The benefits of digital transformation are numerous. But there are also many disadvantages, especially when it comes to security. Therefore, securing and managing your IT environment while optimizing costs is not just a challenge, but a necessity.

With holistic security platforms, we understand that IT security is more than just protection; These include efficiency, adaptability and cost-effectiveness. The goal should be to help organizations secure their digital and operational infrastructure in a way that reduces both risk and costs.

A characteristic feature of such platforms is the focus on tailor-made solutions. Because the needs of every company and every industry are unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for securing heterogeneous IT environments. Only well-thought-out and sophisticated platforms offer companies the opportunity to implement and realize exactly what is needed for daily business operations – nothing more and nothing less.

Visibility offers the best protection

The rule is simple: “If you can’t see it, you can’t protect it.” In today’s cyber landscape, comprehensive visibility is the cornerstone of a robust security strategy. With the ever-growing number of endpoints, it is difficult to cover the expanding attack surface in fully digitalized and connected ecosystems. Good security platforms provide their users with the 360-degree visibility they need to take effective action and improve the security of the entire infrastructure.

If you can’t see it, you can’t secure it

Wytze Rijkmans

Unmanaged or undermanaged devices pose a significant security risk. Not only are they more difficult to secure, but they also incur significant operational costs. Platforms automate security-critical tasks, improve the efficiency of security processes and ensure that all end devices are patched in a timely manner and that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access at all times.

The result? Cost savings, less work and, last but not least, compliance support.

Many digitized companies use a patchwork of security tools. This landscape is characterized by complexity, redundancy and inefficiency. Integrated security platforms, on the other hand, are designed with the goal of streamlining operations by eliminating or replacing outdated tools. This results in faster response times and fewer serious risks thanks to real-time monitoring. Additionally, platforms promote better collaboration between operations, security and risk teams, who can work more closely together because they have a single source of accurate data about the IT environment. This synergy increases the organization’s overall efficiency and effectiveness in managing its digital activities.

Integration with third-party tools and cloud infrastructures

Integrating security platforms with third-party tools and cloud infrastructure is essential. This integration allows companies to maximize their existing technology investments while achieving higher levels of security and efficiency. Platforms that enable seamless integration promote consistency of security policies across environments, from on-premises systems to multi-cloud configurations. This deep integration also helps simplify management and reduce the complexity that often comes with using multiple security tools.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing cybersecurity by providing new ways to detect and prevent threats. Security platforms that leverage AI and ML can detect unusual behavior and anomalies in real-time, enabling faster and more accurate responses to potential security incidents. In addition, it can be used to automate routine tasks, increase efficiency and reduce human errors. Integrating AI and ML into security platforms is therefore a crucial step in increasing the overall effectiveness of an organization’s cyber defense strategy.

Why are some companies still afraid to use digitalization and automation to optimize their processes? One answer lies in the required expertise. This is also where platforms come into play. They make it easier to implement and seamlessly integrate automation into existing workflows to make it usable across the entire company.

The financial benefits of automation are significant, with potential savings of up to 200-300 percent ROI. The amount of these savings depends on the willingness of decision-makers to recognize optimization potential and actually implement it.

Sustainability in IT security strategy

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in IT security. Holistic security platforms can play an important role in promoting sustainable practices by placing energy efficiency and resource minimization at the heart of their designs. These platforms can help reduce energy consumption by driving more efficient processes and optimizing hardware resources. They also help reduce companies’ carbon footprint by providing solutions that reduce the need for physical hardware and prioritize cloud-based alternatives. In doing so, they make a valuable contribution to achieving the company’s goals in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability.

Future security as top priority

The vision of security platforms is simple: to demystify automation and make it accessible and efficient for everyone. Holistic platform developers like Tanium are committed to helping all users secure their IT environment, achieve cost savings and achieve operational excellence. It’s not just about securing the present. The goal should be to focus on securing the digital and operational future of the entire company.

This is a post from Wytze Rijkmans, Regional Vice President of Tanium. Further information about the company’s services can be found here.