Latest news with #ISC2CybersecurityWorkforceStudy
Techday NZ
7 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
AI adoption in cloud security rises as firms seek data protection
Research from Prowler has shown that artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the field of cloud security, based on insights from over 650 cloud security professionals worldwide. The company's State of Cloud Security Report indicates a growing reliance on AI-driven technologies as organisations seek to address vulnerabilities and fill gaps left by traditional security systems. Adoption rates The report found that 79% of surveyed cloud security teams are now using AI technologies to monitor and manage their environments. This figure suggests a widespread move towards automated systems, with organisations seeking solutions to keep pace with expanding cloud infrastructure and increasing demands on compliance. The adoption of AI in cloud security is being propelled by several factors, notably the ongoing cybersecurity skills gap. Data referenced in the report from an external 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates a global shortfall of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals. Nearly half of respondents using AI (44%) cited human augmentation, or the ability to support and improve analyst decision-making, as a primary benefit. Improved data protection was noted by 42% of respondents, and 38% reported enhancements in threat detection and response capabilities using AI systems. Challenges and trust issues Despite high adoption rates, the report highlights that only 42% of cloud teams saw actual improvements in data protection, and just 38% observed real progress in threat detection, suggesting that the benefits of AI are being realised unevenly across organisations. The figures indicate that while there is optimism regarding AI, measurable improvements are still in the process of being confirmed. Prowler's findings also reveal that confidence in AI is tempered by a cautious outlook on its future impact. Only 27% of professionals believe that AI and machine learning-driven analytics will have the most significant effect on cloud security over the next three years. The survey suggests that this cautious optimism is linked to the early stage of adoption and organisations' need for clearer, evidence-based outcomes from AI-based tools. "The pace at which cloud infrastructure is expanding is limiting the ability of many security teams to keep up. That's not just a challenge, it's a significant risk. The data shows a clear evolution and highlights the positives when adopting AI into how cloud security is being approached," said Toni de la Fuente, founder & CEO of Prowler. "Security professionals are not just using AI, they're relying on it to extend the reach and accuracy of their teams. As cloud environments grow more fragmented and real-time visibility becomes harder to maintain, AI's role in augmenting human effort and improving response times has become pivotal." According to the report, the primary uses for AI within cloud security teams relate to the scale and complexity of modern cloud environments, which are often fragmented and require real-time monitoring that traditional systems struggle to deliver. AI tools are being used to automate monitoring, manage compliance requirements, and provide what many professionals describe as 'human augmentation' for overstretched teams. Frameworks and transparency The report concludes that, as AI technology matures, its position as a fundamental element of the security stack is being solidified across diverse sectors with substantial cloud footprints. The analysis also suggests that organisations will only fully realise the benefits of automation and advanced analytics when integrating AI with transparent and adaptable security frameworks tailored for hybrid and multi-cloud systems. Survey data in the report suggests that ongoing challenges for AI adoption include building greater trust through demonstrating real-world efficiencies, resilience and responsiveness. Only then are organisations likely to report higher confidence in AI's influence on core cloud security operations. Follow us on: Share on:
Business Wire
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Dropzone AI Secures $37M Series B, Putting AI Security Analysts on the Front Lines of Cyber Battlefield
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dropzone AI, the leading provider of AI SOC analysts, has raised $37 million in Series B funding, led by Theory Ventures and joined by Madrona, Decibel Ventures, Pioneer Square Labs, and IQT. This infusion of funding validates Dropzone AI's unique solution as it leads the market for AI SOC agents, delivering measurable and transformative security outcomes for clients like UiPath, Zapier, Pipe, Assala Energy, and over 100 other enterprises. Their AI-native approach equips security teams with a superior defense - reducing security risks, operational costs, and analyst burnout - uniquely addressing the limitations of legacy cybersecurity solutions. 'Dropzone AI's ability to autonomously triage and investigate security alerts with human-level reasoning is a game-changer in a market that's overwhelmed by alert fatigue and attack frequency," said Vivek Ramaswami, Partner at Madrona Ventures. "At Madrona we look for founders who are passionate about advancing their sector and have the technical ability to do so; Edward exemplifies this pairing of vision and acumen. We're proud to support him and the Dropzone team in building what modern security teams need to stay ahead." According to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 67% of respondents face staffing shortages, worsened by layoffs and budget cuts, making it more difficult to secure their organizations and driving interest in AI SOC solutions as leaders recognize the need for fundamental change. Recent Gartner® research1 predicts that, 'multiagent AI in threat detection and incident response will rise from 5% to 70% of AI implementations to primarily augment — not replace — staff.' Additionally, we were recently named a Sample Vendor for AI SOC Agents within the 2025 Gartner® Hype Cycle ™ for Security Operations2. Dropzone AI is at the forefront of this transformative shift in cybersecurity strategies and investments, set to fundamentally redefine cybersecurity operations. 