Staying Secure, Skilled & Sustainable

Uploaded on 2025-04-04 in JOBS-Training, FREE TO VIEW, BUSINESS-Services-IT & Telecoms

The IT industry stands at a crossroads. Rapid advancements in AI and cloud technology are fast transforming operations, but they simultaneously introduce new security risks and operational complexities at every level. Gartner reported the average organisation utilises over 125 different Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, highlighting a significant increase in the complexity of IT environments.

Simultaneously, software supply chain attacks are predicted to impact 45% of organisations globally by the end of 2025.

Furthermore, our recent survey of over 1,500 IT professionals worldwide reveals 77% of cybersecurity remains their top concern, reflecting the growing urgency to protect hybrid infrastructures. At the same time, the significant shortage of AI and cloud skills available has placed further strain on IT teams already navigating an evolving digital landscape.

Against this complicated backdrop spanning regulatory change, tech-celeration and a growing remit –IT leaders need to swiftly move from the tactical to the strategic. Looking ahead, three key areas be decisive in shaping the future of the IT industry: cybersecurity, AI and cloud adoption, and sustainability.

Here’s how IT leaders can prepare for the road ahead.

Security - Defending Hybrid Infrastructures

With the rise of hybrid IT environments—where cloud-based and on-premises systems coexist- new security challenges have emerged. And as the global average cost of a data breach now stands at £4.88M, IT teams are under immense pressure to safeguard critical systems against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. AI-driven phishing attacks have surged by 58% in 2024, underscoring the continuously escalating threat landscape.
Hybrid infrastructures allow for multiple attack surfaces for bad actors to target, making a robust security approach business critical. Shifting away from traditional perimeter-based security models, many organisations are now implementing zero trust architectures (ZTA), which require continuous verification of all users and devices.

At the same time, AI-driven threat detection is becoming an essential defence mechanism, enabling real-time identification and mitigation of cyber risks.

With remote work still deeply embedded in modern business practices, securing endpoints has never been more important. Organisations must prioritise enhanced endpoint security to protect remote devices from potential intrusions. Additionally, as cloud adoption continues to accelerate, securing workloads and data across multi-cloud environments is now a fundamental requirement. However, technology alone is not enough—human error remains one of the leading causes of cyber incidents, underscoring the importance of continuous employee training and cybersecurity education.

Cybersecurity strategies must evolve alongside technological advancements. IT leaders must invest in cutting-edge tools while ensuring their teams have the knowledge and expertise to mitigate emerging threats. Proactive security measures, like regular penetration testing and comprehensive incident response planning, will be critical to staying ahead of potential breaches.

Skills – Underpinning AI & Cloud Adoption Success

According to our recent survey, 34% of IT professionals believe AI and cloud adoption are key drivers reshaping the industry, yet many organisations struggle to find qualified talent capable of supporting these innovations. AI and cloud technologies are revolutionising business operations; yet these advancements present a significant challenge: the need for specialised skills.

As AI tools become further embedded in IT workflows, organisations must ensure their teams have sufficient expertise in managing cloud security and compliance while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Additionally, AI operations (AIOps) are becoming essential, leveraging AI for IT automation, predictive analytics, and incident response. Hybrid IT management skills are also essential, as IT teams must balance workloads between cloud and on-premises infrastructures to optimise both performance and security. With AI processing more data than ever, understanding data governance, privacy, and ethical considerations is critical at a time of constant regulatory change

Bridging the skills gap calls for a multi-faceted approach. Organisations must invest in continuous training programs, upskilling initiatives, and strategic hiring to ensure their IT teams remain equipped to navigate a wealth of change. Partnering with educational institutions and offering certification programs can also help cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals, ensuring that businesses can fully harness the potential of AI and cloud technology.

Sustainability Is An Emerging Priority For IT Leaders

Beyond security and skills, sustainability is gaining momentum as a key consideration for IT decision-makers. With rising energy costs and increasing regulatory pressures, businesses are exploring new ways to optimise IT operations for efficiency and environmental impact.

A major focus is on green data centres, where companies are investing in energy-efficient solutions to lower their carbon footprints. AI-driven analytics are also playing a role in optimising workloads, ensuring that computing resources are allocated more efficiently to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Additionally, circular IT practices are becoming more prevalent, with organisations extending the lifecycle of hardware through refurbishment, reuse, and recycling programs. Reducing carbon footprints remains a priority, prompting companies to implement renewable energy sources and power-efficient technologies.

Meanwhile, sustainable software development is gaining traction, as developers design applications that use resources more efficiently and minimise computational waste.

Sustainability in IT is not just about corporate responsibility - it’s also a strategic advantage. By reducing energy consumption and operational costs, businesses can drive both environmental and financial benefits. Moreover, sustainability initiatives can enhance brand reputation and help meet evolving regulatory compliance requirements.

Preparing For The Future

The only certainty? Change will remain a constant. Cybersecurity threats will only continue to evolve, AI and cloud technologies will demand new and broader skill sets, and sustainability will become an increasingly critical priority. Organisations that proactively address these trends will be far better positioned to withstand the pace of change.

By investing in cybersecurity resilience, upskilling IT teams, and adopting sustainable practices, organisations will be empowered to navigate the complexities of the modern IT landscape while reaping the benefits of their digital transformation plans.

The key to success lies in balancing these technological advancements with strategic foresight - ensuring that IT teams are not just keeping pace with change but leading it.

To thrive, IT leaders must embrace a holistic approach that integrates security, innovation, and sustainability. The organisations that prioritises these areas will not only mitigate risk but also create a more agile, resilient, and forward-thinking IT ecosystem.

Martin Hodgson s Director Northern Europe at Paessler

Image: Alisson Saeng

You Might Also Read:

The Shadow IT Problem No One Talks About:

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 7,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.