09 Sep Are Your Cybersecurity Tools Working? Here’s How You Can Find Out!
So your organization has invested in dozens of cybersecurity tools. But you’re currently unsure if they’re working, or functioning at a good rate. It is hard to measure the effectiveness of certain cybersecurity tools when you’re unaware of how to track successful progress with your cybersecurity protection.
In a survey sponsored by IBM Security, it is discovered that more than 40% of respondents attributed the lack of cybersecurity visibility due to factors such as:
- Unmanaged devices
- Lack of information regarding the security and location of sensitive data
- Poor understanding of threats
- Lack of understanding regarding threats that target cloud environments
- Ineffective security tools
The respondents claimed that their security analytics tools are ineffective due to their lack of knowledge of the results that they should expect. In other words, most respondents are not aware of the benchmark to look out for. For example, the respondents are unsure regarding what constitutes “normal” user behavior vs what defines “unusual” user behavior.
The lack of clarity regarding cybersecurity tools can be detrimental to the organization. Without knowing the head from the tail, it will be hard to decipher whether or not your expensive cybersecurity tools are in working order.
How to: Test Your Cybersecurity Tools
Organizations can identify the effectiveness of your cybersecurity tools can be determined through the influx of cyberattacks.
Alternatively, organizations can conduct scheduled penetration testing to determine security gaps. Penetration testing refers to a simulated cyber attack where ethical hackers break into corporate networks and their protective barriers. This is used to detect and find security gaps within the systems. The results accumulated from pen-testing allows both the IT and cybersecurity experts to arrange reparative efforts for.
The results of penetration testing are also useful for:
A. Avoiding potential network downtime by discovering security lapses
B. Protect the company image by avoiding possible data accidents
C. Keep costs down as disturbances and breaches to businesses in the digital era can be expensive
Learn more about penetration testing here.
How to: Find Out if Cybersecurity Tools are Ineffective
1. Devices are not secured
An unmanaged device is simply, a device without proper security. Unmanaged devices often result in ineffective cybersecurity protection. In a rapidly digitalizing world, smart lighting, printers, and internet routers are connected devices that lack proper security.
This blind spot gives cybercriminals the chance to probe your security network for weak links, resulting in potential exploits and cyber threats. One way to counteract this is by simply leaving no device unmanaged and behind.
2. Lack of knowledge
The lack of knowledge and understanding in simple cybersecurity can also be detrimental. Employees have to understand where sensitive data is stored.
Employees with terrible security habits are a big threat – as their ignorance and carelessness often lead to cyber breaches. This is why it is essential for the HR team of every company to continually educate employees on safe cybersecurity practices. Additionally, it is the role of a HR personnel to identify potential employee threats (e.g. an emotionally unstable employee might leak the personal password and details to a third party for revenge).
Learn more about the role of HR in cybersecurity here.
3. Ineffective security tools selected
Whilst it’s important to have basic security measures (i.e. password and login details) implemented within the organization. It might not be enough to protect your organization from cybersecurity threats.
Threats are constantly evolving, according to different trends. As hackers get more and more creative, so should your cybersecurity measures.
A trained and qualified cybersecurity specialist will be able to draw up a cybersecurity framework plan – for everyone in the business to understand. The 3 cybersecurity frameworks are:
- Control frameworks: This refers to the basic set of controls a cybersecurity specialist wants to implement. Control frameworks are usually implemented in a brand new organization. These frameworks are mostly used to help develop an initial roadmap for the security team.
- Risk frameworks: Risk frameworks allow cybersecurity professionals to ensure that cybersecurity professionals are managing their program in a way that prioritizes security activities. Risk frameworks are used to:
- Identify key steps to help assess and manage risk
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- Determine, measure, and quantify the risk
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- Prioritize security activities
- Identify ways to structure risk management programs
Learn more about the different types of cybersecurity frameworks here.
4. Lack of staff
If you need a mailman, hire a mailman. Similarly, if you need to proper cybersecurity protection, you’ll need to hire a trained cybersecurity specialist for the job. There are no shortcuts when it comes to safeguarding your company’s sensitive data.
It is important to remember that regardless of your company’s size, service, or product offered, cybersecurity is an important element in the world of business today. Hiring and establishing a team of cybersecurity specialists, who will establish an internal system to help protect your organization.
What are some mistakes that lead to bad cybersecurity protection? Let us know in the comments section below!
Need some help?
Outsource your cybersecurity headache to trained tech recruiters with Cyberstein. At Cyberstein, we offer the best manpower available to act as your first line of defense. Find out more about Cyberstein’s services here. Or contact Victor at ([email protected])for more information on how outsourcing and recruiting temporary cybersecurity talents is a great option to consider when it comes to protecting your company, its resources, and reputation online.
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