Despite its innovation reputation, the network connectivity industry still depends largely on obsolete tools, such as spreadsheets for IP (IPAM) address management. This introduces significant risks, including human error, data corruption and essential security vulnerabilities, especially as the network scale.
On the surface, the network connectivity industry is incredible innovative and very advanced. However, some crucial aspects are still managed using rudimentary tools, such as simple spreadsheets. Most network operating centers still use Excel for IP resources management. Besides, 68% of small and medium enterprises Trust manual methods to track your IP addresses. This is inefficient and causes problems related to data security and IP -related resources.
IP (IPAM) address management is a complex task. The proper management of the addresses is essential for the monitoring of which devices are connected to the networks and what resources are using. Insufficient attention to IPAM Makes it easier So that the malicious actors take advantage of the unusual devices or access the confidential data stored in the subject.
In this context, the statistics of companies and organizations that still use spreadsheets for this purpose seem even more alarming. According to Ramutė in Vanelytė, the CEO or IPXO, its reasoning covers from a simple habit force to the lack of available tools. However, she warns that the spreadsheets were never designed for such critical tasks.
“The spreadsheets are in a hurry to administer something as sensitive and complex as the IP infrastructure. The excessive dependence of the topic introduces significant risks, ranging from human errors and data corruption to safety vulnerabilities. Syncity Syncity Syncity without safeguards incorporated against updates in conflict or leakage IP resources.
She gives a painful example of the fragility of this spreadsheet of the pandemic years. In 2020, the United Kingdom National Health Service Office (NHS) discharge More than 16,000 test results because it used a “XLS” format with a row limit of 65,536. After exceeding this limit, some of the test results had simply disappeared, which significantly hinders the NHS contact effort of the NHS in a crucial time in the propagation of COVID-19.
Why do organizations still use spreadsheets?
According to EM in Varietytė, there are many real world or mishaps related to the spreadsheet. In addition, spreadsheets amplify the risk relationship with human error. For example, the entire network could crumble if a team member inadvertently eliminates a crucial cell, changes a formula or doubles an address.
“While it is rare to find direct admissions that a spreadsheet caused an interruption, we know that human error is the most common root cause or network failures. If it is erroneous configuration, forgotten updates or copy errors, Inpame is the pointed fame. The exit in October 2021 can be attributed to human error,” he says.
The most common apologies for organizations that use tools with a continuous and unreliable date are related to a lack of will to change established practices. The organizations shared to a large extent that they are battery for spreadsheets and have never had a problem with them, or that it would be too difficult to migrate from them. The lack of adequate budget is also a common excuse.
“Ignoring modernization because” it has always worked “is like refusing to install the seat belts because it has never crashed. The fact that it has never had a problem has more to do with luck than the strategy. As for the price, IPAM tools have been affordable for a minute,” she says.
Modern alternatives to spreadsheets
The network connectivity experts insist that the world must move away from the spreadsheets and replace them with next -generation IPAM solutions. These tools must be centralized, easy to use and have additional capabilities, such as IP reputation scan, routing, geolocation and administration of ASN.
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