GTT’s latest research-based white paper, Trends and Solutions for a More Secure Perimeter: Integrating SASE, SSE and SD-WAN Solutions, revealed that companies receive a wide range of benefits by jointly managing SD-WAN and SASE solutions. Like in our previous blog, The Big Takeaway: 97% Say Cybersec & Network Integration is the Logical Next Step, these insights were based on a survey, conducted by Hanover Research across the US, UK and Europe, fielding questions to decision makers of SD-WAN, SSE, or SASE.

Major Insights

• Most companies need Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to help them fill skills gaps to handle complex, integrated networking and cybersecurity solution design and deployment.
• These companies also desire MSPs to share their knowledge with in-house technology teams, combining the benefits of deep technical expertise with deep understanding of the business, which leads to improved deployments.
• A solution that is co-managed with a 3rd party provides the level of confidence companies need, furnishes the right mix of solutions and services, and offers knowledge and expertise that compensate for customer deficiencies, allowing those companies to focus on their core business.

Survey Data Shows Co-Managed Solutions Are Most Popular

The chart below shows that overall, most companies co-manage complex solutions with a 3rd party, enabling them to retain some control. Few (<20%) have outsourced their solutions entirely to an MSP while the remainder still manage them in house. The co-managed joint arrangement is becoming more common as services become more complex and more integrated. In our experience and that of the survey respondents, MSPs typically assign a single point of contact, either remotely or at times, embedded with the customer's team for a period of time to develop relationships and work face-to-face with the internal team.

Sharing Information Builds Trust, Trust Leads to More Shared Information

At GTT, we have seen how the hybrid or co-management process helps foster deep relationships and trust between in-house technology teams and their MSP. This trust further enables the two-way transfer of knowledge. Over the past several years, we have observed how the co-management process has evolved in two different ways.

1. The Permanent Arrangement. Some companies prefer to offload more management responsibilities and the technology infrastructure to their MSP as a permanent arrangement, while still being kept in the loop. This enables their internal IT staff to concentrate on handling revenue-generating activities, which run on the infrastructure that the MSP manages. The IT staff is kept informed of infrastructure changes made by the MSP and how they can apply those changes to enhance revenue-generating activities.
2. The Transition Period. Other companies prefer to use the co-management process as a transition period. In this way, the MSP upskills the internal IT staff, allowing them to become experts on a wide range of SASE and other services and to take on more day-to-day management chores, which they in turn can use to boost their revenue-generating activities.

Selecting the co-managed option, for either of these reasons, helps companies solve their challenges in ways that best fits their needs while improving performance and revenue.

Most Deployments Within a One-Year Timeframe

The survey also showed that 81% of respondents said their company will complete a SASE framework in the next 12 months. 77% will deploy various SSE solutions within the next 12 months, without a full-blown SASE framework. Looking at these percentages, GTT Senior Vice President of Product Management, Tom Major said, "We expect SASE and for those not using SD-WAN to incorporate more advanced SSE solutions to adopt a co-management structure as they bring these solutions on-line to address the complexities and provide the expertise that these infrastructures demand."

A GTT customer, Mario Paricio, IT CTO Manager at HMY Group, spoke about his own experience, saying, “GTT’s team supported us through the change from MPLS to SD‑WAN, and we leverage their technical knowledge to enhance our own skills so we can support our users in a more informed way.”

Click to find out more about the benefits of co-managed integrated SD-WAN and SASE solutions and advanced SSE.

GTT’s latest white paper, Trends and Solutions for a More Secure Perimeter: Integrating SASE, SSE and SD-WAN Solutions, supported by research commissioned by GTT and conducted by Hanover Research, revealed that 97% of SD-WAN, SSE or SASE decision makers believe integration is the logical next step of organizations with SSE and SD-WAN solutions.   The study showed that cybersecurity and networking teams that are integrated, or that regularly work together, experience simpler deployment, better communication and an overall stronger security posture than non-integrated teams.

The survey deployed across the US and EU found that most cybersecurity and networking teams (88%) are fully integrated or regularly work together. To drill down, almost half of companies (47%) report that their cybersecurity and networking teams work separately but communicate and collaborate regularly, while 41% report that their cybersecurity and networking teams are fully integrated under one management.

Of those who have integrated their teams, respondents said it had resulted in:

It’s clear that integration leads to stronger security and better processes

Among non-integrated teams, 28% reported that "Network security (was) not as strong as it could be." An outcome of non-integrated teams is the lack of passed on security knowledge from Cybersecurity to Networking, while teams that are integrated benefit from the sharing of information.

Nearly half (49%) of respondents in the non-integrated group said that lack of coordination or clarity in team responsibilities is an issue. Furthermore, 46% said that their non-integrated teams suffer from slower decision making and solution implementation.

