The 2014 Cisco Annual Security Report estimates there will be a global shortage of over one million security professionals this year alone. Cisco’s Managed Threat Defense uses machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics.
The service detects possible threats in real-time by employing heuristics designed to spot anomalous traffic patterns. Suspected incidents get immediately escalated to a trained Cisco security investigator in one of the company’s global security operations centers, where they validate the fidelity of the incident before partnering with the customer’s team to remediate.
The platform incorporates existing Cisco Security solutions such as Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), Sourcefire FirePOWER and Cisco Cloud Web Security.
“Business needs are quite fundamental, but often times you’re better served by having a team of experts work on your behalf,” wrote Bryan Palma, general manager and senior vice president of Cisco Security Solutions, in a blog. “You do not have to worry about assessing the best technology options, retaining the right number of security experts and constantly staying current with the changing threat landscape. Instead, you can partner with a trusted advisor in a simple cost-effective way.”
The skills shortage is only going to get more challenging for companies as new technologies and communication platforms are being brought into the corporate environment, such as social media, BYOD and mobile applications. All of these technologies open new security challenges.
Palma added, “We know the challenges you face, from difficulty retaining the top security talent to keeping up with the changing nature of threats.”
Managed security is expected to see increased demand over time: Gartner has predicted that the MSS market will grow from $12 billion in 2013 to more than $22.5 billion by 2017. This year will be the beginning of a rather dramatic growth period for MSS.