In an era where cyber threats continue to evolve at an alarming rate, non-production environments like development, testing, and analytics are emerging as prime targets for malicious activity, according to the Delphix 2024 State of Data Compliance and Security report by Perforce Software. This comprehensive report underlines the urgent need for businesses to bolster their security strategies across all operational areas, not just primary environments, to combat these growing threats effectively.
The Rising Risk to Non-Production Environments
One of the most significant themes highlighted in the report is the increasing frequency of cyber attacks on non-production environments. The data reveals that a staggering 54% of customers have experienced breaches in these areas. Despite this alarming statistic, 86% of respondents confessed to permitting security exceptions due to the perceived complexity and potential slowdown of development processes that strict compliance enforcement might cause.
David Wells, the product lead for compliance products at Delphix, stressed the essential role of channel partners in educating businesses about the importance of implementing robust security measures. This vital education includes integrators and independent software vendors (ISVs) who manage sensitive data, such as consumer or patient information, ensuring all user environments are adequately protected.
Consequences of Non-Compliance and the Role of AI
A significant concern raised in the report is the risk of non-compliance with various data protection regulations if these non-production environments remain unprotected. The rise of artificial intelligence in business operations further complicates this issue, increasing the need for solutions designed to secure data within AI frameworks. Rod Cope, CTO of Perforce, highlighted that while AI drives innovation, it also necessitates more stringent data protection measures due to its dual nature.
The report uncovers that a majority of respondents believe current technologies are inadequate for privacy protection in AI environments. Interestingly, two-thirds are actively seeking new solutions to bridge this gap. This search for better security tools indicates a clear market opportunity for vendors and their partners to develop and deliver advanced security solutions tailored for these modern needs.
Perforce’s Strategic Acquisition and Industry Impact
In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats are rapidly evolving, increasingly targeting non-production environments such as development, testing, and analytics. These areas have become prime targets for malicious activity, according to Perforce Software’s Delphix 2024 State of Data Compliance and Security report. This comprehensive analysis stresses the crucial need for businesses to enhance their security protocols not just for primary operational areas, but across the board, including these often-overlooked non-production segments.
Traditionally, businesses have focused their cybersecurity efforts on primary operational environments, assuming these are the most likely to be targeted. However, the Delphix report reveals a troubling trend: hackers are shifting their focus to less protected, secondary environments. These areas often lack the stringent security measures found in primary systems, making them attractive targets. Consequently, companies are urged to rethink and expand their security strategies to include more robust protections for all data environments, thereby mitigating the risks and guarding against the ever-growing landscape of cyber threats.
