Technology Reseller - v23

technolog y reseller.co.uk TECH TRENDS 07 Huge opportunity in next-gen security A recent study by Spiceworks, The Future of Network and Endpoint Security , reveals the massive opportunity that exists for security vendors to protect customers’ devices, data and networks with next-gen security solutions like AI-powered threat intelligence and security-as-a-service. The report highlights organisations’ vulnerability to evolving security threats and existing risks, including outdated operating systems, limited use of encryption and a lack of in-house security expertise. Almost one in three businesses surveyed for the report (32%) are still utilising at least one instance of Windows XP, even though it reached end of service in 2014. Four out of five (79%) are still running Windows 7, which will reach end of service in January 2020. Of these, one quarter say they don’t plan to migrate from Windows 7 until after the end of service date. Other vulnerabilities highlighted by the research include limited access to security experts, with fewer than half of surveyed businesses employing one; and limited use of data encryption, with 17% of respondents employing no encryption whatsoever. The Future of Network and Endpoint Security shows that to address these weaknesses, more and more businesses are looking to AI-powered security solutions. Already, 18% of businesses have adopted AI-powered threat intelligence platforms, with an additional 30% considering adopting them in the next two years; and 12% of businesses already use AI-powered network security appliances, with an additional 32% considering adopting them in the next two years. www.spiceworks.com The trouble with public sector ICT projects Under half (48%) of government ICT leaders are confident that their current data infrastructure will enable their organisations to meet strategic transformational objectives. In a survey of 101 senior government ICT leaders by Pure Storage, four fifths of respondents were concerned that their current data infrastructure was compromising operational agility (85%), increasing operational costs (83%), creating compliance challenges (82%) and reducing their ability to meet citizen expectations (80%). The survey also reveals that only 49% of current government ICT projects fully meet expectations and are delivered on time and within budget. Pure Storage’s study, UK Smart Government Report: Data- Driven Transformation , can be downloaded from www.purestorage.com/gov-uk . Business leaders deluding themselves Almost half of business leaders are failing to achieve a positive financial return from digital transformation projects they have executed, claims a new report from HR and payroll provider MHR, Businesses are not ready to transform (but they don’t know that) . A poll of 250 business leaders at public and private sector organisations with more than 1,000 employees, commissioned by MHR, reveals that while 90% of business leaders have initiated one or more digital transformation projects, only 54% believe that these have delivered financial benefits for the organisation. Even so, 95% of business leaders consider themselves to be ‘digital thinkers’ and 84% believe they have the necessary digital skills to oversee digital transformation projects. Michelle Shelton, Product Planning Director at MHR, said: “The research highlights that while business leaders are confident in their own abilities to oversee digital change, the reality is that many projects are failing to deliver the financial benefits. One of the key drivers for implementing digital change is to deliver cost savings and revenue growth, but this is only achievable if people with the right skills, including a strong financial awareness, are spearheading the change. Ahead of carrying out a digital transformation project, it’s important to collaborate with all departments to create a joint strategy and establish a change team responsible for delivering the change. By adopting a collaborative approach, organisations can leverage the skills and expertise of its people and gain a true understanding of its current operation to establish a clear vision for the future.” mhr.co.uk Just a minute RiskIQ’s third annual Evil Internet Minute report highlights the scale of the cyber risk facing businesses. Using proprietary global intelligence and third-party research, the leader in attack surface management has calculated that last year cybercriminals cost the global economy a total of £1.2 trillion, or £2.3 million every cyber minute. Its research highlights per minute costs for a variety of threats, including ransomware (£17,817); phishing attacks (£14,200); compromised identifier records (£8,100); and hacks on cryptocurrency exchanges (£1,550). Find out more at www.riskiq.com . Tech trends: the state of ICT in the UK today Located in Townsville, Australia, iSeek’s North Queensland Regional Data Centre is built to withstand a tropical climate, high humidity levels and extreme weather events, including category 5 cyclones with a force of up to 280 kilometres per hour. The Tier 3 data centre was developed by Optus, Schneider Electric and HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt Group, which provided the mechanical services design. Ian Porter, Chief Operating Officer at iSeek, claims Townsville represents a new benchmark in data centre design for environmentally volatile environments. He said: “Everything has been considered, from double hinging gates to condenser cages that provide protection from flying cyclone debris, tropical climate humidity control, reinforced concrete walls and internal walls to meet the Queensland Government Cyclone shelter standards.” www.hurleypalmerflatt.com

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