Avoiding status quo bias in cybersecurity

Summary

This paper explores status quo bias, resistance to change, and its impact on cloud adoption and cybersecurity. Discover how concerns over security and control hinder the acceptance of cloud-based solutions and SaaS offerings. Get insights into the benefits, like efficiency and cost savings, and learn about booking a free expert consultation to assess your cybersecurity posture and plan ahead.

Companies are slow to move away from what’s working for them now — even if there are benefits to change

Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) highlighted a compelling trend: a significant 72% of infosec leaders identified cloud migration as a top priority for achieving digital transformation. This underscores the perceived strategic value of the cloud in modernizing IT infrastructure and driving business agility. However, despite this recognized potential, organizations often exhibit a marked reluctance to migrate their on-premise applications to cloud environments. This hesitation is primarily rooted in deep-seated concerns regarding data security and the perceived loss of control over IT management.

What do we mean by ‘the cloud’?

The cloud is a global network of remote servers functioning as a unified ecosystem. These servers store and manage data, run applications, and deliver services like productivity software, social media, and vulnerability management. It’s a fundamental shift from local computing, enabling access to data and applications from any web-enabled device, anywhere.

This accessibility empowers users with unprecedented flexibility and mobility. Instead of relying on specific local hardware, individuals and organizations can access resources on demand. The cloud’s scalability allows for dynamic resource allocation, minimizing costs and ensuring business continuity through redundancy and reliability.

Ultimately, the cloud democratizes access to powerful computing. It facilitates real-time collaboration and empowers innovation by providing on-demand resources to individuals and businesses of all sizes, transforming how we work, communicate, and interact with technology.

To overcome status quo biases and embrace the benefits of cloud-based solutions, companies should view the situation through a cybersecurity lens

With the right security controls and strategies in place, cloud adoption can provide businesses with increased efficiency, cost savings, and better access to resources and knowledge. There are a few initial benefits to moving to cloud/SaaS for security teams:

1. Public clouds provide built-in perimeter security and compliance controls for infrastructure, making it easier for security teams to manage data securely. This can save significant time and resources for companies, especially those without in-house cybersecurity experts.
2. Cloud-based services are generally easier to set up and configure, with many tasks such as patch management coming out of the box. This can reduce the time and effort required to manage on-premise solutions.
3. Dedicated cloud-based security tools exist that can automate and integrate security in DevOps workflows, detect runtime threats, and validate compliance. These tools can significantly enhance a company’s cybersecurity posture.
4. Single-tenant clouds offer an extra level of cyber protection by allowing administrators to control a virtual network and use an isolated section of the cloud for extra protection. Adding tools like Autobahn Security can provide an additional layer of protection by separating vulnerability findings from the on-premise network.
5. Cloud-based solutions allow for better application integration, enabling businesses to connect applications and data quickly. Integration with tools like Jira for vulnerability management can streamline processes and make remediation efforts more efficient.
6. Modern data centers are certified to the highest standards, providing companies with the most comprehensive compliance controls. Cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP support multiple information security standards and compliance certifications, making it easier for companies to meet regulatory requirements.

The result

By embracing cloud and SaaS solutions, security teams can enjoy improved efficiency, cost savings, and better cybersecurity measures. Companies can explore new strategies and products without costly equipment, while ensuring secure remote work. Autobahn Security, trusted by Fortune 500 companies, provides cloud-based cybersecurity solutions with a security-by-design application that prioritizes issues.