Sometimes It’s Not About The Money: The Significance Of The June 2023 Cyberattack On U.S. Federal Agencies

In the interconnected digital age, cybersecurity threats continue to pose significant challenges for governments and organizations around the world. The June cyberattack that targeted multiple U.S. federal agencies stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our infrastructure and the potential for serious breaches. While this attack did not involve monetary ransom demands, its significance lies in the implications it holds for national security, the protection of sensitive data, and the potential disruption of essential services.

The Significance of the Hack

The June cyberattack represents a significant event with far-reaching implications. By targeting U.S. federal agencies responsible for critical government functions and holding sensitive information, the attackers exposed the vulnerabilities of our infrastructure. This attack brings to mind the notorious SolarWinds incident, which similarly highlighted the extent to which sophisticated threat actors can infiltrate crucial systems. Because no monetary ransom was demanded in this case, the incident serves to emphasize that the impact of cyberattacks often extends beyond financial motives.

National Security and Data Protection

Events like the June cyberattack raise serious concerns about national security. By infiltrating government agencies, threat actors gain access to sensitive data, which potentially compromises classified information and exposes critical infrastructure. The attack underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within federal, state, and local agencies, as well as their ecosystem of suppliers. The protection of sensitive data is essential to safeguard national interests and prevent potential disruptions to essential services.

Lessons Learned and Improving Cybersecurity

This attack provides valuable lessons for both the government and organizations in bolstering their cybersecurity defenses. It serves as a reminder of the severity of potential attacks, and it illustrates that prompt identification and remediation of vulnerabilities are crucial in mitigating the impact. Government agencies and utilities should invest in advanced threat detection and response capabilities, along with implementing robust access controls and encryption protocols. Regular security audits can help identify weaknesses and proactively address potential risks.

Furthermore, collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital in combating cyber threats. Information sharing and coordinated incident response efforts enable a more effective defense against sophisticated attackers. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their collective expertise and resources to minimize the risk and damage of future attacks. Ongoing training and awareness programs are also crucial to educate employees and users about potential threats and best practices for cybersecurity, as human error remains one of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain.

Money Is Not Everything

The June cyberattack on U.S. federal agencies serves as a powerful reminder that cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and pose significant risks to our infrastructure and national security. It also serves as a reminder that not all hacks are motivated by monetary gain. The effectiveness of this attack highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, proactive defense strategies, and collaboration between public and private sectors. By learning from this incident and investing in the necessary defenses, we can strengthen our ability to protect sensitive data, safeguard national interests, and minimize the risk of similar attacks in the future. It is not always about the money, but rather the broader implications and consequences that these cyberattacks can have on our society and systems.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

AI Doesn’t Want Your Job

News about artificial intelligence (AI) is hard to tune out these days. The technology is in explosion mode at the moment, and we are witnessing its application and entry into countless fields. Yet there’s a long road ahead in this narrative, especially when it comes to the implications AI is unleashing upon industries, and in some cases upon careers. Many workers have concerns about being replaced by AI, and there are certainly some job types that may be vulnerable to its powerful capabilities. The advancement of artificial intelligence has the potential to impact various job roles across different industries, but the widespread fears about jobs being replaced by AI may be somewhat unfounded.

Some Jobs Are Vulnerable to AI Displacement

The question for many is what jobs are potentially on the hook. It’s a complicated one to ask, because there are varying degrees of how much AI can step in as a human replacement. AI can take the load of performing repetitive, routine tasks, and even handle some of the outcome of its analysis. While the exact extent of displacement can vary, here are some job categories that may experience changes or potential displacement due to AI:

  • Routine and Repetitive Tasks: Jobs that involve repetitive tasks such as data entry, assembly line work, or basic customer service interactions can be automated with AI systems, leading to a decrease in demand for human workers in these roles.
  • Transportation and Delivery: The rise of autonomous vehicles and drones has the potential to impact jobs in transportation and delivery services, including truck drivers, taxi drivers, and couriers.
  • Customer Support: Chatbots and virtual assistants are increasingly being used for customer support, reducing the need for a large number of human customer service representatives. While AI can handle basic inquiries, human support may still be required for more complex or empathetic situations.
  • Data Analysis and Research: AI-powered algorithms and machine learning systems can quickly process and analyze large volumes of data, potentially impacting jobs in data analysis and research. However, human expertise will still be necessary for higher-level analysis and business decision-making.
  • Manufacturing and Warehouse Operations: Automation using AI and robotics can streamline manufacturing processes and warehouse operations, leading to a reduced demand for manual labor in these fields.
  • Financial Services: AI algorithms are being employed for tasks like automated trading, fraud detection, and risk assessment, potentially affecting jobs in financial analysis, auditing, and certain aspects of banking.
  • Healthcare Diagnostics: AI has shown promise in medical imaging analysis and diagnostics. Because it can assist healthcare professionals in interpreting results, it may impact jobs in radiology and pathology.

