Hewlett Packard Enterprise Report Reveals Trials and Errors of Security Operations

PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 17, 2017) - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) (NYSE: HPE) today published its fourth annual State of Security Operations Report 2017, which provides deep analysis on the effectiveness of organizations' security operations centers (SOCs), and best practices for mitigating risk in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With increased pressure to rapidly innovate and align security initiatives with business goals, a SOC provides the foundation for how organizations protect their most sensitive assets, and detect and respond to threats. However, findings from this year's report show that the majority of SOCs are falling below target maturity levels, leaving organizations vulnerable in the event of an attack. 

Published by HPE Security Intelligence and Operations Consulting (SIOC), the report examines nearly 140 SOCs in more than 180 assessments around the globe. Each SOC is measured on the HPE Security Operations Maturity Model (SOMM) scale that evaluates the people, processes, technology and business capabilities that comprise a security operations center. A SOC that is well-defined, subjectively evaluated and flexible is recommended for the modern enterprise to effectively monitor existing and emerging threats; however, 82 percent of SOCs are failing to meet this criteria and falling below the optimal maturity level.¹ While this is a 3 percent improvement year-over-year, the majority of organizations are still struggling with a lack of skilled resources, as well as implementing and documenting the most effective processes.

"This year's report showcases that while organizations are investing heavily in security capabilities, they often chase new processes and technologies, rather than looking at the bigger picture leaving them vulnerable to the sophistication and speed of today's attackers," said Matthew Shriner, Vice President, Security Professional Services, Hewlett Packard Enterprise. "Successful security operations centers are excelling by taking a balanced approach to cybersecurity that incorporates the right people, processes and technologies, as well as correctly leverages automation, analytics, real-time monitoring, and hybrid staffing models to develop a mature and repeatable cyber defense program."