Blog: Trends in cybersecurity and connectivity with Securify

Digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented speed, offering unparalleled opportunities for business innovation and growth. However, with this progress also come complex challenges in digital security. The increasing reliance on cloud technologies, the proliferation of IoT devices, and the emergence of advanced cyber threats highlight the crucial need for robust cybersecurity strategies.

Kees Stammes, Director of Securify, and Jochem de Gruyter, CEO of AFIBER, delve deeper into the evolving trends that form the backbone of future-proof cybersecurity in this article.

Trend 1: Focus on Data Transport and Security

Protecting data during its transport between different network points becomes a top priority for organizations striving for digital resilience. De Gruyter clarifies: “In the current digital era where data flows are boundless, the encryption of data transport becomes essential. Technologies such as Dark Fiber and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) provide the infrastructure for secure, direct connections that are crucial for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. These solutions, combined with strong encryption, enable companies to maintain a level of security that meets the highest standards of data protection.” This goes beyond technology alone; it requires a culture of security awareness and continual evaluation of security protocols to ensure they can withstand current threats.

Trend 2: Shift from One-time to Continuous Testing

The landscape of cyber threats is dynamic and requires an equally dynamic approach to security testing. Stammes emphasizes the importance of a continuous testing approach: “Traditional, one-time security tests are no longer adequate in the face of rapidly evolving cyber threats. A strategy of continuous monitoring, combined with regular penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, enables organizations to proactively identify and remedy vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This approach must be integrated into the DNA of the organization, where every software update, every new device, and every change in the network is carefully evaluated from a security perspective.”

Trend 3: Rise of Zero Trust Architectures

The adoption of Zero Trust architectures is more than a trend; it’s a paradigm shift in the approach to network security. “Zero Trust is based on the principle that trust should never be implicit, and verification is essential, regardless of the source,” Stammes explains. “This model requires rigorous identity and access management protocols, considering every user, every device, and every application as potentially threatening until proven otherwise. Implementing Zero Trust also means introducing segmentation within the network to prevent attackers from moving freely through the system in the event of a breach. This approach offers more granular control over access to sensitive data and systems, which is essential in a time when cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.”

Practical Steps for Organizations

• Evaluation and Planning: Start with a thorough evaluation of your current security posture. Identify potential weaknesses in both digital and physical security and develop a strategic plan to address them.
• Implementation of Advanced Technologies: Invest in advanced security technologies such as end-to-end encryption for data transport, and consider the implementation of Zero Trust architectures within your network.
• Culture of Security: Create a company culture that emphasizes the importance of digital security. Provide regular training and awareness campaigns for your employees about the latest cyber threats and best practices for digital hygiene.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Seek partnerships with cybersecurity experts, technology providers, and other stakeholders. These partnerships can provide valuable insights and support in strengthening your security strategy.
• Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Regularly evaluate your security measures and adjust them based on new threats and technological developments.

For more information, get in touch with our experts today at contact@afiber.net

About AFIBER
AFIBER is an independent provider of fiber optic connectivity for business customers and service providers. We help organizations with the delivery and management of high-quality networks between branches, data centers, cloud providers, and providers of network and IT services.

AFIBER offers business customers fiber optic coverage in a large part of the Netherlands. This fiber optic network is connected to the main data centers and various regional and national fiber optic networks. This enables us to make an independent choice for our customers for the right connectivity for your company network.