* [![perspectives](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/prespective-icon.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives) * Better Security Outcomes Start in the Boardroom: Why Platformization Is Essential English * [English](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential) * [Français (French)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.fr/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) * [日本語 (Japanese)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.jp/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) * [简体中文 (Chinese -Simplified)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.cn/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) * [繁體中文 (Chinese -Traditional)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.tw/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) * [Deutsch (German)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.de/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) * [한국어 (Korean)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.co.kr/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) * [Español (Spanish)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.es/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/) # Better Security Outcomes Start in the Boardroom: Why Platformization Is Essential ![Better Security Outcomes Start in the Boardroom: Why Platformization Is Essential](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential-1920-1.jpg) **By [Karim Temsamani](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/author/karim-temsamani/ "Posts by Karim Temsamani")** | **5 min read** | ![share icon](https://paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/cxo-perspectives/images/cxo-share.svg) * LinkedIn button ![linkedin-icon](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/microsite/cortex/images/share-linkedin.svg) * Twitter share button ![twitter-icon](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/microsite/cortex/images/share-twitter-x-black.svg) * \[Email share button ![email-icon](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/microsite/cortex/images/share-email.svg)\](mailto:?subject=Better Security Outcomes Start in the Boardroom: Why Platformization Is Essential\&body=Check out this article https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com.au%2Fperspectives%2Fbetter-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential%2F "Share in Email") * ![copy-icon](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/themes/csp2025/dist/images/icons/icon-share.svg) [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/better-security-outcomes-start-in-the-boardroom-why-platformization-is-essential/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=5d816de615 "Click here to download") MEET THE AUTHOR ![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Karim-Temsamani.jpeg) Karim Temsamani joined Palo Alto Networks in September 2024. As President, Next Generation Security, Karim leads GTM programs and global sales for the company's cloud security, security operations and network security platforms. Karim has spent his career building and scaling global businesses. Previously, he served as CEO of Cardlytics, a digital advertising platform widely used in the banking industry. Prior to Cardlytics, Karim led product and engineering for Stripe's banking and financial products. He also spent 12 years at Google, where he oversaw sales and operations across the AsiaPacific region and established Google's successful mobile advertising business. Karim began his career in the media and publishing industries and earned a degree in International Affairs at the European Business School Paris.... [Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/author/karim-temsamani/) ## IN THIS ARTICLE We've reached a critical juncture in cybersecurity. Artificial intelligence is evolving with unprecedented speed, making threats more frequent and sophisticated, and enterprises are struggling under the weight of fragmented security ecosystems. A new IBM Institute for Business Value [study](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/ibm-study-platforms-deliver-value), conducted in collaboration with Palo Alto Networks, lays bare a reality that many security leaders already know too well: complexity has morphed from a costly operational challenge to the "[biggest impediment to their security operations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2025/01/growing-need-cybersecurity-platformization/)." Layer upon layer of disconnected tools have created a patchwork defense, leaving organizations exposed. [Platformization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/platformization) is the solution that transforms security into a unified, intelligent system. Still, today, dozens of organizations respond to new threats and changing needs by layering on additional security tools. The study found that the average enterprise now manages [83 security solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2025/ibm-and-palo-alto-networks-find-platformization-is-key-to-reduce-cybersecurity-complexity) from 29 vendors. As a result, security operations centers (SOCs) have become inundated with alerts, unable to separate the signal from the noise. This sprawl has created an untenable situation where visibility is fragmented, integration is haphazard, and response times are unacceptably slow. The research does, however, highlight an urgent shift is underway: [75% of organizations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/ibm-study-platforms-deliver-value) that have embraced security platformization agree that better integration across security, hybrid cloud, AI, and other technology platforms is crucial, with [80% of platformization adopters](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/IBM-IBV-platformization-report) already reporting they have full visibility into potential vulnerabilities and threats. The time for incremental solutions has passed, and the answer is clear: The future of cybersecurity demands platformization. ## **Platformization as a Business Strategy** At its core, platformization integrates multiple security functions into a unified system where AI, automation, and real-time analytics work together seamlessly. Platformization not only reduces tool fatigue and streamlines IT operations but also serves as a fundamental reimagining of how organizations secure their digital environments. According to the study, organizations that have embraced security platformization identify threats [72 days faster](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2025/01/growing-need-cybersecurity-platformization/) and contain them 84 days sooner than their nonplatformized counterparts. They also achieve an average ROI of 101% on their cybersecurity investments --- nearly four times the return seen by nonadopters. But this isn't just about cost savings; it's about enabling growth, protecting revenue, and ensuring that cybersecurity is a strategic enabler rather than a barrier to innovation. In a recent [podcast](https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/threat-vector/54/notes), I talked with [Mark Hughes](https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-01-28-ibm-and-palo-alto-networks-find-platformization-is-key-to-reduce-cybersecurity-complexity), IBM's Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, who astutely pointed out that complexity itself is the enemy. The more fragmented an organization's security infrastructure, the harder it becomes to articulate risk to the board, let alone manage it effectively. This is why cybersecurity must shift from being viewed as an operational necessity to a boardroom priority. The question executives should be asking is not whether platformization is necessary but how soon they can implement a comprehensive strategy. ## **AI and the Evolution of Security Operations** One of the most striking takeaways from the study is the way AI is transforming security operations. Palo Alto Networks alone blocks up to [30.9 billion attacks daily](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2024/palo-alto-networks-launches-new-security-solutions-infused-with-precision-ai-to-defend-against-advanced-threats-and-safeguard-ai-adoption), with nearly 9 million of those being new and unique threats that didn't exist the day before. Traditional, siloed security approaches cannot keep pace with this level of dynamism --- nor can humans. Organizations that leverage AI-driven security platforms can move 60 times faster in preventing attacks compared to those relying on disjointed systems. But adding AI isn't enough --- security for AI must be built by design. This means ensuring that AI models are trained on high-quality, diverse threat intelligence, that automation is used to orchestrate real-time responses, and that security teams are equipped with the tools to operationalize AI insights effectively. This is where platformization delivers true value. Unifying security functions --- threat detection, incident response, compliance management --- under a single AI-powered system allows organizations to shift from reactive security postures to proactive threat prevention. Instead of SOC analysts manually stitching together insights from multiple tools, a platformized