In today’s digital-first world, enterprise networks are more distributed and complex than ever. As companies rely increasingly on cloud-based services, remote work, and interconnected systems, ensuring seamless connectivity, optimal network performance, and robust security has become a top priority. However, with these advancements comes the challenge of “network blind spots”—areas within the network that remain unseen, unmonitored, and vulnerable. According to Computer World, 84% of network professionals say teams are lacking critical data[1] to overcome these challenges ahead of impact. Left unchecked, these blind spots can impact performance, compromise security, affect revenue and lead to compliance issues, creating significant risks for organizations.
This 3-part blog series explores how network blind spots arise, why they’re a problem, and how to effectively address blind spots that challenge NetOps and SecOps teams for a more secure, high-performing network that meets modern business demands.
What Are Network Blind Spots?
Network blind spots are hidden segments, devices or areas within a network not detected by monitoring tools and which can negatively impact the network when not checked. Within blind spots, IT network and security teams are less likely to be aware of prevailing issues that affect service quality, and are vulnerable to security concerns.
Common sources of network blind spots include:
- Unmonitored Traffic Routes: Data that bypasses traditional network security measures, often by routing directly to cloud services or through remote connections.
- Shadow IT: Employees may use unauthorized applications and services, creating unmonitored traffic flows that fall outside the purview of network visibility tools.
- Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments: With data moving between on-premises, cloud, and remote environments, it’s challenging to maintain end-to-end visibility.
- New Technology: New connected technology that has not been thoroughly assessed, supported with in the approved visibility fabric or aptly maintained.
Without a comprehensive approach to network observability, organizations risk operating in the dark, unable to proactively manage or protect their networks, leaving them at grave risk of service outages, lower customer satisfaction, and churn.
Key Risks Posed by Network Blind Spots
If you have not addressed the blind spots throughout the network infrastructure or hybrid cloud ecosystem, it’s time to think about the risks.
Network blind spots pose multiple risks that can disrupt operations, reduce productivity, and increase the likelihood of security incidents. Below are critical risks associated with network blind spots. Examine the full scope of your visibility fabric when you experience any of these to make sure there is a means for early detection and remediation.
- Security Vulnerabilities
With blind spots, the most significant risk is the inability to detect and respond to potential cyber threats. Blind spots are often the most vulnerable areas of a network, easily targeted once discovered by threat actors. Malicious actors can exploit these unmonitored areas to gain access, move laterally, or exfiltrate data without detection. Without a means to increase visibility, IT teams cannot resolve vulnerabilities early and detect, investigate, or respond to active threats promptly and the potential for such proactively.
- Performance Degradation
Without close monitoring of specific network segments (and components), performance issues such as latency, bandwidth congestion, and application slowdowns can go unnoticed until critical impact. These issues can lead to poor user experiences, reduced productivity, and increased downtime, especially if critical applications are affected. Such degradation becomes alarming to business leaders.
- Non-Compliant
Many industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail, operate under strict regulatory standards that require comprehensive data monitoring and security measures. Blind spots can lead to compliance violations, resulting in costly fines, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. Without visibility, organizations may fail to meet the audit and reporting requirements necessary for compliance.
- Operational Inefficiencies
Blind spots make troubleshooting network issues more complex and time-consuming, prolonging remediation efforts. IT teams may waste valuable time trying to gather insight and investigating issues without complete data, leading to slower response times and reduced operational efficiency. Additionally, a lack of visibility, insight into all aspects of the network, and limited expertise make optimizing network planning, updates, and resource allocation challenging.
This is the first part of our series on “Uncovering Network Blind Spots.” We’ve explored what network blind spots are and the risks they pose, including security vulnerabilities, performance degradation, compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies.
In the next part of this series, we’ll dive deeper into how network blind spots arise and why it’s so challenging for modern IT environments to maintain comprehensive visibility. Be sure to read on and stay informed about these critical challenges.
Read Part 2: How Network Blind Spots Arise
[1] Computer Weekly, November 2024, “Network complexity and visibility blind spots an issue for 80% of firms”