Networking and Cybersecurity Adoption Index

The rapid digitization of business processes and the move to remote work in the wake of COVID-19 have put cybersecurity top of mind for government agencies and businesses of all sizes.

As organisations increasingly rely on connected networks, cloud services, and hybrid working arrangements, the opportunity for cybercriminals to significantly disrupt operations continues to grow. New threats emerge all the time and organisations can inadvertently introduce new security vulnerabilities as their IT environments evolve. This, combined with pre-existing security gaps, has created a threat landscape that’s putting significant pressure on IT teams to maintain network performance and accessibility alongside a strong security posture.

In this inaugural Networking and Cybersecurity Adoption Index, Fortinet shares insights based on a comprehensive survey of 300 Australian IT decision-makers. Participants were asked more than 50 questions across the three key areas that affect cybersecurity: people; processes; and platforms.

People

Untrained, under-resourced or unsupported employees are a major cybersecurity risk facing organisations. The index examines the training, resourcing and employee cybersecurity skills of Australian organisations.

Process

Having the proper processes to address IT vulnerabilities and protect online assets is a key challenge for Australian organisations. Small and large businesses alike need to consider their current cybersecurity processes to assess their preparedness, and potential exposure, when it comes to a cybersecurity incident.

Platforms

New cybersecurity platforms are constantly emerging, so it can be challenging for organisations to know how these platforms integrate with, or impact, their existing IT ecosystems. Considering the need for organisations to build greater levels of resilience through IT agility and scalability that keep pace with market changes, the chosen platform must deliver a comprehensive cybersecurity solution.

In addition to providing information about the current networking and cybersecurity adoption status of Australian organisations, this index provides valuable guidance about how organisations can address their cybersecurity concerns. We hope you find this index insightful and informative when shaping your organisation’s cybersecurity strategy.

Jon McGettigan,
regional director Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, Fortinet