FEATURE: NETWORKS AND SECURITY
The convergence of network and security platforms is no longer optional. Growing attack surfaces from cloud adoption, IoT proliferation, hybrid workforces demand unified architectures that eliminate gaps. This convergence is about aligning infrastructure with business agility in an era of digital transformation. Top executives from Acronis, Anomali, Check Point Software, CyberArk, Forcepoint, ManageEngine, Mindware, Omnix,
Riverbed, SentinelOne, Sophos, share their insights.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and AI-driven, organisations are aligning network and security functions to enhance visibility, coordination and response speed. CIOs and IT administrators face the complex challenge of securing rapidly expanding digital ecosystems while managing rising costs and operational complexity.
“ Legacy SIEMs and isolated point solutions often result in fragmented visibility and delayed response times. Compounding these issues are data overload, resource constraints, and the growing sprawl of disparate platforms,” says Alexandre Depret-Bixio, Senior Vice President, Anomali.
A key trend is the shift toward identity-first security, where identity becomes the new perimeter. As users, devices, and applications move beyond the traditional network Edge, securing access and enforcing identity controls has become foundational.
AI is increasingly built into identity-first security to strengthen verification and detect anomalies in real time. This approach enables more precise policy enforcement across hybrid environments.
“ Equally important is native convergence, not API stitching. Platforms that unify EDR, backup, patching, and network signals into a single agent and console reduce complexity, improve performance, and close integration gaps. This technical cohesion enables faster response and lowers the risk of operational blind spots,” says Gerald Beuchelt, CISO at Acronis.
Generative AI is beginning to power autonomous SOC functions, not just summarising incidents, but proposing next actions, adjusting protection plans, and even triggering automated remediation. As detection and response platforms evolve, AI-driven agents will enable, semi-autonomous SOC operations.
As networks expand across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments, organisations are moving away from disjointed tools toward consolidated platforms. The goal is not just better protection, but simpler management and improved agility. One notable shift is the emergence of hybrid mesh security, an architecture that links security controls across distributed environments into a cohesive framework.
“ It is not just about centralising visibility; it is about enabling fast, consistent enforcement across the board. This type of convergence is becoming essential as environments grow more complex,” says Ram Narayanan, Country Manager, Check Point Software.
Bringing network and security functions together often exposes underlying complexity. CIOs and IT leads are frequently tasked with protecting hybrid environments composed of legacy systems, cloud-native workloads and globally dispersed teams.
Without a unified platform, this results in fragmented policies, blind spots and growing operational overhead. Misconfigurations become more likely and the pressure to prove value on security investments adds another layer of difficulty.
What they need is an approach that cuts through the noise, platforms that streamline oversight, automate key processes and support proactive threat prevention.
“ The right solution does not just protect, it helps teams work smarter and faster,” says Check Point’ s Narayanan.
Impact of network and security convergence on IT efficiency
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