To say IT professionals, have 'challenging' careers would be a vast understatement. Network security specialists today feel like they're fighting a perpetual battle. In many cases they are understaffed, undertrained and lack support to do the job they are being asked to do.

It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. By acquiring one overarching capability—continuous device visibility—the following five challenges can be effectively met:

• Devices are diversifying as their numbers explode
• Network perimeters are vaporizing (and so is control)
• Asset inventories are becoming increasingly inaccurate
• Network segmentation is critical but difficult to do correctly
• Getting executive buy-in and budget isn't always easy