In a world that has transformed significantly since 2021, communication service providers (CSPs) have witnessed shifting priorities and requirements. While the pandemic of yesteryears has receded, it has given way to a new era marked by geopolitical uncertainties and economic complexities on a global scale.

Undoubtedly, connectivity played a pivotal role in sustaining society and businesses during the pandemic. From video calls to the internet, it became our lifeline. However, as we navigate the uncharted waters of today’s world, CSPs continue to shoulder the responsibility of keeping society interconnected.

Focusing on Cyber Hygiene

Over the past few years, the concept of cyber hygiene has evolved significantly, particularly during and post-pandemic. In our analysis of security investments in 2021, we found that most CSPs were primarily focused on basic security upgrades, such as fortifying firewalls. However, as of 2023, our survey reveals a shift towards a more mature, multi-layered, and defense-in-depth security approach.

Our latest survey titled “Global Communication Service Providers – Market Growth Fuels Security Investments” demonstrates a notable change. The percentage of investments in firewalls has decreased from 48% in 2021 to 28% in 2023. Beyond firewalls, CSPs are now channeling resources into areas like DDoS detection and monitoring, DDoS cloud scrubbing, automation of security policies, and investing in ransomware and malware protection services. These investments are deemed equally crucial, signifying that the urgency prompted by the pandemic has given way to a rationalized approach.

Sustained Growth in Network Security

While the pandemic wave may have subsided, the forecast for sustained growth remains intact. Our research indicates that global traffic volumes are projected to grow by approximately 58% over the next two years. Simultaneously, investment in network security remains robust. Nearly all of the 2,750 senior IT professionals surveyed confirm that they are committed to investing in network security over the next two to three years.

The rationale behind this commitment is clear. The number of DDoS weapons used for launching attacks reached an estimated 15 million in 2022, while Microsoft’s 2022 Defense report revealed a staggering average of 1,955 attacks per day, marking a 40% year-on-year increase in 2022.

Challenges in the Evolving Landscape

CSPs are confronted with an array of challenges stemming from the evolving cybersecurity environment and external macroeconomic factors. Most notably, the heightened risk associated with exposed APIs raises concerns. This, coupled with persistent supply chain challenges and the imperative of maintaining service quality to avert outages, ranks as the top challenges faced by CSPs.

As CSPs strive to capitalize on demand and expand their networks, the criticality of network security becomes increasingly evident. Effective network security not only safeguards their networks but also enables them to manage the surge in subscribers, devices, and applications that drive their growth ambitions.

Recommendations for Future-Ready Security

To address these challenges effectively, it is recommended that CSPs collaborate with trusted security partners to fortify and scale their networks. Additionally, adopting new technologies such as AI, machine learning, threat intelligence, and leveraging automation can simplify network management, enhance resource control, ensure uptime, and provide comprehensive visibility into network traffic.

Meeting the Unstoppable Demand

For CSPs, the relentless surge in traffic demand shows no signs of abating, even in today’s unpredictable market. The global telecom services market, valued at USD 1,805.61 billion in 2022, is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030.

While the upcoming year may bring uncertainties, CSPs are gearing up for innovation and digital transformation to weather the storm. In this context, network security assumes an even more vital role, as it stands as the bedrock of resilience in a world poised for the future.

In conclusion, the landscape for CSPs has evolved, and so have their priorities in network security. With steadfast commitment and strategic investments, CSPs are poised to navigate the complex terrain of the digital era, ensuring that they remain resilient, secure, and ready to embrace the future.