The list continues and can be expanded by imagining the kind of positions that could be tedious, repetitive, and ultimately costly to the organization as candidates for AI solutions and displacement.

It is important to note that while AI may automate certain tasks, it also has the potential to create new job opportunities and transform existing roles. Many industries are adopting AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. As technology advances, it is crucial for individuals to adapt and acquire skills that complement AI systems to remain relevant in the evolving job market.

Where AI is Already Getting to “Work”

The application of AI technology extends beyond traditional domains, with various industries harnessing its capabilities to drive innovation and improve processes. One fascinating example comes from the beauty industry, where AI algorithms are revolutionizing eyelash extensions. As highlighted by The Washington Post, computer vision and machine learning algorithms are being used to analyze facial features to recommend customized eyelash styles based on factors such as eye shape, lash length, and desired outcome. This integration of AI empowers beauty professionals with invaluable insights and personalized recommendations, elevating the overall customer experience.

AI’s creative potential is also making strides as evident in the work of Meta, a prominent player in social media and advertising. Meta’s pioneering open-source AI technology, MusicGen, is designed to generate original songs based on text and melody inputs. By utilizing natural language processing and deep learning algorithms to comprehend the conveyed context and emotions, MusicGen transforms inputs into unique musical compositions. This remarkable development demonstrates how AI can enhance human creativity and reshape the music industry, blurring the boundaries between human and machine collaboration in artistic endeavors.

In healthcare, AI-powered systems are revolutionizing medical image analysis, diagnosis, and treatment planning, ultimately leading to more accurate and efficient patient care. By leveraging AI algorithms healthcare professionals can achieve higher precision and streamline decision-making processes, ensuring improved outcomes for patients.

AI’s impact is being felt in the manufacturing sector as well. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on AI to optimize production processes, minimize downtime, and enhance quality control. By harnessing AI technologies, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, productivity, and operational excellence.

These examples highlight the diverse ways in which AI is already making a tangible impact across industries. As organizations continue to embrace and explore the potential of AI, we can anticipate even greater advancements that will transform how we live, work, and interact with technology.

Empowerment Through AI

These emerging use cases teach us a valuable lesson: the integration of AI into the workforce won’t involve an HR person tapping you on the shoulder and replacing your job with an AI. Instead, these examples demonstrate how AI is being introduced to enhance efficiency across various aspects of our work. The ultimate value of AI lies in its ability to augment human capabilities, recognizing that humans are indispensable contributors to productivity and the resources businesses rely on. Rather than displacing human workers, AI empowers them to perform their jobs more effectively, allowing for the optimization of processes and the realization of greater outcomes. AI simply acts as a catalyst for improved job performance.

The evolution and integration of AI into industries and economies are ongoing processes that require careful consideration and foresight. When applied intelligently, AI holds transformative possibility that can maximize human potential within the workforce. By leveraging AI as a tool for empowerment, businesses can unlock new levels of productivity and innovation. This approach serves as the foundation for a future where AI and human collaboration together drive prosperity and technological advancement. Embracing the symbiotic relationship between AI and human intelligence is key to cultivating a prosperous future where both can thrive.

Risking it All on Artificial Intelligence

Hopefully, thought leaders envision and encourage AI in a way that prioritizes collaboration rather than focusing on replacing humans. As we navigate these new waters, it’s imperative to consider the risks associated with driving a narrative solely centered on replacing human workers. This approach carries ethical concerns, potential drops in productivity, reputational damage, and exposure to the unknown. Any industry that rapidly displaces a critical component of their workforce is likely to encounter significant challenges, regardless of the possibilities.

