The pace and complexity of adversarial attacks is rapidly evolving.
According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Visibility Study conducted by NetApp and Futurum Group, more than half (54%) of enterprises have experienced a cyberattack in the past 12-18 months. Even more troubling, one in five of these organizations were unable to recover their data.
The situation underscores an urgent need for businesses to reimagine their cybersecurity strategies with a laser focus on resilience.
The Dual Role of AI: Solution and Threat
Cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to develop their attack tactics, including building AI-generated malware and launching automated phishing campaigns.
At the other end, defenders are harnessing AI to bolster their protection. The report finds that AI-based detection technologies are deployed in 40% of the surveyed organizations, with 30% planning further investment in AI capabilities for cyber-resiliency.
AI is also empowering organizations by enabling real-time anomaly detection and preemptive action against vulnerabilities. To stay ahead, organizations must integrate the technology thoughtfully, balancing its strengths with robust foundational security practices.
Security-by-Design: A Paradigm Shift
The complexity of hybrid multi-cloud environments and sprawling toolchains compounds the challenges of cybersecurity.
According to the report, nearly three-quarters (72%) of organizations use more than 40 cybersecurity tools, with 84% stating that the diversity is hindering their cyber-resiliency.
Consolidating these tools, and embedding security into the primary storage layer can help streamline operations and reduce gaps.
Prioritizing Defense Against Threats
Not all assets, files and workloads are born equal. With limited budget comes the need to prioritize what organizations want to spend their time and effort protecting and recovering.
Data classification is particularly critical, as the report reveals that organizations with robust data classification were more than twice as likely to recover their data following an attack compared to those without it (52% vs. 20%).
Responding to a Changing Threat Landscape
Cloud security risks, such as misconfigurations and identity-based attacks, remain top concerns for organizations. Over 40% of respondents cited challenges in identifying compromised data, prioritizing recovery and detecting threats across hybrid environments.
Additionally, evolving AI-driven threats demand continuous monitoring and adaptation. AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets and automate detection processes offers a path forward, but false positives and the need for nuanced human oversight remain challenges.
Collaboration and Adaptability: The Path Forward
The need for resilience has driven 93% of surveyed organizations to prioritize built-in cybersecurity capabilities within their information infrastructure over the next 12-18 months.
The shift reflects a broader recognition of the importance of simplifying toolchains, centralizing data visibility and integrating security solutions across environments.
The report also highlights the role of ecosystem integrations in strengthening cyber-resiliency. For example, integrating data security posture management (DSPM) into production storage enables centralized management, reducing blind spots and enhancing proactive data protection.
Empowering a Secure Future
Building resilience in today’s threat landscape requires more than just advanced technologies—it demands a cultural shift toward proactive, security-first thinking. Organizations must adopt multi-layered defense strategies that prioritize detection, prevention and recovery while fostering a collaborative approach to addressing emerging threats.
As businesses navigate the complexities of hybrid environments and evolving attack vectors, the ability to harness AI responsibly and integrate security across all layers will be the defining factor in their success.
With attackers innovating alongside defenders, the stakes have never been higher. The organizations that succeed will not only defend against today’s threats but will also set the stage for a secure and innovative future.
