South African Network Security Market

Security Threats Boost Growth in the South African Network Security Market

The burgeoning security threats in the South African network security market are boosting the demand for advanced network security solutions. The landing of undersea cables and consequent greater broadband penetration are expected to cause a further surge in security threats in the short term. Enhanced regulation is likely to stimulate demand in the untapped verticals in the medium-to-long term. "The escalating incidence of complex and malicious security threats is the primary driver for network security solutions in South Africa," says the analyst of this research. "An increase in broadband penetration and internet connectivity will further bolster demand in the short-term."

As security threats and breaches become more complex, companies need to invest in more efficient and effective solutions. Broadband penetration has been comparatively low in South Africa. Greater broadband penetration means that more companies will need to secure their networks by investing in appropriate solutions. Furthermore, increased broadband penetration has been shown to precede a boom in security threats, necessitating additional investment. The uptake of advanced security solutions in this market, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises, has been limited by low awareness of the nature and pervasiveness of threats and the need for extensive protection.

"There is currently no regulatory or industry body that educates the South African market on network security best practices," explains the analyst. "In an environment where security skills and awareness of the pervasiveness of threats are low, this significantly hampers the uptake of more advanced solutions." Vendors and systems integrators should lobby for the development of an appropriate industry body that can encourage greater regulation of network security solutions and advise companies on the implementation of adequate solutions. "Vendors are encouraged to develop their capacity to gather and monitor information on threat activity from installed appliances globally," concludes the analyst. "The data gathered can also be utilised to disseminate timely information to end-users on the nature of current threats affecting the South African landscape and how best to mitigate them."

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• FW/IPSec VPN
• SSL VPN
• IDS/IPS