approach provides a singular, real-time view of an organization's security landscape. ## **The Board's Role in Driving Security Transformation** Too many boardroom discussions on cybersecurity have historically been reactive --- focused on compliance, risk mitigation, and breach response. But in today's environment, security must be embedded in business strategy from the outset. As Hughes pointed out, one of the biggest obstacles organizations face is not just the sophistication of attackers but their own inability to articulate risk clearly to executives. Security leaders must bridge this gap by reframing cybersecurity as a business imperative. The study found that 95% of executives in platformized organizations now view security as a source of value rather than a cost center. This shift in mindset is critical, but, oftentimes, unprecedented. Security should not be viewed as a sunk cost. It is an investment that enhances resilience, accelerates digital transformation, and ultimately fuels revenue growth. ## **Security for the Future** The future of security belongs to those who embrace transformation -- not just in technology but in mindset. Organizations that continue to navigate a labyrinth of disconnected tools will find themselves too slow, too reactive, and ultimately too exposed. Platformization isn't about consolidating for the sake of efficiency; it's about better security outcomes and enabling security teams to operate ahead of the speed of threats. See the full study results [here](https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/threat-vector/54/notes). * [Business Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/all-articles/?cat=business-transformation) * [Cyber as a Boardroom Topic](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/all-articles/?cat=cyber-as-a-boardroom-topic) * [Platformization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/all-articles/?cat=platformization) ## Related Content ![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Why-Cybersecurity-KPIs-Are-Changing-featured.jpg) BLOG ### AI **Why Cybersecurity KPIs Are Changing (And What This Means for Security Leaders)** True cyber resilience is impossible to achieve without strategic and tactic... [Helmut Reisinger](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/author/helmut-reisinger/ "Posts by Helmut Reisinger") [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/why-cybersecurity-kpis-are-changing-and-what-this-means-for-security-leaders/) ![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RFP-Bottleneck-featured.jpg) BLOG ### AI **From Weeks to Minutes: How We Applied an AI-First Transformation to the RFP Bottleneck** Understanding why manual efforts burn hundreds of hours and are bottlenecki... [Sandeep Uttamchandani](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/author/sandeep-uttamchandani/ "Posts by Sandeep Uttamchandani") [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/from-weeks-to-minutes-how-we-applied-an-ai-first-transformation-to-the-rfp-bottleneck/) ![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AdobeStock_704394220-16x7-1-scaled.png) BLOG ### AI **Is Your Enterprise Architecture Ready for the Agentic Workforce?** Exploring autonomous, agent-to-agent risk: Why your security needs governed... [Anand Oswal](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/author/anand-oswal/ "Posts by Anand Oswal") [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/perspectives/is-your-enterprise-architecture-ready-for-the-agentic-workforce/) STAY CONNECTED ## Connect with our team today Job Level Sign me up to receive news, product updates, sales outreach, event information and special offers about Palo Alto Networks and its partners. By submitting this form, I understand my personal data will be processed in accordance with Palo Alto Networks [Privacy Statement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown) and [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown). This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. Reach out {#footer} Products and Services * [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security?ts=markdown) * [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security?ts=markdown) * [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security/prisma-airs?ts=markdown) * [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions?ts=markdown) * [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown) * [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire?ts=markdown) * [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security?ts=markdown) * [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown) * [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown) * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall?ts=markdown) * [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations?ts=markdown) * [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown) * [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager?ts=markdown) * [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription?ts=markdown) * [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os?ts=markdown) * [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama?ts=markdown) * [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown) * [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown) * [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration?ts=markdown) * [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser?ts=markdown) * [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan?ts=markdown) * [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation?ts=markdown) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown) * [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown) * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown) * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown) * [Next-Generation Identity Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira?ts=markdown) * [Privileged Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/privileged-access-management?ts=markdown) * [Identity and Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-and-access-management?ts=markdown) * [Endpoint Privilege Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/endpoint-privilege-manager?ts=markdown) * [Identity Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-governance?ts=markdown) * [Workforce Password Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/workforce-password-management?ts=markdown) * [Agentic Identities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/agentic?ts=markdown) * [Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/secrets-management?ts=markdown) * [Unified Secrets Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/unified-secrets-governance?ts=markdown) * [Application Credentials Delivery](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/application-credentials-delivery?ts=markdown) * [Vendor Privileged Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/vendor-privileged-access?ts=markdown) * [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown) * [Proactive Assessments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown) * [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown) * [Transform Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown) * [Discover Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence-partners?ts=markdown) Company * [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us?ts=markdown) * [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/) * [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown) * [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility?ts=markdown) * [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers?ts=markdown) * [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations?ts=markdown) * [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom?ts=markdown) Popular Links * [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/?ts=markdown) * [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities?ts=markdown) * [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown) * [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) * [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center) * [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z?ts=markdown) * [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/compliance?ts=markdown) * [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure?ts=markdown) * [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap?ts=markdown) * [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd) ![Palo Alto Networks Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg) * [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown) * [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center?ts=markdown) * [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown) * [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal?ts=markdown) Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved * [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks) * [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector?ts=markdown) * [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/) * [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks) * [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks) * AU Select your language