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INE Security, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and certifications, today announced the results of a global study examining the convergence of networking and cybersecurity disciplines. “Wired Together: The Case for Cross-Training in Networking and Cybersecurity” is based on insights from nearly 1,000 IT and cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
The report documents operational challenges created by this convergence and presents cross-training as the strategic solution.
“Our research reveals that while three-quarters of professionals recognise networking and cybersecurity as integrated disciplines, the majority still struggle with daily operational friction between these teams,” said Lindsey Rinehart, CEO of INE Security.
“Organisations with high levels of security and IT complexity face breach costs averaging $1.2 million higher than those with streamlined, integrated environments. This isn’t just about future preparedness; it’s about solving problems that are costing organisations money today.”
The report reveals that only 33% of professionals feel “very well” or “extremely well” prepared to handle the intersection of networking and cybersecurity, while 41% report being only “moderately well” prepared. This preparedness gap creates significant operational challenges but also presents strategic opportunities for organisations that invest in cross-domain expertise.
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“Cross-trained professionals don’t just respond to incidents faster, they prevent the implement-break-fix cycles that plague most organisations,” Rinehart added. “When teams understand both networking and security domains, projects deploy successfully the first time, emergency rollbacks become rare, and operational costs decrease substantially.”
Key Findings From The Report
- Integration Reality: 75% of respondents view networking and cybersecurity as either “completely integrated” (29%) or “highly interconnected” (46%), with only 7% still viewing them as separate disciplines
- Preparedness Gap: Only 33% feel well-prepared to handle networking-cybersecurity intersection, creating operational vulnerabilities and increased costs
- Collaboration Challenges: While 37% collaborate with counterparts “most of the time” or “always,” 34% collaborate only “sometimes,” and 23% work together “about half the time”
- Critical Friction Points: Nearly one in five professionals (18%) identified knowledge gaps as their primary challenge, while organisational misalignment affects nearly a quarter of respondents
- Convergence Drivers: 77% cite growing cyberthreat complexity as the primary convergence driver, with widespread cloud adoption, remote work, and IoT device proliferation accelerating integration
- Six Critical Overlap Areas: Network monitoring, security monitoring, firewalls, configuration management, detection, and access control represent the most significant convergence points where cross-training delivers immediate benefits
INE Security’s Recommendations For Organisations Include
- Four-Step Cross-Training Implementation: Conduct skill assessments, deploy varied training methodologies, measure impact and ROI, and scale successful programmes
- Enhanced Threat Detection: Develop comprehensive visibility across network architecture and security implications to reduce incident response times
- Operational Excellence: Streamline workflows to reduce handoffs between specialised teams and eliminate failed implementations
- Cost Optimisation: Reduce downtime costs (averaging $5,600 per minute) through improved incident response and integrated operations
The report emphasises that successful cross-training transforms organisational culture by creating common language between teams, enabling balanced decision-making, streamlining operations, and improving talent retention through reduced workplace friction.
“Breaking down security silos and fostering cross-team cooperation is essential for responding to the accelerating pace of cyberthreats,” Rinehart concluded. “Organisations that invest in developing professionals who can speak both languages will gain measurable advantages in threat detection, operational efficiency, and business resilience.”
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