It’s undeniable that artificial intelligence presents a remarkable opportunity for transformation and innovation across industries. While it is important to address concerns about job displacement and establish robust AI regulations, a balanced perspective is crucial. By identifying vulnerable sectors, harnessing the streamlining potential of AI, advocating for responsible regulations, addressing ethical considerations, and fostering ongoing collaboration, we can navigate the path of generative AI. Through thoughtful, informed decision-making, we can ensure its positive impact on our society, workforce, and economic landscape.

By striking a balance between innovation and human well-being, we can steer the course of AI towards a future that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks. We can leverage the capabilities of AI while upholding our ethical responsibilities.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

AI-Driven Transformation: Insights And Pitfalls

The potential transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable, positioning this technology as a significant force shaping the future of business. However, achieving industry-wide change is a journey filled with milestone moments, rapid advancements, and gradual adoption. Amidst these elements lie numerous challenges, and even industry giants like Google are exercising caution as they navigate the potential implications of AI. As Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, aptly puts it, typing confidential information into chatbots can be akin to “turning a bunch of PhD students loose in all of your private records.”

In this complex landscape, it becomes essential to explore both the valuable insights and potential pitfalls associated with AI-driven transformation. By delving into these aspects of AI, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the intricacies of implementing the technologies effectively and responsibly.

Big Google’s Big Irony Indicates Industry Concerns

Google, supposedly a prominent supporter of AI technologies, has joined the growing list of companies expressing caution about the use of AI. In a recent communication to its engineers and staff, Google emphasized the need for caution when it comes to entering confidential information into chatbots and utilizing computer code generated by AI tools. The company’s internal memo draws attention to the potential downsides and risks associated with AI-powered chatbot technology.

Ironically, while issuing this warning to its own employees, Google also recently made updates to its privacy policy, allowing the company to gather information individuals publicly share online to train its AI models. This move has sparked questions about privacy, web scraping practices, and the steps internet users can take to safeguard their data.

These ethical concerns, along with the financial risks, security vulnerabilities, and privacy implications raised in Google’s employee notice, have far-reaching implications for the industry. They underscore the urgent need for responsible AI deployment and highlight the crucial role of building trust with customers and stakeholders. By addressing these concerns head-on, the industry can strive towards a future where AI technologies are deployed in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring the protection of user data and promoting transparency in AI-driven processes.

A Guide to AI Concerns

While it is expected that AI will continue to see adoption and evolution, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with sensitive information. The industry must be mindful of the potential risks associated with the use of autonomous technology in general, and specifically with AI. It must take appropriate measures to protect sensitive data, including:

Access Restrictions to Sensitive Data

This should be familiar territory, but when it comes to AI sensitive information should be strictly safeguarded. This includes confidential business data, intellectual property, trade secrets, personal information, and more. Solutions that engage in this field should include proper multifactor authentication and roles-based access throughout its underpinnings, to minimize risk and prevent unauthorized data exposure.

Employee Training and Awareness

The human factor is always a concerning focus, meaning that at some point, it needs to be communicated that AI systems must be worked with responsibly. Incurring education, training, and messaging, a human-focused improvement program can significantly reduce the likelihood of unintentional data leakage, and actually may be one of the most significant tools available today.

Ongoing Vulnerability Assessments

With the rapid advancements in AI technologies allowing them to sound human, it is essential to conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify potential weaknesses where AI systems are integrating into the enterprise environment. Employing robust cybersecurity measures, such as comprehensive security, intrusion detection, and prevention systems, can help enhance the overall security posture of the organization. Inevitably, anomaly detection and response will be huge in the prevention of cyber incidents and data loss.

Vendor Due Diligence

When partnering with third-party vendors for AI implementation and development, conducting thorough due diligence is essential. You cannot let this become a gap; it’s essential to assess third-party security protocols, data handling practices, and compliance with industry standards. This will help ensure proprietary information remains protected throughout the AI lifecycle.

Know What You’re Doing At All Times

In the realm of AI, the age-old saying of “buyer beware” takes on a new meaning: “user beware.” Throughout the entire journey with AI, it is crucial for us, as humans, to remain aware of when we are interacting with an AI system. As these interactions often occur through channels that mimic human communication, it is essential for businesses to clearly disclose the presence of AI.

