Why Collaboration is Needed (And Lacking) Between IT & Security Teams

Why Collaboration is Needed (And Lacking) Between IT & Security Teams
NETSCOUT

Enterprise network and security teams are facing an egregious increase in cyberattacks against their networks. Case in point: As of December 2021, more than 9 million Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have been launched. (See NETSCOUT Omnis Threat Horizon to see the latest DDoS attack statistics).

Unfortunately, the problems that cyberattacks create for enterprises are further exacerbated when IT and cybersecurity teams don't effectively collaborate. Failure to collaborate often has its genesis in how each team defines its role. While IT teams are tasked with ensuring an efficient experience for employees and customers, security teams are focused on protecting assets and addressing security issues.

One recent survey from Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) [download the whitepaper for full survey results] shows that 44% of cybersecurity and IT professionals say the relationship between IT and security doesn't work well at times for a number of reasons. Many cite that such issues stem from reporting structures that create conflicting agendas and impede cross collaboration. Likewise, budgetary conflicts, issues with compliance, and a lack of skilled workers on both teams make effective collaboration a challenge.

The question, then, is how both teams overcome these challenges to meet employee and customer expectations while also protecting resources from cyber attackers. When surveyed about how that might happen, 58% of IT and security teams say ensuring security personnel are included on IT projects from the start, while 38% said embedding security personnel into functional technology groups is key. Likewise, 35% say automating processes that promote collaboration between IT and security is needed.

Indeed, cross-silo collaboration is vital for enterprises that want to improve network performance, reduce security risk, and accelerate security incident detection and response. Effective collaboration gives both teams the ability to quickly and effectively determine whether an IT service event is a performance issue or a security incident – something that's sorely needed given the complex digital infrastructure of today's enterprises.

Moreover, cross-team collaboration drives cost and operational efficiencies, reduces overall risks, and quickens the pace for resolving security incidents. The more converged network and security teams are – and the more integrated the tools and processes used between them – the more successful they are at achieving these objectives.

To learn more about the importance of collaboration between IT and security teams, read the new white paper, Why Can't We Be Friends? Enterprises Need Renewed Focus On Aligning IT And Cybersecurity , or contact us to learn more from one of our security experts.