'Dropzone AI SOC analyst's performance is exceptional, delivering detailed, high-fidelity alerts within minutes,' said Andrew Marsh, Director of Information Security at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. 'This transparent, rapid processing and accuracy significantly elevates threat response capabilities.' Dropzone AI autonomously investigates security alerts, replicating the techniques of elite analysts and allowing SOCs to achieve coverage and speed that was not previously possible. CBTS, a North American IT services provider, uses Dropzone AI to enhance the efficiency and quality of its managed detection and response service. By offloading 30–50% of alert volume, the platform has significantly reduced repetitive work, allowing the team to focus more on threat hunting, customer onboarding, and improving coverage. 'Today's funding fortifies our market lead,' said Edward Wu, Founder and CEO of Dropzone AI. 'We're driving a generational shift in cybersecurity from manpower-bound, alert-chasing SOC teams to SOC teams backed by an army of autonomous AI agents that get to focus on what truly matters. This change is not optional; it's essential. We exist to level the playing field for cyber defenders, and we can field these next-generation capabilities right now. We know who we're working for. We'll ensure they always outmatch the attackers.' The capital will be deployed across three strategic pillars. First, Dropzone AI will amplify its global footprint to meet surging demands by growing sales, marketing, and customer-success teams, so more security teams can better protect and enable their businesses without large increases in headcount or budget. Second, the company will fast-track the creation of additional specialized, autonomous AI agents for manual security tasks. Finally, it will deepen and extend its roster of ecosystem partnerships and technical integrations, ensuring its solutions can work with security teams of all sizes, tool stacks, and maturity to boost operational efficiency, sharpen threat detection, and drive stronger ROI. "As the AI SOC market has begun to mature, Dropzone has pulled ahead of the pack," said Tomasz Tunguz, General Partner at Theory. "Their AI SOC analysts have been validated by some of the world's largest enterprises and MSSPs, and are in production across dozens of businesses – along with recognition from analyst firms like Gartner and Forrester. Dropzone's sales have taken off as they've established their position as a trusted category leader; we were excited to double down in the Series B to further accelerate their efforts and shape what's next in AI-native security platforms." To learn more about Dropzone AI or to book a demo, please visit: About Dropzone AI Dropzone AI weaponizes LLMs for cyber defenders, equipping them with armies of AI agents so that they can overmatch attackers. With Dropzone autonomously handling routine Tier 1 alert triage, organizations can spend less time on reactive security and more time on proactive security. The Dropzone AI SOC Analyst replicates the techniques of elite analysts and is trusted by more than 100 organizations, including Mysten Labs, Pipe, UiPath, and Zapier. Learn more by visiting ______________________________ 1 Gartner, 'Emerging Tech: Techscape for Detection and Response Startups,' Bhatia, Esha, and Apeksha Kaushik. , March 19, 2025. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. 2 Gartner, 'Hype Cycle for Security Operations, 2025,' Nunez, Jonathan, and Darren Livingstone, June 23, 2025. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Expand
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
INE Security Alert: Research Shows Purple Team Skills Drive Job Security as Cybersecurity Pros Seek Career Stability
Cary, NC, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research reveals that cybersecurity professionals with purple team capabilities – skills that blend offensive and defensive expertise – are in high demand, and have the potential to command salaries significantly higher than traditional specialists. The industry research findings, highlighted as part of INE Security's comprehensive two-month study of career trends in cybersecurity, reinforce how industry professionals are adapting to both economic pressures and evolving threat landscapes by developing cross-functional skills that bridge traditional red team and blue team disciplines. "We're seeing a fundamental shift in what makes cybersecurity professionals valuable," said Tracy Wallace, Director of Content Development at INE Security. "While the broader tech sector has lost over 300,000 jobs in the past two years, cybersecurity professionals with specialized purple team skills are not only keeping their positions – they're actually advancing, thriving, and proving that they possess strong earning power." Research Findings Paint Clear Picture INE Security's analysis of current market conditions reveals several key trends driving the rise of purple team capabilities: Salary Premium: Purple team positions command salaries ranging from $57,000 to $186,000, representing an 18% premium over traditional single-discipline security roles, according to ZipRecruiter. Market Demand: Despite 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally, 64% of organizations cite skills gaps rather than headcount as their primary security challenge (2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study). Career Advancement: Professionals with purple team experience show faster progression to senior and leadership roles, as organizations value comprehensive security understanding. "When organizations face budget pressure, they keep the people who can handle multiple responsibilities,' Wallace explained. 