Capturing the cybersecurity dividend in telecoms

Telecom organizations hold the digital world together

Telecom organizations, or communication service providers (CSPs), operate at the heart of digital transformation, enabling connectivity for billions of devices across public and private networks. However, with this critical role comes an equally significant challenge: securing an increasingly complex and distributed network infrastructure against sophisticated cyber threats. Telecom enterprises are not just building networks--they’re holding the digital world together. And in that crucial role, they've become a prime target for cyber-attacks.

Handling the ever-increasing scope of cybersecurity is not an easy task but for telecoms organizations, one issue in particular gets in the way: their cybersecurity complexity. Our research with 1,000 executives across 21 industries and 18 countries (including 60 telecoms leaders) reveals a stark reality: telecoms companies juggle an average of 107 different security solutions from 39 vendors. Each solution comes with its own dashboard, data model, training requirements, and more. This fragmented approach not only frustrates security professionals but also hinders overall effectiveness. 
 

Cybersecurity complexity is not just an IT problem

Complexity is not just IT’s issue to handle; it's a business issue impacting the bottom line. Every new security tool, every integration, adds another layer of complexity, creating a tangled web that obscures risk exposure and drives up costs for financial institutions around the globe. 
 

The illusion of “more cybersecurity tools equal more protection”

The traditional approach to cybersecurity has been to throw more tools at the problem. The belief is that more solutions equal more security. However, this is dangerous; every new tool adds complexity, creating potential vulnerabilities that bad actors can exploit. Each integration point becomes a potential entry point. Instead of strengthening a telecom organization’s defenses, this fragmented approach actually weakens them.
 

The cybersecurity platformization advantage: Simplifying security, boosting ROI

There's a better way. Our research reveals the power of integrated security platforms. Telecom organizations that embrace platformization experience significant improvements in their cybersecurity posture and their bottom line.

Faster threat detection and containment: Platformized telecom enterprises detect security incidents an average of 43 days faster and contain them 36 days faster than those relying on disparate solutions.

Higher ROI: The benefits extend beyond threat management. Platformized telcos see an average ROI of 108%, compared to just 43% for those with a fragmented approach to cybersecurity. By consolidating security solutions, they reduce costs, improve efficiency, and optimize the return on their security investment.

Relief for overloaded security operators: Consolidating security tools onto a single platform simplifies operations, freeing up security professionals to focus on strategic initiatives rather than constantly juggling multiple systems. 
 

The path forward: Embracing platformization

This report provides valuable insights and recommendations for telecom organizations’ C-suites and security technology executives – the architects of change in a volatile financial security landscape. It explores how platformization can address the pressing challenges of cybersecurity complexity, simplify telcos’ security operations, and drive better business outcomes. Discover how to:

• Consolidate security and eliminate multiple entry points for bad actors: Streamline security operations by integrating disparate solutions onto a single platform.
• Improve threat detection and response: Leverage the power of a unified platform to detect and contain threats faster.
• Optimize security ROI: Reduce costs and improve efficiency by embracing a platform-centric approach.

Telecom organizations should not let cybersecurity complexity negatively impact their role as protectors of the digital world. They can embrace the power of platformization to help keep critical information and connections safe. 

Download the full report to learn more, including how AI-fueled platforms are supercharging security teams and the five key actions that will help telecom organizations use platformization to their best advantage.
 

Interested in cybersecurity beyond the telecoms industry? 

To learn more about our cybersecurity platform findings across industries, visit our global cross-industry report page. To learn more about cybersecurity platforms in the banking and financial industry, visit our banking report page.