#None #Data Security #Arelion #Corporate Leaders

Rising Data Security Concerns Among Corporate Leaders

A new report by Arelion sheds light on the increasing worries surrounding corporate data security among enterprise network decision-makers in major markets including the US, UK, Germany, and France. The findings reveal that a staggering 70% of these leaders are losing sleep due to their apprehensions regarding data protection, with many acknowledging that their efforts are not sufficient.

The study titled "Connecting through Chaos: How Enterprise Networks are Protecting Their Data in a Volatile World," emphasizes that despite substantial investments in data protection technologies, only 52% of executives express high confidence in the security of data traversing their own networks. Alarmingly, this figure plummets to just 40% when data passes through third-party networks, underscoring the vulnerabilities associated with external services.

The Dominance of Data Security in Corporate Strategy

According to the report, data security has emerged as the foremost concern for enterprises, with 35% of leaders identifying it as priority number one—this is more than twice the number of those who cite performance or speed as their major worries. Notably, decision-makers in the banking sector and those based in France exhibit the highest levels of anxiety regarding their data security measures. Furthermore, 11% of the surveyed executives openly recognized that they have identified 'definite weaknesses' in their data's journey across third-party infrastructures.

Encryption Challenges and AI Risks

One focal point of the research is the increased complexity in managing encryption of sensitive data. Leaders pointed to several significant hurdles, with managing encryption being the most commonly cited issue, followed by challenges related to multi-cloud environments and ensuring consistent enforcement of security protocols.

The report also highlights the perceived threats of artificial intelligence, whereby 56% of participants rate the risks associated with AI to their crucial data as moderate to extreme. Intriguingly, perspective diverges within regions; UK leaders appear less alarmed, with 64% viewing AI threats as minimal or non-existent.

Data in Transit – A Major Security Pressure Point

The study underscores the pressures surrounding data in transit. A remarkable 83% of industry leaders concur that minimizing the number of third-party network hops plays a critical role in enhancing security levels.

Controls and Compliance Confidence

In response to these challenges, enterprise leaders are implementing a variety of controls aimed at securing their data. High percentages of firms are employing real-time alerts and integrating Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to gain visibility into traffic traversing their networks. Regular resilience testing against threats such as supply-chain disruptions and cyberattacks are also prevalent practices.

Nevertheless, a concerning 48% of leaders express uncertainty about meeting compliance requirements set forth by data protection laws such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act. The hesitancy is particularly pronounced in France, where only 28% feel confident in their compliance—compared to a healthier 60% in the UK.

Data Sovereignty Issues and the Need for Greater Clarity

The complexity of data sovereignty proves to be another mounting challenge. A striking 32% of leaders do not have full awareness of where all of their data centers are located. This disconnect rises to 49% when accounting for third-party suppliers. Additionally, data sovereignty issues are heavily influencing the choice of backbone providers for 77% of corporate decision-makers—all symptomatic of the intricate legal and operational challenges firms face today.

Conclusion: A Call for Collaboration

Mattias Fridström, Chief Evangelist at Arelion, remarked on the implications of these findings, stating: “Data security has seized the forefront of the enterprise risk agenda.” The report emphasizes that organizations are grappling with multifaceted, global networks and mounting regulatory pressures while increasingly relying on third-party providers for their operations. To navigate these uncertainties, there’s a crucial need for enhanced partnerships focused on security, encryption governance, and data sovereignty protocols. As the stakes continue to rise, it’s vital for enterprises to ensure they remain secure and compliant amid constant change and evolving threats.