More Benefits

The respondents also confirmed that when integration is properly executed it improves security, network and operational outcomes by:

• Improving security posture by gaining visibility into network traffic and security events by applying AI, machine learning and automation to rapidly detect and respond to threats
• Enhancing security for users, devices and applications through improved collaboration between teams and providing better oversight, Reducing latency by avoiding the routing of traffic through multiple network and security gateways
• Increasing agility by enabling companies to quickly deploy new applications and services
• Promoting simplicity by eliminating the need for multiple point products, which eases management and delivers unified experience
• Supporting digital transformation initiatives by integrating cybersecurity while protecting against evolving cyberthreats
• Reducing total cost of ownership

Beyond the above benefits, a carefully implemented integration facilitates various digital transformation initiatives. These include remote work capabilities, branch office modernization and cloud adoption strategies that many companies rely on.

A Strong Connection to Investments

Another point revealed from the study and highlighted in the white paper is the correlation between prioritizing integration and increasing investments. The current investments tend to be in integrated SD-WAN/Security solutions and cloud connectivity (67%). Respondents also stated that their organizations plan to further increase their investment, chiefly in integrated SD-WAN/Security solutions (57%) and cloud connectivity (56%).

 In reviewing the data used in the white paper, GTT Senior Vice President of Product Manager, Tom Major said, "There is a link between experiencing the benefits of integration, which includes reducing overall IT costs, and getting what one pays for." Major also noted that the data in the white paper makes clear the mission-critical nature of enterprise security solutions in regard to SD-WAN deployment and SASE framework integration. "Moreover, the respondents at companies that have deployed SD-WAN at scale and have integrated SASE frameworks at scale have done so for at least two or more years," said Major. "These forward-looking companies are taking a strong stance on integration; they're no longer playing with proofs of concept."

For companies seeking to achieve the benefits of integration, GTT will partner with them to create and deploy their ideal, integrated, secure cloud networking solution. In addition to designing and deploying the solution that fits their business needs, our customers receive a digital gateway, EnvisionDX, to manage, customize and control every aspect of their networking and security solution providing greater visibility and insights.

These statistics are a major concern for IT and security leaders, but they should be on everyone's radar. Malware comes in many forms, such as viruses, trojans, ransomware, worms, adware, and spyware. Each has its own harmful purpose-whether it's holding your data hostage, bombarding you with ads, or spying on your activities. All malware poses a threat, and the key to protecting yourself and the networks you work in is understanding how it spreads and how to stay vigilant.

Here are the most frequent methods used to infect devices, along with tips on how to stay safe online.

Phishing Emails

Email addresses are easily accessible and often used by cybercriminals to launch phishing attacks. These scams masquerade as legitimate messages from well-known companies and their goal is to steal sensitive information, such as passwords or account details, or to trick you into downloading malware by clicking on malicious links.

To avoid falling victim, there are some basic rules to follow:

• Verify the sender’s email address
• Be wary of urgent requests
• Inspect hyperlinks
• Never open attachments from unknown sources
• Consider whether the request is legitimate
• Check for odd spelling or grammar
• Report suspicious emails to your IT team

Fake Websites

Scammers can set up fake websites that appear almost identical to legitimate ones, tricking you into downloading malware. These fraudulent sites often rank high in search engine results or appear as ads, making it easy for unsuspecting users to click on them.

A good way to protect yourself is by bookmarking trusted websites or manually typing the URL into your browser. Additionally, properly configured firewalls can help prevent access to fake sites before any damage is done.

Fraudulent Apps

While app stores are generally safe, fraudulent apps can still slip through. Some may mimic popular apps to deceive users into downloading malware, while others pose as free versions of paid apps. Malicious apps can steal your data or damage your device after installation.

To avoid these, always check the app's reviews, download numbers, and developer information. Be wary of poorly rated apps with spelling errors in their descriptions, and ensure the permissions requested by an app make sense for its function.

Remote Access Scams

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows for remote access to your computer, and scammers often exploit this to steal data. Typically, they'll pose as tech support and convince you there's a problem with your device that only they can fix, gaining access to your computer in the process.

Most legitimate companies will never ask for remote access, so if someone does, be skeptical. Keeping your operating system and software up to date can also help protect against these kinds of attacks.

USB Drives

An old but still effective trick is the use of infected USB drives. These might be left in public places or given away as freebies at events, tempting someone to plug them into their computer. Once connected, the malware can install itself, compromising your system.

To stay safe, avoid using unknown USB drives and always scan external devices before opening them.

Some other things to consider when trying to stay safe and avoid malware:

• Always install updates for your operating system and any programs you've downloaded. These updates often include important security patches.
• Use strong passwords or better yet strong pass-phrases and ensure no two accounts use the same one and wherever possible, use two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
• Know the signs of infection including unusual pop-ups, slow performance, or unrecognized programs.

Whether on the road or working from your home or office, we each have a personal responsibility to keep our communications and systems free from malware and viruses. Brushing up on the latest best practices and informing your personal and professional networks of them can help us all stay productive and cybersafe. Please share this article with your networks.