By being transparent about AI involvement and acknowledging its advanced potential and limitations, users can establish a foundation of trust and productivity while upholding ethical considerations. This awareness enables users to navigate the AI landscape more effectively and make informed decisions about their engagement with AI technologies.

However, we must recognize that we are only at the beginning of the artificial intelligence age. This stage can be seen as the early adoption phase, where responsible implementation of these technologies must be designed and baked in. What we build now will shape the path towards positive impact and desired outcomes into the future. It is the responsibility of technology stakeholders to drive the ethical and effective use of AI, introducing advantages while maintaining a commitment to responsible practices.

As we move forward it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize responsible AI implementation, considering the long-term implications and striving for beneficial outcomes. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of AI while ensuring ethical considerations and positive societal impact.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

RSA 2023 Conference Report: A Security Event That Lasts a Year

Each year, the cybersecurity community gets together for one of the leading cybersecurity events, RSA. RSA brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and innovative minds to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the field. As we enter the second half of 2023, the conference’s key insights and noteworthy discussions become the fabric of our practices.  

The Future of Cybersecurity 

Naturally, the RSA conference kicked off with a focus on the emerging threats organizations are facing in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the need for robust security measures were leading themes, as well as the importance of adopting proactive approaches, such as threat intelligence sharing and AI-powered defense systems. As the week progressed, visions of the future of cybersecurity were omnipresent with very conceptual spin – from artificial intelligence to quantum computing, to the still-emerging blockchain. Each has the potential to bring forth their own revolution in security practices, and together these glimpses form a destiny of revolution in cyber response, detection, and protections that are just around the corner.  

Privacy and Compliance 

As the data explosion continues, the protections and regulations that guide the industry continue to be major topics. In today’s age of heightened data protection regulations, the need for more robust tools that allow for greater protection, prioritization, and transparency could not be clearer. Industry and governing regulations wield an increasing impact upon the landscape, which guarantees that the specter of practice recommendations, technologies, and leadership will continue to evolve for years to come.  

Humans Being 

The current state of the industry is driven to address the most non-technical and unpredictable component on the scene – humans. Human elements were a focal point of discussion at the event, as experts continued to explore the challenges of addressing the weakest link in the chain – and the first line of defense. The takeaway? Culture matters, and a cybersecurity-first culture can make all the difference. Awareness training, better cyber hygiene, and helping employees and the public recognize that perceived inconveniences such as MFA, registration, and other validations are better than the alternatives of losing your identity, livelihood, or affecting your organization can make a huge difference.  

Zero Trust Architecture  

Zero Trust principles seem obvious in the industry today, yet they remain difficult to achieve. The Zero Trust mission is more than a financial investment; it’s an institutional change. The subject is embedded into an unprecedented number of conversations, and the message could not be any clearer: To ensure comprehensive security we must, as an industry, continue to drive to ensure full authentication and authorization of every user and every device, regardless of their location, network, or any other characteristics. Granular access, micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring are essential pieces of this architecture. 

Sustaining and Accelerating Cyber Community 

Another major topic of discussion was the state of the cyber community. Collaboration and information sharing are vital tools in the fight against cyber threats, and in an introspective sense the event itself proves to be one of the leading platforms. However, in the spirit of this information state, intelligence sharing platforms continue to evolve and emerge, cross-industry collaborations are forming, and initiatives and frameworks are setting the foundation for a future of increased communications that include public-private partnerships among their ranks. 

CISO Evolution 

Just as everything in the field of cybersecurity evolves, the role of CISOs in most organizations also continues to evolve. Beset by increased challenges, opportunities, and expectations, these critical stakeholders are taking on more than ever before, enabled and seeded by one of the most critical missions in the organization. Transformations in this area include the addition of essential cybersecurity considerations in foster culture, higher engagement and critical function with the business itself, and strategic risk management. This is an evolving adaption based on action-first principles focused on protecting the organization.  

Just a Few Highlights 

It’s impossible to capture a week’s worth of critical discussions, so I’ve selected some of the highlights for this post. This was not an easy task with so many topics to explore! The RSA event served as a melting pot of ideas, insights, and innovations, and highlighted the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. From emerging threats to cutting-edge technologies, privacy regulations to collaboration, and the human element in security, RSA provided a comprehensive platform for industry leaders to shape the future of cybersecurity. As organizations navigate the ever-changing threat landscape, the key takeaways from RSA serve as valuable guideposts in our collective quest for a secure digital future – at least until next year.

