The Shifting Landscape of Cybersecurity: Unveiling the Global Trends in Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index

Dr Magda CHELLY, CISSP, PhD
Magda On Cyber
Published in
3 min readMar 21, 2023

The digital landscape has never been more complex. With the increasing interconnectedness of people, devices, applications, and data, the world has transformed into a fluid, hybrid environment, challenging organizations to adapt and evolve their cybersecurity postures to keep up. In this ever-shifting landscape, how can companies ensure they stay ahead of the curve and maintain robust security measures?

Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index, a comprehensive study involving 6,700 respondents across 27 countries and more than 18 industries, offers valuable insights into global cybersecurity trends.

By examining the state of deployment of security solutions across the five core pillars of cybersecurity protection — identity, devices, network, application workloads, and data — the index categorizes companies into four stages of readiness: Beginner, Formative, Progressive, and Mature.

Download the Report.

The findings of the report highlight the stark reality that a majority of companies worldwide are lagging in their cybersecurity preparedness. With only 15% of organizations classified as having a Mature cybersecurity posture, the study underscores the urgent need for businesses to invest in their cybersecurity infrastructure and prioritize the protection of their digital assets.

As we dive deeper into the data, we uncover vital lessons and best practices that companies can adopt to enhance their cybersecurity readiness:

  1. Embrace a holistic approach: Companies must adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach to cybersecurity, covering all aspects of their digital environment. This includes securing identities, devices, networks, applications, and data.
  2. Invest in continuous improvement: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring, assessment, and adaptation. Companies should strive for a culture of continuous learning and improvement, staying up to date with the latest threat intelligence and security best practices.
  3. Foster collaboration and information sharing: Effective cybersecurity requires collaboration, both internally and externally. Companies should encourage cross-functional teamwork, as well as participate in industry-wide information sharing initiatives to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
  4. Prioritize employee education and training: Human error remains one of the most significant causes of cybersecurity breaches. Organizations must invest in employee education and training, empowering them to recognize and respond to potential threats.
Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Report

By understanding the current state of global cybersecurity readiness and implementing these best practices, companies can effectively navigate the complexities of this ever-changing landscape.

As we continue to witness the rapid evolution of digital technologies, it is crucial for organizations to stay vigilant, agile, and proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. After all, the safety and security of our digital world depend on our collective efforts to stay ahead of the curve.

By Magda Chelly

Chief Security Officer | TEDx Speaker | Author & Keynote Speaker | IFSEC Global Top 20 Cybersecurity Influencer | Entrepreneur | PhD, S-CISO, CISSP, Cert SCI (General Insurance)

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Dr Magda CHELLY, CISSP, PhD
Magda On Cyber

Cyberfeminist | Entrepreneur | Former CISO | PhD, CISSP, S-CISO | CoFounder Responsible Cyber | @womenoncyber | Documentary The Dark Web on @myCanal