What's the best way to handle multivendor security system management?

Suppliers adding integration platforms to boost security system management

In some cases, organizations may need to enlist third-party advisory services to redesign the way they use existing systems.

More vendors and managed security services providers are trying to remedy this situation by offering platforms that act as integration points for more comprehensive and collaborative security practices.  There is nothing new about the concept of security vendors and managed security services providers pitching their underlying platforms as mechanisms to facilitate the integration of the functionality of multiple point products. But security suppliers are stepping up their efforts to work with third-party vendors to improve integration between technologies in security portfolios. 

That said, there is still room for progress in security system management. The best way to improve the outcomes from an existing investment in security technology is to try to map out objectives and look for new ways to leverage point products to address existing gaps. Look for ways to improve the use of current technologies. For example, find a way to sift through vast volumes of data captured by a security information and event management product using an analytics tool, or apply trending data to develop better policies to eliminate common user errors that result in data leakage. 

In some cases, organizations may need to enlist third-party advisory services to redesign the way they use existing systems. Ultimately, what IT needs to do is to look at security system management as a holistic practice that requires orchestration, communication and collaboration across both devices and personnel to succeed.