4 Critical Components of Tomorrow’s Cyber Security Incident Response

4 Critical Components of Tomorrow's Cyber Security Incident Response

In years past cyber security was a relatively straightforward topic. Basic monitoring programs were developed specifically for the detection of threats, such as worms and viruses. And this type of defense was perfectly acceptable and highly effective, mainly due to the fact that the very nature of the attacks was simple and therefore relatively easy to control. Back then, it was all about protection. But in today’s digital age, it’s about response. Specifically, it’s about ensuring that the following cyber security incident response components are put in place in order to successfully identify, address and combat the increasingly complex and persistent attacks.  And as we look to the future of cyber security, we can safely assume that incident response will play an even more critical role.  Four critical components stand out as we prepare for the road ahead.

Observation

This process takes monitoring and extends it to a greater degree. The fact is, in order to address highly sophisticated, advanced persistent threats (APTs), security professionals absolutely must employ tools and technologies that are equally advanced and capable of engaging in real-time threat detection. This includes 24/7 oversight of all networks, systems and applications. It’s also important to point out that security incidents are not all the same. In order to understand and address incoming threats, comprehensive observation across the entire organization is absolutely critical.

Orientation

The moment an incident has been identified, the security team must then orient itself to determine the attack’s specific context. Simply recognizing that a threat is eminent isn’t enough. IT personnel must also obtain valuable insight into the meaning behind that attack. Often times the orientation of an attack can be linked – either directly or indirectly - to what’s happening within the organization. For instance, the adoption of a new software package or the announcement of a new strategic partnership. The more information IT is able to discern about the reasons behind the attack, the more capable they will be to not only address the current threat but also develop a more solid cyber security incident response strategy moving forward.

Decision

With an in-depth understanding of what the incoming threat is, how and why it’s happening, the incident response team must then focus on the next step of determining what actions should be taken. This step can be especially challenging, particularly in organizations that have complex hierarchies, because it often requires executive input, which can impede timely response. Furthermore, all decisions must be properly documented and adequately defensible.  Those who are working on the front line require immediate access to data if they are to take the appropriate steps to combat the attack and mitigate potential damages. This is one area where organizations can and should adopt a proactive approach so as to avoid frustrating bottlenecks and costly delays.

Action

Finally, the decided-upon action must be taken in order to extinguish the threat and effectively limit the level of damages that it has the potential to cause. Because today’s security incidents vary greatly in both complexity as well as context, the cyber security incident response team must maintain comprehensive access to the entire network. Ongoing training and routine audits of this increased access level can help prevent internal problems. Furthermore, the use of best practices based on previous documented incidents can also create a much more effective incident response strategy.

Each of these four key components are essential in establishing a solid defense against would-be cyber-attacks. Unfortunately, very few organizations are capable of keeping up without the assistance of technology. So as we head into the unchartered future, automation can be the puzzle piece that ties everything together and facilitates a stronger and more seamless cyber security incident response strategy. With automated IR, every single incoming threat can be instantly detected (observed) and analyzed (oriented). Then, based on the information obtained, the appropriate steps (decisions) can be automatically set into motion (action). Best of all, this can all be done 24/7/365 with little to no human input required.

About the Author

Gabby Nizri is the CEO of Ayehu, Inc. Ayehu provides IT Process Automation solutions for IT and Security professionals to identify and resolve critical incidents and enable rapid containment, eradication and recovery from cyber security breaches.

Featured

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

  • Where AI Meets Human Judgment

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. It is driving business growth, shaping consumer experiences, and showing up in places most of us never imagined just a few years ago. Read Now

  • Report: Only 44 Percent of Organizations are Fully Equipped to Support Secure AI

    Delinea recently published new research on the impact of artificial intelligence in reshaping identity security. According to the report, “AI in Identity Security Demands a New Playbook,” only 44% of organizations say their security architecture is fully equipped to support secure AI, despite widespread confidence in their current capabilities. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.