The majority of IT leaders in Singapore state that digitisation is fundamentally important to unlocking new revenue streams in the next 12 months. In line with that, Singaporean organisations are currently using or planning to bring in 5G (92%), AI and machine learning solutions (93%), or Internet of Things and smart sensors (92%), according to research by HPE Aruba Networking.
However, 79% of Singaporean IT leaders are concerned about their organisation’s ability to keep pace with the latest tech and digital demands. More than two-thirds (68%) also say their IT teams are already stretched to capacity. These conditions may increase their exposure to cyber threats.
“Business needs have evolved, and teams are increasingly deploying new technologies to meet these needs. However, security measures that can support the rise of emerging tech must evolve alongside them,” said Scott Calzia, vice president of marketing for HPE Aruba Networking.
The research also reveals a growing recognition of the network’s role in business transformation. Respondents believe the network can support cybersecurity effectiveness and support greater innovation.
Organisations in Singapore are also starting to deploy network-based security solutions including, Security Service Edge (SSE) or similar edge-to-cloud security, policy-based network access control (NAC), and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) security.
Yet, they still need help tying these investments together to realise their benefits. Case in point: Less than half (45%) of IT leaders in Singapore believe their current network can deliver or support flexible enterprise security. Only 32% also see its role in supporting emerging technologies.
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“While pressure to innovate isn’t going to ease, IT leaders need to find a secure, streamlined way to overcome the risk conundrum. This requires a unified SASE (SSE + SD-WAN) approach to bring together all disparate network technologies and truly deliver a network capable of supporting safe innovation. Given the prevalence of hybrid working, a strong network security foundation that includes using Zero Trust principles is a good starting point to then guide investments in SASE, SSE, and NAC,” advises Calzia.