As a global network provider, we seek to manage the environmental impact of our products, services and operations and continually improve our environmental performance and operating methods. GTT's goal is to be net zero by 2035 for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions that fall into Scope 1 are those generated in ways directly controlled by GTT, such as by equipment used in our offices, data centers and network operations. Any emissions that are indirectly associated with running our business, fall into Scope 2. An example of these would be the electricity consumed at our office locations, where the emissions are directly controlled by the energy providers. We are working to develop a detailed year-over-year roadmap to achieve the zero emissions objective. All parts of our business, from supplier management through to finance and network operations, are contributing to achieving these goals.

While our organization is a global one, we believe in creating local social benefit. As part of seeking not just to engage but to demonstrate good corporate citizenship with the communities we are in, we operate a GTT Gives Back charitable campaign that is focused on bringing our global teams together to support children’s causes. GTT offers employees two days of paid leave annually for involvement in charitable initiatives of their choice. You can find out more about these initiatives in our ESG report (page 19).

As an employer, our ESG efforts focus on employee health and wellness, education, employee engagement and networking at a local level. We have long prioritized the overall well-being of our employees with a heightened focus on mental health. Every GTT employee has free access to mental health resources. We are particularly proud of the corporate well-being award recently won by our team in Belgium. Across the company, we run Know-how clubs, where colleagues can build new relationships with and learn from each other on topics ranging from martial arts to dogs to books.

Good governance, the importance of acting with integrity, respect, and responsibility, is required in all our dealings. We strive to create a culture of ethical behavior in every aspect of our operations; we believe it's the right thing to do and essential to our long-term success. To ensure that all GTT employees understand our company's governance policies and procedures, GTT runs an annual Compliance Campaign which involves compliance training and acknowledgment of our corporate policies.

As GTT progresses and gains a better understanding of our environmental and social impact and governance, we must involve and educate all GTT employees. ESG compliance is a key priority for GTT just like it is for many other premier organizations; a robust ESG program will have a positive impact in our communities and position us well for success as a company and as a result, we provide annual online ESG training to all our employees.

Our ESG journey is ongoing. We have a robust roadmap of initiatives that are underway to improve our performance and transparency with an emphasis on our people, processes and technology, maintaining our continued commitment and progress across key ESG principles.

If you would like to join us here at GTT, please visit our Careers website for current available jobs here.

GTT has an unwavering commitment to employee improvement. The learning program is about more than imparting skills; it's about nurturing potential. Through structured programs that are intended to help employees grow and succeed, I have acquired the knowledge and expertise necessary to excel in my role. The confidence that comes from being well-prepared has been instrumental in my career growth, enabling me to embrace new challenges and responsibilities with enthusiasm and confidence.

I began my journey with the GTT Leadership learning path, a series of self-paced online courses curated by the Learning & Development Team at GTT. Since becoming a people manager, I've always aspired to be someone who not only leads, but inspires people to excel. The training has given me strategic frameworks and concrete steps to become a better leader. My team has grown a culture of excellence where continuous learning and superior work is our shared passion.

In addition to the online courses, GTT has a robust mentor-mentee program. The immersive experience of the Mentor program at GTT has served as another pivotal chapter in my professional growth. I'd joined the program to overcome my fear associated with giving a presentation. My mentor's personalized guidance and constructive feedback were pivotal in building my confidence - a real turning point for me. Thanks to his invaluable insights and actionable, repeatable techniques, presenting is no longer a nerve-racking experience but a platform to showcase the brilliant work my team produces with newfound strength and assurance. This mentorship has elevated my confidence and equipped me with additional tools helping me to develop both professionally and personally.

As the saying goes, learning is a lifelong journey. My pursuit of knowledge continues. Engaging in my second Mentor program, this time focusing on Sales Compensation, has been another exciting adventure. I am not just learning about compensation structures; I am forging a path towards becoming a strategic force in driving sales success.

Professionally, the impact of these programs has been undeniable. I've grown to become a confident and skilled professional, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. I've witnessed my own progress, and I'm continually motivated to aim higher and achieve more. By implementing these new coaching techniques to support skills development within my team, we've gained a shared language and understanding, enhancing both intra-team interactions and broader organizational engagements. This shared proficiency not only boosts productivity of individual team members, it contributes to a more cohesive and productive work environment.

These experiences underscore the significance of a growth-oriented, supportive workplace. I believe that the relationship between formal learning initiatives, mentorship programs, and one's own commitment to self-improvement is the recipe for professional excellence.

GTT's dedication to training, mentoring and learning and development programs is the driving force behind my professional and personal growth. I continue to feel inspired, which motivates me to be the best version of myself, both in the workplace and beyond.

If personal development is high on your list of what a future employer should offer you, I would strongly encourage you to visit GTT’s Careers website here.