Cyber Everything: How U.S. Agencies Can Strengthen Resilience Against Attacks

It is not just early hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts we must worry about. A tumultuous cyber summer has descended upon us, marked by a surge in attacks against U.S. governmental agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently confirmed that multiple federal agencies fell victim to intrusions resulting from the MOVEit vulnerability. Reports indicate that sensitive systems were compromised, and classified information was potentially exposed.

Government computing systems are fortified with extensive redundancies, contingencies, and numerous controls behind the scenes, which makes a cyber event within this domain deeply unsettling. A successful attack implies the involvement of well-resourced and highly skilled threat actors, typically driven by espionage, political, or economic motives. Their ability to breach government systems highlights their unwavering pursuit of sensitive information – and the urgent necessity for stronger cyber defenses for government entities. Beyond the government realm, it’s clear a fundamental paradigm shift is necessary to confront the evolving threat landscape effectively.

Agencies Are Not Alone

Every single industry confronts similar digital threats. This event illustrates that no one is immune to cyberthreats, and to say otherwise is intellectually dishonest. To adapt to today’s complex matrix of challenges and address imminent dangers ahead, organizations must collaborate and foster a cybersecurity-first mindset. We can take several long-term considerations from the onslaught against government agencies:

  1. Public-Private Collaboration: Cybersecurity is unquestionably a shared responsibility, necessitating collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and cybersecurity experts. Establishing partnerships that facilitate information sharing, threat intelligence exchange, and joint incident response will strengthen our collective ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively. The private sector can offer valuable lessons and technology to agencies, and vice versa.
  2. Stronger International Cooperation: Like the internet itself, cyber threats transcend borders. This means effective mitigation requires global cooperation. Encouraging international collaboration through frameworks, treaties, and diplomatic efforts promotes the exchange of best practices, harmonizes cybersecurity standards, and facilitates joint investigations and prosecutions of cybercriminals.
  3. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Cultivating a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development empowers cybersecurity teams to remain vigilant and resilient in the face of emerging threats. As the cybersecurity landscape rapidly evolves, it’s necessary for professionals across organizations to stay informed, learn from incidents, and adapt their strategies accordingly.
  4. Security by Design: Emphasizing the critical nature of this component, security must be embedded into every layer of our digital infrastructure. Adopting secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and implementing secure configurations throughout networks, applications, and systems can help minimize vulnerabilities and reduce the attack surface.
  5. Proactive Threat Intelligence: Organizations must invest in sophisticated threat intelligence capabilities to stay ahead of emerging threats and anticipate potential attacks. Approaches including leveraging threat intelligence feeds, proactive threat hunting, and information sharing partnerships to provide valuable insights for effective threat detection and response.
  6. Importance of Cyber Resilience: The targeted attack on the US government serves as a resounding call to action for investment in cyber resilience. While significant effort is often directed towards prevention, resilience should not be neglected. Cyber resilience encompasses not only preventative measures, but also incident response preparedness to ensure organizations can swiftly detect, contain, and recover from cyber incidents. Backups, procedures, and contingencies play a critical role in the recovery process.
  7. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response: Who’s watching the roost? Implementing advanced security monitoring solutions enables timely detection and response to cyber threats. Organizations should establish robust incident response plans, conduct regular exercises, and continuously evaluate and refine response capabilities to minimize the impact of incidents.

On the Other Side

The threat landscape is in a constant state of flux, demanding an unwavering commitment to cybersecurity at all organizational levels. As we reflect on the recent cyberattack targeting the US government, it becomes evident that such incidents will persist. This event serves as a potent reminder that defending against cyber threats is an ongoing battle.

