The Evolving Network: AI, Security, and Asset Management in 2025
The network is the invisible foundation of modern business, but its complexity is growing at an exponential rate. This September, the conversation in the networking world has crystallized around a few key themes: the critical role of AI in security, the strategic importance of network asset management, and the ever-present skills gap.
AI: The New Sentry for Network Security
The question is no longer if AI will be used in network security, but how it will be used. As a recent article on Network Computing highlights, AI is becoming an essential tool for handling the sheer volume and sophistication of modern threats. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of network traffic in real-time, identifying anomalies and potential threats that would be impossible for a human team to catch.
However, this new paradigm also introduces new challenges. How do you handle the alerts generated by these AI systems? How do you ensure the AI itself doesn’t become a target? The consensus is that AI is not a replacement for human expertise, but a powerful force multiplier. It can automate the tedious work of threat detection, freeing up security professionals to focus on strategic analysis and response.
A Boardroom Look at Network Asset Management
For too long, network hardware has been treated as a simple IT expense. But a recent push in the industry is reframing it as a critical business asset that needs to be managed strategically. A boardroom-level view of network asset management is emerging, one that considers not just the technical specs of a router or switch, but its role in the overall risk management strategy of the company.
This means understanding the entire lifecycle of a network device, from procurement and deployment to maintenance and eventual decommissioning. It means having a clear picture of what assets you have, where they are, and what risks they pose. In an era of constant cyber threats, knowing your network is the first step to securing it.
The Persistent Skills Gap
A recurring theme in the networking world is the persistent gap between the skills needed and the talent available. As networks become more software-defined and automated, the role of the network engineer is changing. It’s no longer enough to know how to configure a router; engineers now need to have skills in programming, automation, and data analysis.
Organizations are struggling to find people with this hybrid skillset. This is leading to a greater emphasis on training and certification, as well as a push to develop more intuitive, user-friendly network management tools that can be used by a broader range of IT professionals.
The networking landscape of 2025 is one of rapid change and increasing complexity. The organizations that will succeed are those that embrace automation, treat their network as a strategic asset, and invest in the skills of their people.
Source: Based on reporting from Network Computing.
