensive protection across networks, user identities, endpoints, cloud environments, and applications.
The Customer Benefit
The benefits of adopting a security platform are significant. Annabel Hazewinkel, Technical Channel Manager at Darktrace, notes that 87% of participants in their recent report believe a platform-based approach is more effective than individual security products. Key advantages include:
- Efficiency: Automated threat detection and response allow security teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than routine investigations.
- Faster Response Times: Platforms can identify and address threats more quickly, significantly reducing containment time.
- Complete Visibility: A holistic view of the organization’s security status enables the identification and closure of security gaps.
Cisco’s Heijdra identifies additional benefits, such as breaking down silos between IT disciplines, reducing total cost of ownership (TCO), simplifying security approaches, and enhancing threat hunting capabilities.
Reducing the Workload
A critical question arises: does a platform approach reduce the workload for security teams? Many experts agree that it does. Chris Geebelen, Dynatrace’s Solutions Engineering Director, asserts that a security platform alleviates the burden on teams by eliminating the need to pull data from disparate tools, leading to improved visibility and reduced costs.
Mark van Leeuwen, Regional VP Benelux at Okta, echoes this sentiment, highlighting that integrated features within a platform make management easier than standalone solutions. Daan Huybregts, Global Head of Innovation at Zscaler, adds that a comprehensive platform transforms security, application, and network infrastructure, reducing overall complexity.
Pitfalls of Platformization
Despite the advantages, transitioning to a security platform is not without challenges. Huybregts emphasizes the need for organizations to have a clear vision of their transformation goals. Van der Wal warns that many vendors use "platform" as a marketing term, making it crucial for organizations to understand the specific focus and integration capabilities of a platform.
Vendor lock-in is another concern. Noordam cautions against becoming overly dependent on a single vendor, advocating for open platforms that allow integration with third-party modules. The complexity of existing IT environments means that organizations cannot implement a full security platform overnight; a gradual approach is essential.
A Must for Modern Security
The move toward security platforms is not just a trend; it is a necessity in the face of evolving cyber threats. Okta’s van Leeuwen emphasizes that the urgency of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, as companies increasingly fall victim to cyberattacks. A platform approach simplifies security management, allowing organizations to focus on protecting their assets more effectively.
Beyond Point Solutions
The question remains: will security platforms eliminate point solutions? Opinions vary. Hazewinkel believes that while point solutions will still have a role, the complexity they introduce may lead to a decline in their use. Palo Alto Networks’ de Jong agrees, noting that organizations currently use an average of 32 security tools, leading to fragmented data and limited visibility.
However, some experts, like Noordam, argue that point solutions will continue to exist, especially for specialized needs. The key is ensuring these solutions can integrate with broader security platforms to enhance overall effectiveness.
The Data Problem
As organizations grapple with increasing data volumes, managing security through separate tools becomes increasingly untenable. Geebelen warns that without full visibility into data flows, organizations will struggle to discover vulnerabilities. A platform approach offers a more efficient way to manage data and security, allowing for better insights and quicker responses to threats.
Conclusion: A Security Landscape on the Road to Consolidation
The concept of a security platform is evolving, and while interpretations may differ, the movement toward integration is clear. Organizations are encouraged to adopt a platform-based approach, but this should not come at the expense of security quality. A balanced strategy that incorporates both platforms and point solutions, while ensuring open integration, will likely yield the best results.
To successfully implement a security platform, organizations should follow a structured roadmap that includes discovering their digital attack surface, assessing current risks, proactively mitigating those risks, and establishing robust detection and response mechanisms. By doing so, they can navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity and enhance their overall security posture.