Cross-training in networking and cybersecurity emerges as vital strategy to reduce breach costs

A new global report by INE Security highlights the growing convergence of networking and cybersecurity disciplines, emphasising cross-training as a key solution to operational friction, increased breach risks, and rising costs in IT environments amid evolving cyber threats.

INE Security, a prominent provider of cybersecurity training and certifications, has released a comprehensive global report titled “Wired Together: The Case for Cross-Training in Networking and Cybersecurity,” based on insights from nearly 1,000 IT and cybersecurity professionals worldwide. This study explores the growing convergence of networking and cybersecurity disciplines and identifies the operational challenges that arise from this integration, positioning cross-training as a crucial strategic solution.

The report reveals a significant recognition within the industry that networking and cybersecurity are intertwined fields; 75% of professionals surveyed view these disciplines as either completely integrated or highly interconnected. Despite this awareness, a substantial proportion still experience operational friction between networking and cybersecurity teams, which hampers efficiency and increases the risk and cost of security breaches. Lindsey Rinehart, CEO of INE Security, highlighted that organisations facing complex security and IT environments suffer breach costs averaging $1.2 million higher than those with streamlined and integrated systems, a direct financial consequence of these operational inefficiencies.

A notable gap uncovered by the research pertains to preparedness, as only 33% of respondents felt very or extremely well prepared to manage the intersection of networking and cybersecurity roles. Meanwhile, 41% said they were just moderately prepared. This gap not only creates vulnerabilities but also leads to increased operational costs and inefficiencies. Collaboration challenges further compound these issues, with only 37% of professionals collaborating with their counterparts most or all of the time, and nearly a quarter citing organisational misalignment as a primary challenge.

The pressures driving this convergence are multifaceted. Growing cyberthreat complexity tops the list, cited by 77% of respondents as a key factor. Additionally, widespread adoption of cloud technologies, remote working arrangements, and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices accelerate the need for integrated skill sets. The report pinpoints six critical areas of overlap where cross-training yields immediate benefits: network monitoring, security monitoring, firewalls, configuration management, threat detection, and access control.

INE Security emphasises that cross-training does more than just reduce incident response times. It prevents the costly implement-break-fix cycles that many organisations encounter by fostering faster and more accurate deployment of projects, reducing emergency rollbacks, and lowering overall operational expenses. Rinehart underscores that professionals with expertise across both networking and cybersecurity domains contribute to smoother project execution and enhanced operational effectiveness.

To help organisations bridge the gap, the report outlines a four-step approach to cross-training implementation: conducting comprehensive skill assessments, deploying diverse training methodologies, measuring the initiative’s impact and return on investment, and scaling up successful programmes. This approach aligns with the broader goal of improving threat detection through enhanced visibility of network structures alongside their security implications, which could significantly curtail incident response times and minimise downtime costs that average $5,600 per minute in many enterprises.

Moreover, the cultural transformation that comes with successful cross-training cannot be overstated. Creating a shared language and understanding between networking and cybersecurity teams is vital to breaking down silos, enabling more balanced decision-making, streamlining workflows to reduce handoffs between specialised groups, and ultimately fostering better talent retention through reduced workplace friction.

In conclusion, as cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated, the need for integrated expertise within IT environments grows ever more urgent. Organisations that prioritise cross-training and develop professionals who can navigate both networking and cybersecurity landscapes stand to gain measurable advantages, not only in terms of enhanced threat detection and operational efficiency but also in fortifying overall business resilience. According to Lindsey Rinehart, this approach is essential for meeting the accelerating pace of cyberthreats and reducing costly security breaches in today’s complex technological landscapes.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (TechRound) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• ^[2] (GlobeNewswire) – Paragraphs 1, 2
• ^[3] (GlobeNewswire) – Paragraphs 2, 3
• ^[4] (INE) – Paragraphs 1, 2
• ^[5] (INE) – Paragraph 3
• ^[6] (Security Boulevard) – Paragraphs 1, 2
• ^[7] (TechBullion) – Paragraphs 1, 2

Source: Fuse Wire Services