'Purple team professionals represent exactly that kind of versatility." Economic Uncertainty Drives Skill Convergence Cybersecurity professionals are navigating an increasingly complex career landscape. While the broader technology sector faces layoffs and budget constraints, cybersecurity remains a growth area, albeit one with changing requirements. Current economic pressures and evolving threats are creating demand for cybersecurity professionals who understand both sides of the security equation. The 2024 ISC² Cybersecurity Workforce Study supports these findings, showing that nearly two-thirds of cybersecurity leaders (64%) believe that skills gaps can have a more negative impact than staffing shortages, and 90% currently have one or more skills gaps on their cybersecurity teams. "Economic turbulence has a way of separating essential highly specialized skills from nice-to-have specializations," Wallace noted. "Organizations under financial pressure need security staff who can adapt, collaborate, and deliver results regardless of resource constraints." Scarcity Creates Value in a Competitive Market INE Security's analysis of current purple team job postings reveals consistent compensation patterns across major employers: Meta's Offensive Security Engineer, Purple Team: $117,000-$137,000 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package (Washington, DC) KBR's Red Team Operator, Blue/Red Cooperative Operations: $80,700-$121,000 (Washington, DC) Kroll's Purple Team Specialist: $100,000-$140,000 (Remote positions available) JPMorgan Chase Purple Team Operator: $80,000-$120,000 (Dallas, TX) These positions represent a premium over traditional single-discipline security roles, with the limited supply of qualified candidates driving competitive compensation packages. Career Resiliency Through Adaptation INE Security's ongoing focus on cybersecurity career resilience has revealed that sustainable cybersecurity careers require continuous adaptation rather than static specialization. Purple team approaches provide a framework for ongoing learning that remains relevant regardless of how specific technologies or threats evolve. The research shows that professionals who develop purple team capabilities early in their careers demonstrate greater long-term earning potential and job satisfaction. These individuals often become the bridges between different organizational functions, making them indispensable during both growth and contraction phases. "The most bulletproof careers are built on adaptability rather than narrow expertise," Wallace noted. "Purple teams teach you to think systematically about security challenges, communicate across disciplines, and adapt to new situations. Those capabilities transfer regardless of what specific technologies you're working with." About INE Security:INE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security's suite of learning paths and preparation for professional certifications offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity and is committed to delivering advanced technical training for cybersecurity jobs while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career. CONTACT: Kathryn Brown INE kbrown@ Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saviynt Accelerates Partner Growth Across Australia and New Zealand Through Saviynt University
The Identity Authority empowers 40+ partners across ANZ region with deep technical training, AI-enhanced identity insights, and rapid deployment strategies SYDNEY, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saviynt, a leading provider of cloud-native identity and governance platform solutions, continues to scale its global upskilling initiative through Saviynt University. In Sydney and Melbourne, Saviynt partner bootcamps trained over 40 individuals from 19 organizations in just two days. The initiative is part of a broader effort to equip the global workforce with the skills needed to secure today's digital enterprises. Dan Mountstephen, senior vice president of APJ (Asia-Pacific and Japan) at Saviynt said, "Saviynt is completely redefining the identity security landscape with our cloud-native, converged platform and implementation-first approach. Through initiatives like Saviynt University, we are not just enabling partners, we are accelerating their growth by delivering deep technical enablement, AI-driven identity intelligence, and proven deployment strategies. In Australia and New Zealand, our partners are already leading the charge with faster go-lives and smarter solutions that scale." The bootcamps in Australia are part of a broader global rollout of Saviynt University workshops, following successful sessions in India, EMEA and advancing into the United States throughout 2025. The initiative comes at a critical time, as the global cybersecurity workforce gap has surged to 4.8 million professionals, according to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, a 19% year-over-year increase. In Australia alone, the skills gap jumped 71%, with only one cybersecurity expert for every 240 businesses, underscoring the urgency of specialized identity training. "The energy and technical acumen shown by our Australian partner community was incredible," said Suraj Krishnaiah, vice president, Enablement and Solutions at Saviynt. "With each Saviynt University session, we are seeing greater technical depth and stronger implementation confidence across our global partner ecosystem. The Identity Cloud's capabilities combined with the expertise of our partner ecosystem are setting a new benchmark for rapid, intelligent identity deployments." Led by Saviynt's senior leadership including Krishnaiah, Vice President of Partner Sales for Asia-Pacific and Japan Sunil Kedaraji, and Channel Director ANZ region Reno Maglitto, along with technical experts from the United States and Australia, the sessions offered a blend of hands-on product deep dives, real-world implementation insights, and gamified simulations. Attendees explored Time-to-Value (TTV) methodology, Privileged Access Management (PAM), and AI integration in identity workflows. They also gained insights into the latest innovations, including Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) and Just-in-Time Access (JITA). "I am proud of the strong momentum we are building in Australia," said Kedaraji. "This initiative reflects our ongoing investment in empowering partners with the knowledge, tools, and technical capabilities needed to confidently deliver best-in-class identity security solutions. Our focus remains on deepening collaboration, enabling faster deployments, and driving business outcomes for customers through a trusted partner-first approach." This global expansion of Saviynt University reflects the company's commitment to bridging the identity skills gap, supporting partners with scalable local resources, and advancing enterprise identity security maturity across industries and regions. To learn more about Saviynt University, please visit the website. About Saviynt Saviynt empowers enterprises to secure their digital transformation, safeguard critical assets, and meet regulatory compliance. With a vision to provide a secure and compliant future for all enterprises, Saviynt is recognized as an industry leader in identity security whose cutting-edge solutions protect the world's leading brands, Fortune 500 companies and government organizations. The company recently launched Saviynt University to help reduce the knowledge gap in cybersecurity and identity management by providing free training and certification programs, with significant focus on practitioners in India. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts For Saviynt APAC and India Roshi Press Contact Jacklyn Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Saviynt Accelerates Partner Growth Across Australia and New Zealand Through Saviynt University
SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Saviynt, a leading provider of cloud-native identity and governance platform solutions, continues to scale its global upskilling initiative through Saviynt University. In Sydney and Melbourne, Saviynt partner bootcamps trained over 40 individuals from 19 organizations in just two days. The initiative is part of a broader effort to equip the global workforce with the skills needed to secure today's digital enterprises. Dan Mountstephen, senior vice president of APJ (Asia-Pacific and Japan) at Saviynt said, 'Saviynt is completely redefining the identity security landscape with our cloud-native, converged platform and implementation-first approach. Through initiatives like Saviynt University, we are not just enabling partners, we are accelerating their growth by delivering deep technical enablement, AI-driven identity intelligence, and proven deployment strategies. In Australia and New Zealand, our partners are already leading the charge with faster go-lives and smarter solutions that scale.' The bootcamps in Australia are part of a broader global rollout of Saviynt University workshops, following successful sessions in India, EMEA and advancing into the United States throughout 2025. The initiative comes at a critical time, as the global cybersecurity workforce gap has surged to 4.8 million professionals, according to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, a 19% year-over-year increase. In Australia alone, the skills gap jumped 71%, with only one cybersecurity expert for every 240 businesses, underscoring the urgency of specialized identity training. 'The energy and technical acumen shown by our Australian partner community was incredible,' said Suraj Krishnaiah, vice president, Enablement and Solutions at Saviynt. 'With each Saviynt University session, we are seeing greater technical depth and stronger implementation confidence across our global partner ecosystem. The Identity Cloud's capabilities combined with the expertise of our partner ecosystem are setting a new benchmark for rapid, intelligent identity deployments.' Led by Saviynt's senior leadership including Krishnaiah, Vice President of Partner Sales for Asia-Pacific and Japan Sunil Kedaraji, and Channel Director ANZ region Reno Maglitto, along with technical experts from the United States and Australia, the sessions offered a blend of hands-on product deep dives, real-world implementation insights, and gamified simulations. Attendees explored Time-to-Value (TTV) methodology, Privileged Access Management (PAM), and AI integration in identity workflows. They also gained insights into the latest innovations, including Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) and Just-in-Time Access (JITA). 'I am proud of the strong momentum we are building in Australia,' said Kedaraji. 'This initiative reflects our ongoing investment in empowering partners with the knowledge, tools, and technical capabilities needed to confidently deliver best-in-class identity security solutions. Our focus remains on deepening collaboration, enabling faster deployments, and driving business outcomes for customers through a trusted partner-first approach.' This global expansion of Saviynt University reflects the company's commitment to bridging the identity skills gap, supporting partners with scalable local resources, and advancing enterprise identity security maturity across industries and regions. To learn more about Saviynt University, please visit the website. About Saviynt Saviynt empowers enterprises to secure their digital transformation, safeguard critical assets, and meet regulatory compliance. With a vision to provide a secure and compliant future for all enterprises, Saviynt is recognized as an industry leader in identity security whose cutting-edge solutions protect the world's leading brands, Fortune 500 companies and government organizations. The company recently launched Saviynt University to help reduce the knowledge gap in cybersecurity and identity management by providing free training and certification programs, with significant focus on practitioners in India. For more information, please visit
