CyberSecurity Effective Implementation¶
Estimated time to read: 3 minutes
The fusion of development, security, and operations (DevSecOps) presents opportunities for organisations to rapidly deliver services while maintaining a secure environment. The foundation of an effective security strategy lies in implementing and correctly combining various technologies. These technologies contribute towards threat identification, data protection, cloud security, identity management, vulnerability management, and end-user awareness.
Threat Identification and Response¶
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)¶
SIEM systems gather and analyse data from an organisation's infrastructure, which aids in detecting targeted attacks and data breaches early. Additionally, SIEMs provide valuable log management and compliance features.
Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)¶
SOAR tools streamline the integration of various security tools, permitting automated responses to low-level security events. These tools are used alongside SIEM systems to improve efficiency and reduce response times.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR)¶
XDR consolidates multiple security technologies into a singular platform. It facilitates faster threat detection and response by correlating data across multiple vectors (email, endpoint, server, cloud workloads, and network).
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)¶
EDR technology focuses on detecting, investigating, and mitigating suspicious activities on hosts and endpoints. Real-time monitoring and analysis features of EDR systems facilitate swift response by security teams.
Network Traffic Analysis (NTA)¶
NTA tools scrutinise network traffic to identify patterns and anomalies indicative of security threats. They provide insight into network activities, a crucial aspect for detecting unknown threats.
Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIP)¶
TIPs provide up-to-date information about threats and threat actors, aiding organisations in understanding, preventing, and mitigating cyber threats. TIPs enrich data collected by other security tools, such as SIEMs, with external threat intelligence.
Data Protection¶
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools prevent unauthorised access and sharing of sensitive data, whether it's in use, in transit, or at rest. Complying with regulations like GDPR and CCPA is a significant application of DLP.
Cloud Security¶
Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools ensure that an organisation’s cloud environments are secure and comply with industry standards and regulations.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)¶
IAM tools control user identities and their access to resources, playing a critical role in preventing unauthorised access, enforcing the least privilege, and providing a single source of truth for user access across an organisation.
Vulnerability Management¶
The process involves identifying, classifying, prioritising, remediating, and mitigating software vulnerabilities. Automated vulnerability discovery and tracking by vulnerability management tools help an organisation keep its software updated and shield against known vulnerabilities.
Security Awareness Training¶
While not a technology, security awareness training is integral to a cybersecurity strategy. This training educates employees to recognise and respond to security threats, minimising the risk of human error.
Implementing and Combining Security Technologies¶
When implemented correctly, these technologies can work together to provide an effective cybersecurity strategy. For instance, SIEM and SOAR can be combined to provide automated responses to threats detected by SIEM systems. EDR and XDR can work together to provide endpoint detection and response across various security vectors.
Similarly, IAM and vulnerability management tools can be used together to ensure that vulnerabilities aren't exploited to gain unauthorised access. CSPM and DLP technologies can work in tandem to ensure data in the cloud is secure and don't leak outside the organisation.
Organisations can create a robust security posture that aligns with the DevSecOps model by strategically integrating and automating these technologies. This enhances their ability to rapidly deliver secure software, safeguarding business operations and sensitive data from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.