Global survey highlights data classification for resilience

A recent global survey by NetApp underscores the significance of data classification in bolstering cyber resilience among organisations.

A report released by NetApp, conducted in collaboration with The Futurum Group, reveals that over the past 12 to 18 months, more than 54 percent of organisations worldwide experienced a cyberattack.

Alarmingly, one in five were unable to recover the lost data, highlighting the critical need for robust data classification frameworks in enhancing recovery efforts.

The study, titled "Cloud, Complexity, AI: The Triple Threat Demanding New Cyber Resilience Strategies", surveyed over 1,300 cybersecurity leaders across various industries.

It provides extensive insights into the evolving nature of cyber threats and the necessary strategies for resilience.

"The findings clearly highlight the urgency for organisations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies in an era of escalating threats," said Gagan Gulati, General Manager for Data Services at NetApp.

He emphasised the importance of adopting an intelligent data strategy that embeds security within data management, particularly in hybrid multi-cloud environments.

Key threats identified in the report include misconfigurations and vulnerabilities within hybrid multi-cloud setups, which now surpass traditional attacks like ransomware. As hybrid cloud infrastructures become more prevalent, addressing these vulnerabilities is paramount to safeguarding data security and ensuring operational continuity.

An issue highlighted by the survey is 'tool sprawl'. Seventy percent of respondents reported using over 40 cybersecurity tools, with 84 percent expressing that operational complexity hinders cyber resilience.

This complexity can leave gaps in protection and cause inefficiencies, accentuating the need for tool consolidation and integrated solutions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being increasingly utilised for threat detection, with forty percent of organisations applying AI technologies and planning their extension to automate response and recovery processes.

While AI offers substantial capabilities for identifying and mitigating threats, its application must be balanced with human oversight to manage false positives effectively.

The report emphasises the pivotal role of data classification in cyber resilience. Effective data classification frameworks significantly improve recovery post-attack, underscoring the necessity of such systems for robust cyber defence and maintaining business operations during crises.

More than 90 percent of the surveyed organisations intend to increase their cybersecurity budgets over the next 12 to 18 months, directing funds towards integrated and proactive solutions.

This investment aims to address the escalating costs associated with cyberattacks and the evolving complexity of threats, ensuring organisational resilience and trust.

NetApp's Intelligent Data Infrastructure aims to tackle these challenges by focusing on advanced data classification, AI-driven threat detection, and integrating comprehensive security measures.

This approach is designed to streamline governance, enhance real-time threat response capabilities, and maintain compliance with shifting industry standards.

The improvements realised through resilient data infrastructure are significant, demonstrating that such strategies are vital components within modern cybersecurity frameworks.

"This survey sheds light on the critical role of visibility and data-centric strategies in navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape," said Daniel Newman, CEO at The Futurum Group.

He noted that leveraging intelligent data infrastructure solutions can help organisations protect their assets, ensure recovery, and continue operations amid disruptions.

The report also highlights AI and integrated technologies as transformative in addressing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

By combining AI with robust data classification and streamlined toolchains, organisations can enhance their ability to manage risks, reduce response times, and gain better visibility across complex hybrid multi-cloud environments.