The paradigm shift from vulnerability to threat, and then to risk, is not new to those who have been in the cybersecurity industry for a long time. It is a systematic approach that involves identifying vulnerabilities, understanding the threats that can exploit them, and evaluating the potential risks associated with the threats. While this approach makes professional sense, in the market, people tend to jump to the vulnerability level first, generating raw technical vulnerability management reports without proper training or understanding of the underlying risk management principles.
The raw technical vulnerability management reports need to be analyzed in the context of threat modeling to determine the likelihood of risk exposure. Not all vulnerabilities are created equal, and their impact can vary depending on factors such as the location of detection, the intended use of the asset, accessibility, and exploitability. Therefore, the process of determining cyber exposure requires a comprehensive approach that considers all these factors.
However, the market tends to focus on the aesthetics of the reports, such as colorful graphs and dashboards, rather than the accuracy and effectiveness of the analysis. The reports list hundreds, if not thousands, of vulnerabilities without properly distinguishing false positives or performing manual professional sound judgments such as attempting to exploit the reported vulnerability or performing ethical hacking. This approach is flawed as it can lead to overreliance on automated tools and processes, which can be inadequate in detecting advanced threats.
The wake-up call often comes when a company or government agency experiences a cyber-attack, despite investing millions, if not billions, in cybersecurity infrastructure and applications. News headlines regularly feature big corporations that have been hacked, and the hackers leave comments about the company’s weak cyber defense systems. These incidents highlight the importance of proper training and learn-by-doing to master cybersecurity competencies and knowledge. Relying solely on automated tools or officers without proper training can lead to disasters that can have a long-term impact on the enterprise’s reputation and financial stability.
IT governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) should be prioritized before any other cybersecurity measures. Enterprises need to have a comprehensive risk management framework that considers their assets, the associated risks, and the mitigation measures that need to be implemented to ensure the continuity of their operations. The GRC approach should involve regular audits, risk assessments, and vulnerability scans, and should be backed by strong policies, procedures, and guidelines that are communicated effectively to all stakeholders.
In conclusion, the shift from vulnerability to threat and then to risk is crucial in ensuring effective cybersecurity. While the market tends to prioritize the aesthetics of cybersecurity reports, it is essential to focus on the accuracy and effectiveness of the analysis. Enterprises must prioritize IT governance, risk management, and compliance to ensure that they have a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that considers their assets, associated risks, and mitigation measures. This approach requires a long-term investment in training and learn-by-doing to master cybersecurity competencies and knowledge. By prioritizing risk management, enterprises can ensure the continuity of their operations and protect themselves against potential cyber-attacks.
E-SPIN Group has been operating in the IT industry since 2005, providing a wide range of services such as consulting, supply and delivery of IT GRC, threat and vulnerability management, application security testing, ethical hacking and penetration testing, redteaming operations, and other related solutions. Our company offers a comprehensive approach to IT security by catering to the unique requirements of our clients, whether it be point solutions or a total solution. If you’re in need of any of our services or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact E-SPIN Group.
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