NetSecOps: The Future for Network and Security Workers?

In this era of digital transformation, app modernization, and looming security concerns, integrated application delivery, and security strategy is critical. Given the growing demand for operational agility, particularly as newer technologies emerge such as public cloud, edge, IoT, and remote connectivity, it is critical for organizations to recognize the importance of integrating security into almost every aspect of the infrastructure, i.e. establishing a greater sense of collaboration between the Network and Security teams.

Organizations must understand the rising netsecops importance given the multi-cloud shift and infrastructure complexity. Network operations (NetOps) and security operations (SecOps) teams have worked together successfully for decades. NetOps has been in charge of network administration, orchestration, and maintenance, while SecOps has been in charge of network and endpoint security. 

Expanding network and cloud architectures, on the other hand, have posed new complications and challenges for both of these teams, and their roles have begun to mix. The time has come to bring these two vital groups together.

Some of the key advantages of joining these two teams are as follows.

1. Both teams need the same data and information.

Both NetOps and SecOps require network monitoring data to do their duties effectively. Sharing and cooperating to make the most of that data can thus be a game-changer for overall network functioning.

Having the right network and application performance monitoring (NAPM) technologies in place, as well as real-time access to packet-level network information, can help boost cooperation.

2. Improved network performance

According to an EMA study, businesses with unified network and security teams spend less time on reactive troubleshooting and more time on proactive problem prevention. This allows collaborative teams to focus their efforts on increasing network performance, resulting in a better end-user experience.

Security systems can also have a negative impact on network performance, preventing important business traffic or causing bottlenecks during high-traffic hours. Security breaches, on the other hand, are frequently disguised as network performance issues, such as DDoS attacks. A unified NetSecOps team is significantly better equipped to identify and address these issues.

3. Quick detection and reaction times for security threats

Compared to segmented NetOps and SecOps teams, a unified NetSecOps team can respond to and mitigate risks faster. Attacks, breaches, and even misconfigurations that could jeopardize the network are considerably reduced as a result. Collaborative teams are also in a good position to improve risk and threat detection.

4. Skills gap coverage

Siloed NetOps and SecOps teams provide a skills challenge because cross-training opportunities are typically limited. Broader skill sets that cover both areas of knowledge are a huge asset for any company attempting to keep costs down while keeping up with more complex network management and cybersecurity demands.

5. Faster response to business changes

As enterprises migrate apps and workloads to the cloud and dispersed environments, IT departments and network architectures are always changing. NetOps and SecOps need to keep up with these changes and have a plan in place for rapid adaption.