To navigate this ever-changing landscape effectively, organizations and their leadership must embrace foundational security mindsets and leverage advanced technologies. Organizations and agencies of all sizes need to remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting increasingly valuable digital assets and critical infrastructure. Together, we can prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of our collective mindset and fortify our defenses to build a resilient future. With a steadfast commitment to security, we can navigate the challenging cyber landscape with confidence and protect what matters most.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

Trust Sells: The Shifting Paradigm Of Cybersecurity Purchasing

In our fast-paced world, instant purchasing has become the norm. We rely on recommendations and targeted ads to quickly fulfill our needs, and many purchases are made with little research. However, when it comes to cybersecurity, this consumer behavior doesn’t hold up. Gone are the days when cybersecurity was an optional add-on, a checkbox item, or an afterthought for technology staff. Today, cybersecurity has taken center stage in boardroom discussions, with dedicated teams focused on its mission. Understanding how these new buyers approach cybersecurity in the modern purchasing paradigm is crucial.

Cyber Purchasing Dynamics

To start, let’s explore what technology buyers aren’t doing. They are not making cybersecurity tool purchases based on ads from Google or Facebook, nor upon receiving a catchy marketing email. Enterprise security products aren’t commonly found in consumer channels for a simple reason: when it comes to their purchase, trust is paramount. While ads create awareness, enterprise buyers base their decisions on more. C-level executives and buyers rely on recommendations from trusted sources. With misleading information online, they must avoid making decisions based solely on web research or advertisements. Instead, they seek advice from colleagues, mentors, and industry peers.

Interestingly, while the broader market may not fully grasp cybersecurity intricacies, approximately 80% of CIOs aim to streamline their cybersecurity operations. This could be due to marketing fatigue, passing trends, or an information gap. In response, three primary options emerge along the trust path.

  1. Buyers seek advice from direct connections and peers. Having a tech-savvy peer can be transformative, but there’s still a fear of missing out or not finding the best-fit solution. This leads us to the next option.
  2. Professional Advisory Groups, such as Forrester, Gartner, and IDC, excel in product analysis and ranking. However, their services come with a high price tag that can make it challenging to acquire funds, especially in the current economic climate. Further, there is direct bias in the selection process to those supplier companies that pay very high consultative fees, in some instances resulting in a “pay for play” scenario.
  3. Channel Partners act as trusted advisors and sales channels. They offer reliable recommendations and have established trust within mid-market enterprises through non-cyber relationships. Their expertise spans various technologies already used by businesses such as telephony, bandwidth, desktops, networking, and more.

Understanding how buyers navigate purchasing decisions in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape is vital for both those selling and seeking services. Trusted sources and informed recommendations play a crucial role, allowing organizations to adopt robust cybersecurity solutions.

Channel Partners: The Trusted Path to Cybersecurity Purchasing

In the modern cybersecurity purchasing landscape, Channel Partners play a pivotal role in guiding an organizations’ decisions. For the mid-market, these partners offer a legitimate avenue to procure cybersecurity solutions, ensuring investments aren’t wasted and technology aligns with their specific needs. Technology security brokers act as trusted intermediaries, bridging the gap between buyers and vendors. In a world where reputation holds immense value, these brokers ensure that cybersecurity investments are the right fit.

Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury or an afterthought. It has become a mission-critical aspect of business operations, increasingly capturing the attention of C-level executives. To make sound purchasing decisions cybersecurity buyers must rely on trusted sources, including peers, advisory groups, and reputable technology providers. By doing so, they can safeguard their sensitive data from ever-present cyber threats.

In the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape, Channel Partners offer a trusted path to navigate the complexities. With their support, expertise , and commitment to finding the right solutions, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect themselves against evolving threats.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

Potential For Devastation: The Impact Of A Cyberattack On The Banking System

The nation’s banking system is facing ongoing uncertainty, with the possibility of bank runs, panic, and defaults looming on the horizon. While there are systemic issues at play, much of the reaction is driven by emotion. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has triggered concerns about the vulnerability of the entire financial sector, especially in the event of a cyberattack.

The banking industry has long been aware of the threat posed by cyberattacks, but it may be more vulnerable now than ever before. Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, with nation-states targeting specific industries including banking. When Russia prepared to invade Ukraine, for example, one of its primary targets was the banking sector.

As fallout from the SVB incident continues, the vulnerability of the entire financial sector is under the spotlight. Incidents involving the compromise of sensitive customer data and finances are increasingly common, and the potential impact a major cyberattack could have on the banking system is cause for concern. The collapse of just one bank could trigger a domino effect, leading to the collapse of hundreds of others and affecting millions of people with devastating impact. The threat faced by the banking industry is not unique; all businesses face the risk of cyberattacks in the modern digital age.

