In order to deliver real-time services to the user, improve data management, and support latency-critical applications, many enterprises are moving computing to the edge.

But this leads to new problems when it comes to securing systems. The latest Cybersecurity Insights report from AT&T Cybersecurity focuses on the security considerations necessary to implement edge computing securely.

Edge drives a distributed architecture in terms of applications, connectivity and networking. This requires a resilient, continuous, automated, and transparent architecture, so it makes sense to take a hybrid approach that includes legacy cellular, 5G, wireless, and cloud.

The most common use cases that will be implemented over the next three years are industrial IoT or OT functions (40%), enterprise IoT functions (39.1%) and consumer-oriented IoT functions. to industry (34.4%).

5G (43%) and cloud (39%) are seen as the preferred technologies for edge networking, although they are still likely to rely on familiar hardware, with 50.5% seeing the use of general purpose computers – laptops, tablets, etc. — and 46.3% personal devices like smartphones and wearables.

The report reveals that traditional security controls, such as firewalls, may still be relevant for the edge, but in a different, next-gen form. Compared to legacy security controls, edge controls should provide broader and more centralized visibility across the entire attack surface. Threat intelligence and threat detection and response capabilities can provide the necessary macro view. More than half of respondents say they are working on a combined approach to cybersecurity and networking, and SASE adoption is on the radar of respondents across all industries.

When it comes to investing in edge system security, 40-55% of respondents plan to invest between 11-20%, while 8-17% of respondents plan to invest 21% or more.

The attacks also raise concerns. Across all use cases, 74% of respondents say the likelihood of compromise is four or five (where five is very likely), with ransomware being the highest-rated concern.

Writing on the company blog, Theresa Lanowitz, head of evangelism at AT&T Business — Cybersecurity says, “We are heading excitedly into a world of edge computing. Whether that edge is in your city, your farm , your car or your home – – change is coming. This change calls for a new way of working together for organizations: collaborating and communicating cross-functionally, breaking down artificial barriers to deliver exceptional cutting-edge experiences, and challenging expectations. old ideas about what security is and how it is implemented.”

You can find out more about the AT&T Cybersecurity Blog.

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