The rise of hybrid work models and the proliferation of cloud- and artificial intelligence- (AI-) based applications and services have altered the way organizations approach network security and driven the demand for zero-trust security, secure access service edge (SASE) and SD-WAN and managed serviced, according to Aryaka’s latest report.

The Secure Network Transformation Report 2024 surveyed 202 IT, security, and network professionals across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia and found several trends emerging in the industry.

Trend #1 Networking and security technologies are converging

The convergence of networking and security technologies is a prominent trend identified in the report.

The surveyed professionals identified the biggest challenges they are facing in managing wide area networks (WAN) and enterprise network connectivity, which include the complexity of connecting different networking domains such as cloud, branch and wireless (41%), cost (26%), Complexity of choosing the types of network technologies such as MPLS, Internet, SD-WAN, wireless and broadband (20%), expertise and knowledge (10%).

“IT, security and network professionals understand the benefit of deploying integrated network and security services,” Aryaka noted in the report.

This integration is driven by the adoption of cloud technologies, with SASE and SD-WAN emerging as key solutions for managing security complexities through deeper integrations.

The survey showed a significant 70% of respondents see value in converging these solutions, citing top benefits include robust network operations and security (34%), less operational burden (24%) and vendor consolidation (19%).

To dive deeper, Aryaka asked the respondents to order SASE functionality and the top ones include the next-generation firewall (NGFX), SSL inspection, Web/URL filtering, and data loss and prevention (DLP).

Trend #2 SASE and SD-WAN technologies reach maturity

Once considered the domain of startups and niche solutions, SASE and SD-WAN technologies are now reaching maturity and are recognized as legitimate tools for modern networks, Aryaka wrote in the report.

The report reveals that the majority (84%) of respondents consider SASE solutions either “mature” or “somewhat mature,” with SD-WAN receiving an even higher number (91%). In addition, 65% of them believe that SASE will grow as a strategy to implement a more agile and pervasive security strategy.

“This maturation positions SASE and SD-WAN as trusted, complementary tools for modern network security strategies. SASE integrates security features with SD-WAN's network optimization capabilities, ultimately simplifying management and strengthening security,” Aryaka wrote.

Trend #3 Zero-trust networking is a cornerstone of hybrid work security

Survey respondents acknowledged that zero-trust security approaches and applications-level security will continue to be a key element of network services to support a hybrid workforce.

The report showed that 64% of respondents consider zero-trust security a crucial component of SASE for hybrid work deployments.

They also identified zero-trust network access (ZTNA) and unified security as one of their investment priorities, along with SD-WAN and SASE, hybrid infrastructure and cloud cost management.

Other trends and drivers

The report found professionals see SASE, SD-WAN managed services, managed networks and network as-a-service (network-as-a-service (NaaS)) managed services as playing a greater role in managing the complexity of cloud networks, AI, and hybrid workforce.

An overwhelming 84% of respondents plan to increase their investment in cloud services this year including cloud networking and security services compared to last year, while 78% have hybrid plans for network and security either immediately or in the next 6-12 months.