If data sits at the heart of the business, then observability is the game changer that transforms that data into value and security efficiency, writes Cameron Losco, GM: cybersecurity at DR Insight.
The global data observability market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12,2% by 2030.
According to Grand View Research , this is largely due, says, to organisations recognising the inherent value of data-driven decision-making alongside the need to reduce data complexity and improve overall data quality. It is also inherent within the realm of security.
As Statista highlights, observability and security have become a combined discipline and are providing companies with the insights and capabilities they need to challenge the rising tide of cyber-threats. According to the research firm, this combined market’s value is estimated at $28,26-billion in 2024.
Data sits at the heart of the business, so it makes sense to wed it to observability and gain a comprehensive view of all systems, applications, and infrastructure. It allows you to identify and address security threats more effectively within a framework that reduces inefficiencies. And this framework needs to prioritise the centralisation of data and insights within one ecosystem. One dashboard, one insights-driven platform, one funnel that collates and analyses the data.
For organisations struggling to integrate security within their data stack, or wading through multiple dashboards that complicate visibility, centralising the data and the insights changes the narrative completely. When you can collect and analyse your data from various sources and applications in one place, you can quickly identify anomalies and vulnerabilities and respond to them in real time.
Observability at scale allows for the business to track behaviours across systems and quickly identify unusual patterns in behaviour that may indicate a security breach. Your teams can then respond faster which means more effective threat mitigation.
That said, achieving security nirvana means revisiting the structure of the business and overcoming some of the traditional obstacles in the way.
- Silos. Siloed data sources across multiple platforms can make it difficult to get a unified security perspective. There is also a lack of standardisation – different tools can store data using different standards which will affect the data’s readability and make it harder to collate the data cohesively.
- Cost. Another challenge that isn’t highlighted enough. Many security products and solutions are sold on the dollar which makes them expensive for local companies. You want exceptional security solutions, but the price tag can remove many of the market leaders from the table. There is a growing need for security products and solutions that sit within local budget parameters without compromising on the potential of building robust data, security, and observability.
- Skills. While the skills shortage remains a global problem, local talent is travelling to follow the dollar or the euro which makes it harder for companies in South Africa to hold onto talent.
While overcoming these challenges isn’t as easy as clicking “Add to Cart,” there are smart tools and approaches that can give organisations the boost they need. Automation is a smart move – it reduces errors, improves efficiencies, and allows for deeper integration across data and security.
This should be bolstered by a culture of collaboration – if your company can connect across multiple departments, then it will streamline the sharing of data, improve observability, and ensure everyone is aligned towards a common goal.
As companies pull these threads together, they can start connecting the data dots which will help them to better identify trends and patterns, gain valuable insights, and enhance the availability of their data. This knocks on into security, innovation, customer experiences and transformed business processes because access to data builds data resilience.
When you can maintain your data and ensure it is accessible, usable, and consistent, then you can adopt a comprehensive approach that delivers results. Your data defines your automation, your processes, your business strategy, and your security. With the right partner, you can collate this data into a centralised dashboard that offers you comprehensive observability.
In the world of security, knowledge is power so when you leverage your data effectively, you’re protecting your assets and empowering your business. With the right strategy, any organisation can harness the power of intelligent data visibility to enhance their security posture. The key lies in choosing the right partner who can guide you through this transformation intelligently.