All Business Face Threats

From financial losses to reputational damage, to penalties, to insurability issues, to legal liabilities and beyond, there are many bad things that can come from cyber incidents, especially the kind that begin with the simple click of a link or opening of a delivered document. We all read about ransomware incidents; these attacks begin at the smallest possible points of entry and then fester, collecting information, probing, and elevating privilege as they carry out their mission. This list includes injection attacks, false security services, certificate hijacking, and many other types of attacks. We see these kinds of micro-events in the wake of a cyber incident.

Today’s cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever, making the challenge of protecting sensitive data even more difficult. The consequences of failing to protect this data can be severe, including financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. While a full-scale hack may not be required to cause significant damage, the collapse of a major bank can open the door to additional threats such as phishing scams, malware attacks, and other forms of malfeasance. Across the board, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, and businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures to prevent cyber threats before they occur.

The Meaning of a Heightened Threat State

Implementing comprehensive security measures, including multi-factor authentication, regular data backups, a fully managed SOC, and employee training, can help prevent and limit the impact of successful cyberattacks. Businesses should seek out cybersecurity expertise and align themselves with principles that suit their unique needs. By taking proactive steps to protect their sensitive data, businesses can safeguard their reputation, avoid significant financial loss, and protect themselves from cybercriminals.

The potential impact of a cyberattack on the banking system is cause for concern, with far-reaching effects impacting individuals and businesses across industries. By prioritizing cybersecurity measures and elevating the cybersecurity conversation to a C-level or board level , businesses can protect their sensitive data and avoid the devastating consequences of a cyberattack.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

Ignoring Cybersecurity Is Intellectually Dishonest

It should be common knowledge by now that, if you ignore cybersecurity, you are putting yourself and your company at risk. Yet, organizations are still inviting trouble by using legacy tactics and a multitude of legacy tools, coupled with insufficient planning of their cybersecurity programs.

A Sea of Cyber Blight

There is an endless sea of industry news and data that exhibits cyberthreats and all their shameful glory. The latest report by cybersecurity firm Sophos showed how 97% of organizations suffered a breach in the last year. Everything from ransomware attacks to phishing scams and data theft was included, and it’s entirely possible your company (or those you work with daily) is in that report – or the next, or the one after that.

The report on the costs of these breaches should shock even the most jaded of readers. On top of reputational damage, legal fees, business downtime, and the loss of data, the overall price tag for an average breach is just over $4 million. Ransomware attacks have an average cost of just under $2 million. Some are probably lower, and some are probably much higher, but the result is the same. It’s just plain nasty.

Stop Pretending

Pretending your company does not have valuable data as an excuse for ignoring cybersecurity is simply no longer acceptable. Virtually all businesses collect and store some form of sensitive information, whether it be customer data, financial information, or intellectual property. Furthermore, a lack of cybersecurity can also harm partners and suppliers. When just one company is breached, it can spread to others throughout the supply chain, leading to a ripple effect of financial loss and reputational damage.

A negligent business decision can start with just one intellectually dishonest act. In this way, ignoring cybersecurity is not only financially irresponsible, but also ethically wrong. Organizations and professionals who help make these organizations tick have the additional, inherent duty to protect personal customer information and employee data.

Everyone Means Everyone

Hackers do not discriminate based on company size or industry, and they will target any business with valuable data. Cybersecurity is not a luxury or afterthought anymore; it’s a basic necessity. Ignoring it or doing an incomplete job is akin to ignoring physical security measures, such as locks and alarms. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and so should your cybersecurity measures. Too often, the headlines expose the truth that somewhere in the chain of events, the ball was dropped – once, twice, or as many times as needed. Also too often, these incidents go undetected for days, weeks, even months before the ultimate event transpires.

Reports that approach near 100% occurrence of cyber threats are not the kind of news we want to hear in the industry. When I recently reviewed the T-Mobile attack, my intent was to help others raise shields, and protect themselves against these existential-level type of events.

