Report: The Effects of Enterprise Technology on Operations

Since the onset of COVID-19, organizations have been using digital tools more than ever to keep business operations functional. But how do VPs and CIOs really feel about the range of tools in their organization?

Recently, network security company Perimeter 81 released data that provides a deeper look into the effects of enterprise technology on workplace processes. This data was collected from enterprise professionals, including VPs and CIOs. Here, we explore the data from this report to get a better idea of how these tools influence workplace operations and security.

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Remote Work Is Popular

Remote work could only be made possible Data suggests that 87% of companies plan to keep remote or hybrid work practices in 2022.

Staff members gain many positive effects from the implementation of a remote or hybrid workforce structure. According to research gathered It seems like remote work is here to stay, even as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift. Data suggests that 87% of companies plan to keep remote or hybrid work practices in 2022. Furthermore, 71% of remote employees are set to work from home two or more days per work week.

With all of the advantages that remote work offers to employees and employers alike, it makes sense that organizations would want to continue it, and continue to utilize the tools that make this work structure possible. However, as more enterprise operations are distributed among more tools, companies become more vulnerable to security breaches.

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Areas Needing Improvement

While it seems these tools are essential, not all organizational leaders feel that way. The report suggests that some VPs and CIOs believe cyber tools can harm their enterprises’ cybersecurity, and that utilizing more tools may be less helpful in the long run.

Approximately 29% of CIOs and VPs feel that cyber complexity from too many tools always, or almost always, occurs.

The pandemic introduced remote and hybrid work structures to many previously office-bound organizations. This was made possible through specialized applications. Continuing remote work would, of course, mean continuing to rely on these tools to keep systems connected and running.

Unfortunately, many leaders fear this can cause increased cyber complexity. Approximately 29% of CIOs and VPs feel that cyber complexity from too many tools always, or almost always, occurs. What’s more, 67% of survey respondents feel that a distributed workforce makes cybersecurity more complex.

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To further explore this idea, we need to understand how cyber complexity affects an organization’s security.

In the survey, 58% of respondents indicated they felt they faced vulnerabilities or threats related to cloud misconfigurations.

More digital tools increases cyber complexity, which means there are more potential threats to keep up with — a larger attack surface, resulting from a wider network of endpoint devices accessing cloud services. In the survey, 58% of respondents indicated they felt they faced vulnerabilities or threats related to cloud misconfigurations.

Cyber complexity can also negatively influence a company’s ability to respond to cyber threats and defend against them. Of the VPs and CIOs surveyed, 71% felt the growing number of tools in use negatively impacted their ability to detect and prevent security threats. These leaders are right to worry: data says that 66% of companies experienced a serious cybersecurity incident between 2020 and 2021.

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Maintaining Security While Using Enterprise Technology

While the processes surrounding remote work may have their complications, its benefits to employees and organizations mean it is likely to remain a popular workforce model. So what does that mean for the future of enterprise technology and cybersecurity?

Many companies are taking ransomware more seriously, with 51% prioritizing cybersecurity and 34% aiming to make cybersecurity a bigger part of their business plans.

Adoption of enterprise technology will be sticking around; in fact it’s likely to continue growing. The resulting cyber complexity means a higher likelihood of security breaches if organizations aren’t prepared for attacks. To effectively prepare, cybersecurity processes must improve, with prevention, detection, and response measures implemented across the entire corporate network.

Some companies have already been ramping up their security processes. For example, data suggests that many companies are taking ransomware more seriously following large-scale attacks, with 51% prioritizing cybersecurity and 34% aiming to make cybersecurity a bigger part of their business plans.

Perimeter 81 suggests using tools with integrated security, instant deployment, complete visibility, and unified management. When using enterprise technology for remote and hybrid work structures, prioritizing organizational stability and cybersecurity is key to safely and effectively operating.

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