Boost Cyber Security Returns With A Focused Approach

Carl Mazzanti is the president of eMazzanti Technologies in Hoboken.

Cyber Threats are increasing, so companies are spending more on Cyber Security, with spending worldwide increasing by 70% in the last four years. The budgeting is expected to reach $215 billion this year, but despite the spiraling financial commitment, many companies still question the efficacy and return on investment of their Cyber Security efforts.

Businesses, though, can work with IT support services providers to conduct validation exercises aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of their Cyber Security investments.

Validation exercises, conducted by Cyber Security professionals, can help businesses get the best return on their digital security investments. IT support services can assist businesses in conducting these exercises, which typically encompass simulated Cyber Attacks, rigorous security testing, and continuous monitoring protocols. Such proactive measures serve a dual purpose: identifying and prioritizing security vulnerabilities while enhancing overall security posture and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Industries like manufacturing — which are increasingly reliant on data, information, and interconnected technologies for operational efficiency — face particular Cyber Security challenges. Safeguarding these digital assets against breaches, alterations, disruptions, or unauthorized usage is necessary for operational continuity and regulatory adherence.

During the past few years, there have been big changes in regulations regarding data protection. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was implemented in the EU in 2018. The United States also passed measures like the California Privacy Rights Act.

In the US, laws such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act require public companies to have strong data security measures. The Federal Trade Commission Act also mandates that companies have data protection and secure data disposal plans; and businesses, regardless of size or industry, must adhere to strict rules when handling credit card data. These rules are outlined in standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Given the diverse Cyber Security validation strategies available, enterprises must adopt a multifaceted approach tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Three prevalent methodologies include Breach and Attack Simulations (BAS), Penetration Testing, and Red Teaming.

Breach and Attack Simulation entails the continuous evaluation of an organization’s security posture through automated tools that simulate real-world Cyber Attacks. This method aids in pinpointing vulnerabilities, security gaps, and misconfigurations within an organization’s defense mechanisms, offering actionable recommendations for remediation. BAS is done regularly to check an organization’s weak points and keep security strong.

Penetration testing should also be done regularly by ethical hackers. This involves authorized attempts to breach specific systems, networks, or applications. The tactics used are similar to those used by malicious actors. Penetration Testing is more thorough than BAS and can uncover advanced vulnerabilities, giving organizations valuable insights to strengthen their defenses.

Complementing these approaches are Red Teaming and Purple Teaming. Red Teaming concentrates on achieving specific objectives, such as disrupting services or compromising accounts, through targeted offensive maneuvers led by ethical hackers. Purple Teaming coordinates defensive strategies in response to Red Team attacks, improving an organization’s security and incident response capabilities.

These and other Cyber Security assessments, bolstered by comprehensive security awareness training initiatives, serve as linchpins in maximizing the return on investment in Cyber Security. Organizations that work with professional Cyber Security providers can strengthen their defenses, reduce risks, and confidently navigate the constantly changing threat landscape.