Trends in IT security: Often counterproductive
As the new year approaches, it's time to think about the security trends for 2017: What threats will companies face in the coming year? What new attacks will they have to be prepared for? Where are they particularly vulnerable? Is there a threat of new ransomware or can new DDoS attacks be expected? A security expert gives his opinion.
Every year, various IT security solution providers chase each other with trend analyses. But NTT Security (Switzerland) AG, part of the NTT Group, says: No trends for 2017. The specialist for information security and risk management thinks nothing of looking at trends in IT security. Instead of selective measures, companies should finally build a long-term strategy for their basic protection. Following concrete trends is even counterproductive in this situation, the company informs.
Do your homework first...
"The annual lookout for trends in IT security is primarily an expression of good lobbying by the respective manufacturers; it does nothing to improve the security situation," says security expert Patrick Schraut of NTT Security. "At best, such trends can be thought about by those who are already operating at the highest level when it comes to security. But most companies haven't even done their homework from last year."
Many companies lack comprehensive basic protection
NTT Security believes that companies must first ensure that they have comprehensive basic protection. But the vast majority of companies are still a long way from achieving this, because in around 90 percent of companies this basic protection is incomplete. Companies are then tempted by the so-called trends to take selective measures. They set up short-term projects and invest a lot of money in new tools that target a specific attack vector, but inevitably neglect the rest.
"IT security is not established by individual projects," concludes Patrick Schraut, "but by long-term strategies. In this respect, I even consider such trends to be counterproductive."
Source and further information: www.nttsecurity.com
