While most organizations know cybersecurity is important, many don’t know how they can stay protected. On this episode of Cyber Chats, Proficio’s Director of Security Engineering, Bryan Borra, sits down with Tim Brooks, Chief Technology Officer for CISOSHARE, to dive into their years of experience to share tips on where to start and how companies can improve their security posture.
Since it often not a question of if but when a security incident will occur, they also impart strategies on the best way to be prepared so the team is ready, and the damage can be minimized. Tune in to hear their advice and learn how forming a successful partnership with security experts may be the best way to stay safe.
Summary of the Video:
Enhancing Your Security Posture: Insights from Proficio Cyber Chats
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, understanding where to start and how to improve your security posture can be challenging. In the latest episode of Proficio Cyber Chats, experts Brian Borra, Director of Security Engineering at Proficio, and Tim Brooks, Chief Technology Officer at CSOshare, shared valuable insights on these topics. Here are the key takeaways from their discussion:
1. Start with the Basics
Many organizations overlook fundamental aspects of cybersecurity. According to Brian Borra, ensuring that alerts are consistently reviewed and actions are auditable is crucial. This means having dedicated personnel to follow through on alerts and maintaining a robust auditing process.
2. Train for Cloud Technologies
As more organizations migrate to cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, traditional staff may lack the necessary expertise. Borra emphasized the importance of training and ensuring that staff understand new cloud technologies to avoid security misconfigurations.
3. Implement 24/7 Monitoring
While 24/7 monitoring is a best practice, it must be paired with an effective response strategy. Tim Brooks highlighted the importance of tuning alert systems to avoid alert fatigue and ensure that only actionable alerts are prioritized.
4. Know What You Are Protecting
A thorough assessment of what needs protection is essential. Brooks suggested that new CISOs should start by understanding where data resides, critical applications, and network zones. This helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities and setting up appropriate safeguards.
5. Develop and Test Incident Response Plans
Both experts stressed the need for a comprehensive incident response plan. Tabletop exercises, which simulate real-world scenarios, can validate these plans and highlight areas for improvement. Ensuring that all team members are familiar with these processes can significantly reduce response times during an actual incident.
6. Prioritize Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability management is critical in maintaining a secure environment. Borra pointed out that organizations need to have a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. This involves regular scanning, prompt action on findings, and having a dedicated person or team responsible for this task.
7. Leverage Strategic Partnerships
Given the resource constraints many organizations face, partnering with external experts can be highly beneficial. Brooks explained that partners bring specialized knowledge and experience, which can be crucial in managing advanced security technologies and maintaining an effective security posture.
Conclusion
Improving your organization’s security posture requires a strategic approach that starts with the basics, involves thorough training, and includes continuous monitoring and assessment. By developing robust incident response plans and leveraging strategic partnerships, organizations can better protect themselves against cyber threats. For more insights and detailed discussions, visit Proficio’s website and tune in to the latest episodes of Proficio Cyber Chats.
About Proficio and CSOshare
Proficio is a leading managed security service provider, offering advanced security monitoring and management solutions. CSOshare specializes in maturing cybersecurity procedures and processes, helping organizations improve their overall security posture.