Malicious code lurks in the shadows, unseen and dangerous. Malware, basically a digital hydra with countless heads, finds its way through firewalls and exploits vulnerabilities. From the ubiquitous ransomware that holds data hostage to the silent spy of spyware, these programs can threaten the very core of our digital lives.
In fact, a recent survey by Opengear, a Digi International company specializing in secure Out-of-Band management solutions, revealed that 97% of U.S.-based chief information officers, or CIOs, expressed serious concerns about at least one cybersecurity threat.
Malware topped the list of concerns, plaguing the minds of 42% of surveyed CIOs. Spam and phishing scams, those deceptive attempts to lure unsuspecting users into divulging sensitive information, follow closely behind at 34%. Social engineering, the art of manipulating human emotions to gain access to data or systems, also looms large, worrying 31% of executives. Insider threats, the potential harm posed by malicious actors within an organization, further complicate the cybersecurity landscape, raising concerns for 30% of CIOs.
The survey delves deeper than just anxieties, however, exposing potential roadblocks in the war against cyber threats. 59% of U.S. network engineers, the IT professionals tasked with maintaining network security, cited insufficient investments as a major factor exacerbating the risk of cyberattacks and downtime. This suggests that budget constraints may be hindering organizations' ability to implement robust cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to opportunistic attacks.
Furthermore, 42% of respondents expressed concerns about a skills shortage, revealing a potential gap between the demand for cybersecurity expertise and the available qualified workforce. This dearth of talent threatens to leave critical security measures understaffed and organizations exposed.
“The skills shortage and insufficient investment in networks are two factors that have combined to encourage cybercriminals to breach businesses,” said Gary Marks, President at Opengear.
Opengear's Smart Out-of-Band management solutions offer secure remote access to IT equipment to allow engineers to maintain control and troubleshoot issues even when primary networks are compromised.
Opengear's Smart Out-of-Band management solutions act as a crucial insurance policy for your network, providing secure backdoor access even when the main gate, the primary network, is under attack.
These solutions operate on a separate, dedicated network, isolated from the business’ main infrastructure. This segregation offers a secure channel for accessing and troubleshooting critical equipment, even if malware has crippled your traditional means. Think of it as a secret key you hold, allowing you to bypass the padlock, diagnose the situation and potentially initiate countermeasures.
“Smart Out of Band solutions enable organizations to manage their networks at all times from local and remote sites, even during an outage,” said Marks. “Network engineers can make smarter, real-time decisions to achieve consistent network resilience and unparalleled visibility, with security and encryption features ensuring that management policies remain continually enforced.”
The adoption of innovative security solutions like Out-of-Band management are important steps that organizations can take to fortify their digital defenses. Only by prioritizing data security can businesses live without the anxieties of cybersecurity threats and achieve true peace of mind.
Edited by
Alex Passett
