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The Hidden Risk Inside Your Most Important Workflows

The world of organizational operations is continuously evolving, yet a recent study reveals that a significant number of companies remain vulnerable to security threats. Conducted independently by the Ponemon Institute and sponsored by the innovative collaboration tool Mattermost, the report titled "Optimizing What Matters Most: The State of Mission-Critical Work" exposes critical weaknesses in the security of workflows essential to business success.

The Findings:

One of the most striking findings is that a staggering 64% of organizations have faced disruptions in their mission-critical workflows over the past year, with an average of six such failures per organization. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for better security measures in processes that are vital for operational continuity.

Disconnect in Security Awareness:

The research exposes a striking gap between the perceived importance of these workflows and the actual security measures in place. Only 47% of respondents acknowledged understanding the risk profile of their mission-critical workflows—an alarming figure considering that these workflows are integral to organizational survival. Furthermore, merely 52% of organizations expressed confidence in their existing privacy and security measures.

The study indicates that dedicated teams play a critical role in improving outcomes. Organizations that have special teams focusing on mission-critical workflows reported 10% fewer disruptions compared to those that did not have such teams. They also exhibited nearly twice the efficiency in their processes (57% versus 36%). High-performing organizations are not only more likely to adopt specialized collaboration tools but also actively measure disruptions to hone future operations.

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks:

Cybersecurity risks loom large in the realm of mission-critical operations. The report reveals that cyberattacks are now the leading cause of disruptions, with 50% of respondents citing them as significant threats. The figures get more sobering when it comes to the fallout of security breaches, as 62% of organizations reported data leakage involving high-value information assets, and 58% faced downtime in data centers. The costs associated with any incident of data center downtime average over $1 million, a cost that excludes reputational damage or long-term strategic disadvantages.

Moreover, a worrying trend emerges when it comes to leadership and expertise in managing workflow security. Alarmingly, only 16% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and just 10% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) have a direct role in overseeing critical workflow security, suggesting a disconnect between operational needs and IT capabilities.

The AI Dilemma:

In today's tech-centric world, where 51% of organizations are leveraging artificial intelligence for mission-critical operations, new concerns arise. While AI presents opportunities for operational efficiency, it also introduces risks, with 53% of adopters reporting issues related to data leakage or theft. This duality makes the adoption of technology a crucial yet complex decision for organizations.

The Path Forward: Need for Purpose-Built Solutions:

The Ponemon Institute's research emphasizes an urgent need for collaboration platforms tailored specifically for mission-critical environments. Among the requested features, data encryption and secure real-time communication topped the list, with 61% and 56% of respondents respectively indicating these as crucial needs. Surprisingly, however, just 39% of organizations reported having risk mitigation strategies for their mission-critical collaboration tools in place.

Conclusion:

The findings from this study present a wake-up call for businesses, especially those operating in high-stakes sectors like defense and critical infrastructure. Ian Tien, the CEO of Mattermost, articulates a significant concern: "Many mission-critical operations are still relying on General-purpose collaboration platforms unable to meet high-security demands. Security must be a paramount focus, especially when the stakes involve organizational survival.”

As the demand for secure, efficient collaboration tools grows, companies must adapt and equip themselves with technology designed specifically for mission-critical activities. This research reinforces the critical point that organizations must prioritize security and operational efficiency to meet future challenges and ensure sustainable success.