The author of this Pathfinder report is Mike Fratto, a Senior Research Analyst on the Applied Infrastructure & DevOps team at 451 Research, a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence. Pathfinder reports navigate decision-makers through the issues surrounding a specific technology or business case, explore the business value of adoption, and recommend the range of considerations and concrete next steps in the decision-making process.

This report explores the following topics:

• the growth of already commonplace cloud usage for mission-critical applications
• the importance of cloud governance
• the top cloud security concerns for enterprises
• the adoption of third-party tools for cloud management
• the steps IT teams should take to make their cloud environments more secure and reliable

Research finds PAM solutions are too complex with 68% of organizations paying for “wasted features” that are rarely used. A global survey of 400 IT and security executives conducted in January 2023, by Keeper Security in partnership with TrendCandy Research, reveals an overwhelming industry desire for Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions that are easy to deploy and maintain.

The findings show that traditional PAM solutions are falling far short, largely because they are too complex to implement and use. An overwhelming 84% of IT leaders said they want to simplify their PAM solution in 2023. In the current high-risk security climate, it is imperative that all organizations secure their privileged credentials, privileged accounts, and privileged sessions to protect their crown jewels. However, many traditional PAM solutions are failing to provide their intended value outside of these core use cases, because deployment is either too complex, too cost-prohibitive, or both. In the era of remote work, organizations need agile identity security solutions that can protect against cybersecurity threat vectors by monitoring, detecting, and preventing unauthorized privileged access to critical resources.

Keeper Security, a leading innovator in privileged access management, wanted to better understand how IT leaders are thinking about PAM, deploying their PAM solutions, and streamlining their PAM implementations. Keeper commissioned an independent research firm to survey 400 IT and data security leaders in North America and Europe about their strategies and plans for PAM in 2023.

The "Top 7 Trends in Endpoint Security for 2023" report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of endpoint protection. It emphasizes the increasing importance of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), which operates on the principle that no user or device should be inherently trusted, thereby enhancing security through strict access controls and continuous monitoring.

The report also highlights the shift towards cloud-native endpoint security, offering scalability and real-time protection, especially vital with the rise of remote work. Additionally, the adoption of thin-managed operating systems is discussed, noting their role in reducing attack surfaces by securely connecting to cloud-based resources.

The integration of Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platforms is presented as a means to streamline security operations by consolidating data from various sources. Furthermore, the report underscores the significance of a human-centric approach to security, advocating for comprehensive employee training and fostering a culture of security awareness.

Advancements in Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are also covered, highlighting features like proactive threat hunting and automated responses. Lastly, the report discusses the role of security orchestration and automation in improving incident response times and operational efficiency.

Achieve the Modern Workplace with Recast Software is a guide designed to help IT leaders and professionals transform their complex IT environments into secure, agile, and efficient digital workspaces. This eBook explores the evolution of IT management, emphasizing how modern tools and strategies can streamline operations and enhance security.

Key Focus Areas Include:

• Unified Endpoint Management: Learn how to centralize control over both company-issued and BYOD devices using platforms like Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager. Discover strategies to reduce overhead while improving visibility and operational efficiency.

• Advanced Security Solutions: Explore proactive threat detection, AI-driven compliance checks, and automated security protocols. The ebook delves into tools like the Recast Copilot for Security Plugin that work hand-in-hand with Microsoft’s security enhancements to protect your digital workspace.

• Streamlined Application Management: Understand how to simplify application deployment and patch management. With features like automated updates and self-service portals, IT teams can ensure that software remains current and secure with minimal manual effort.

• Digital Transformation for Modern IT: Uncover the broader framework of the modern workplace that goes beyond mere AI integration. The ebook emphasizes productivity, collaboration, and the need for a secure, adaptable IT infrastructure that meets today’s dynamic business challenges.

What You’ll Gain:

• Actionable Insights: Clear, practical steps to overcome common IT challenges and achieve a seamless transition to modern endpoint management.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Strategies to unify disparate IT environments and streamline management processes.

• Improved Security Posture: Techniques to bolster your organization’s defenses against evolving cyber threats.

By focusing on these critical areas, this eBook serves as a resource for IT professionals aiming to future-proof their digital operations while maximizing return on investment. Embrace a new era of IT management with solutions that bring together robust security, streamlined processes, and an agile approach to digital transformation.