As cyber threats evolve, businesses are under increasing pressure to integrate their network and security strategies. The rise in sophisticated attacks targeting public-facing applications underscores the urgency of this approach.
In the first half of 2024, the number of reported vulnerabilities surged by 30%, with over 22,000 vulnerabilities identified, according to figures from Qualys. Alarmingly, nearly 1% of these have been weaponized, posing significant threats to businesses. These vulnerabilities, particularly in public-facing applications, highlight the growing need for robust, integrated network and security strategies to combat evolving risks.
“Organizations must ensure regular updates, diligent patch management, and advanced threat detection systems are in place to mitigate the risks associated with high-critical vulnerabilities,” says Saeed Abbasi, product manager of Threat Research Unit at Qualys, in a blog post.
Defining the convergence of network and security
The convergence of network and security refers to integrating both functions into a unified framework to improve efficiency, security, and scalability. Traditionally, networking and security have been treated as separate entities, but modern approaches like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and zero-trust architecture are changing that. SASE, for example, combines networking and security into a single cloud-based service, delivering consistent security regardless of user location.
This convergence is crucial in today’s digital-first world, where businesses are increasingly dependent on distributed teams, cloud infrastructure, and remote access. With cyber threats growing in volume and sophistication, a siloed approach is no longer sufficient. By integrating network and security, companies can reduce complexity, improve visibility, and respond more effectively to potential threats.
Technological innovations like SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and edge computing also play a pivotal role in enhancing network performance and security measures in increasingly decentralized environments.
Business benefits of convergence
The convergence of network and security delivers multiple business benefits, starting with improved operational efficiency. By integrating these traditionally separate functions, companies can streamline management, reduce vendor complexity, and improve visibility across their infrastructure. This results in less downtime and faster troubleshooting.
Some 39% of respondents to Gartner's 2024 CIO and Technology Executive Survey said they had deployed or will deploy SASE within 24 months, indicating a significant trend towards adopting this converged approach.
Cost savings are another benefit. Combining security and network infrastructure allows businesses to cut costs on legacy systems and reduce the need for separate management tools. This consolidation reduces overhead and long-term maintenance costs. As the Gartner report states, organizations should "Capitalise on every refresh opportunity of security and branch office appliances/hardware to adopt SASE."
Additionally, network and security convergence improves agility and speed to market. Organizations can respond more quickly to new business demands without the delays caused by integrating disparate systems. By having a unified view of their network and security environment, businesses can also achieve a stronger security posture, responding to threats in real time and ensuring robust protection against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
The report emphasizes this point, recommending that organizations "Create a shortlist and evaluation criteria aligned with the preferred deployment option, and conduct a pilot before any purchase to validate key functional requirements and use cases."
Achieving business outcomes
The convergence of network and security plays a vital role in aligning IT capabilities with broader business objectives. When these functions are integrated, IT departments can focus more on driving business growth and innovation rather than managing fragmented systems. This alignment allows companies to scale their operations more easily, enabling faster adoption of new technologies and services that support long-term business strategies.
One major outcome of convergence is improved compliance and risk management. With a unified approach, businesses can better meet regulatory requirements and mitigate risks by having a comprehensive, end-to-end view of both network performance and security vulnerabilities. This not only helps prevent costly data breaches but also supports the achievement of compliance standards, such as GDPR or industry-specific regulations.
For example, companies that have adopted converged solutions like SASE have reported enhanced agility, cost efficiency, and better threat detection, all of which contribute directly to stronger business resilience and competitiveness in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
Future trends in network and security convergence
The future of network and security convergence will be driven by emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, which will enhance automated threat detection and response. As businesses move toward a more digital, cloud-based infrastructure, this convergence will be critical in providing real-time protection and adaptability.
Gartner's report states that "Advanced SASE offerings will be proactive in alerting and preventing downtime with less need for manual intervention" through the use of AI and ML techniques, including generative AI.
The integration of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is becoming increasingly important. The report recommends "[setting] a two- to four-year goal to replace 95% of primary legacy network-level VPN access with zero trust network access." This shift towards ZTNA within SASE frameworks will offer continuous, adaptive security.
The future will also see more businesses adopting single-vendor SASE solutions, allowing for easier management and a reduction in complexity. Gartner predicts that "the total addressable market (TAM) of this market to be $25 billion in 2027 with a five-year (2021 through 2026) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29%." This approach will provide enterprises with better agility and visibility across their entire infrastructure.
Convergence is a strategic necessity
The convergence of network and security is no longer just a technical consideration; it is a strategic necessity for businesses looking to stay competitive.
By integrating these functions, companies can enhance their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and bolster their security posture. This convergence allows businesses to focus on growth and innovation, knowing that their network and security frameworks are aligned and prepared to respond to today’s complex cyber threats.
Businesses that embrace this transformation will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