Principles Over Tools

Focusing on cybersecurity principles over products and tools is critical to successfully protecting your organization. Comprehensive and proactive security principles, such as active visibility, monitoring, detection, and resolution of anomalous conditions across applications, identities, behaviors, infrastructure, cloud, endpoints, and data, should be emphasized. In many cases, services such as managed security and active response and resolution services are the best products to meet these needs. Traditional Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services should be renamed to Managed Detection and Alerting (MDA) to avoid confusion, since they are mostly alerting services. Cybersecurity awareness should focus on the real MDR which is “Resolution,” and goes beyond traditional security swim lanes to extend into deep into patching, monitoring, DevOps, and disaster recovery.

Statistics show that cyberattacks are a prevalent threat to businesses of all sizes, and the cost of ignoring them is too high. Pretending that a company does not have valuable data is dangerous, and leaves you vulnerable to attacks and future victimization. Ignoring cybersecurity response is not only financially irresponsible, but intellectually dishonest.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

Not An Afterthought: Security By Design

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, the sophistication of cyberattacks is also increasing. Recent incidents such as the ChatGPT software leak and the Activision Blizzard data breach highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to be built in at every level of application and software development. Security must be built into the core of any product or technological advancement during the early stages of design.

Unfortunately, many software companies still treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. They often focus on developing and releasing products and services quickly with security added along the way, or even worse after everything else has been completed. This approach can be disastrous, as demonstrated by countless cyberattacks capitalizing on substandard security measures. These attacks serve as a reminder of how crucial it is that security is built-in from the very beginning of the development process.

Answering Modern Threats from the Beginning

This approach, known as “Security by Design,” involves incorporating security into products and services from the outset. This comprehensive approach should integrate compliant, multi-layered security measures and features at every stage of development. Cybersecurity experts are engaged early on, during the initial planning stages, to ensure security considerations are taken into account from the outset. Secure coding practices are implemented throughout, and the security features of products and services rigorously tested before deployment.

Comprehensive security measures involve the use of multiple layers, including physical security, network security, and data security. This security construct implements anomaly detection, alerting, and analysis throughout critical application, systems, and data points throughout target environments. This approach helps to reduce the risk of successful attacks, protects against data breaches and theft, and demonstrates a commitment to protecting customer data and privacy. It also provides protection from insider threats and provides awareness of activities that occur throughout the cyberattack kill chain.

Security Can’t Stop At Design

SecDevOps or DevSecOps is an approach that integrates security continuously into the entire lifecycle of software, from design to launch to maintenance. This approach ensures that security is a core component of the development process across the entire lifecycle of a product. SecDevOps is based on the principles of Agile and Lean methodologies, where security is incorporated into the continuous integration and deployment pipelines. By incorporating security throughout the development cycle, SecDevOps fosters collaboration between development, security, and operations teams, resulting in a better understanding of security requirements and a more efficient development process. The SecDevOps approach aligns with the Security by Design philosophy, resulting in more secure and resilient software products.

Comprehensive Security is Alive

Comprehensive security is never simple, and is composed of multiple layers of defense. These layers include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus and anti-malware software, and other tools designed to protect against specific types of threats. A comprehensive approach ensures that a wide range of potential security risks are addressed and mitigated, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.

Early planning for security by design and comprehensive security can help improve customer trust and confidence. By building security into products and services from the outset, companies can demonstrate that they take cybersecurity seriously and are committed to protecting customer data. Furthermore, security by design and SecDevOps help companies comply with regulatory requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which require companies to ensure their products and services are secure and customer data is protected.

This article was originally published in Forbes, please follow me on LinkedIn.

Dishing On Dish Network: Unpacking A Cyberattack

The recent cybersecurity breach that impacted Boost Mobile customers of Dish Network has sparked concern among users regarding the company’s ability to safeguard their sensitive information. The company has attributed this incident to a well-known cybersecurity threat: ransomware. Along the way data was lost and services were interrupted; the mess left behind could go on for months on end. Through it all, there is some hope and opportunity, if only core and comprehensive security can come together.

After the Breach: Response and Impact

After news of the breach spread Dish Network eventually acknowledged the situation, but there was a clear information gap. The organization’s response was insufficient, lacking the coherence, consistency, and transparency we’ve come to expect from a publicly-traded company. In the aftermath, six law firms filed class action suits. The company’s trading posture has also been unsteady, taking a slide downwards.

Dish Network’s situation echoes the ramifications of its response. The potential repercussions for the company’s reputation and customer confidence clearly illustrate the fact that a cybersecurity breach can turn into a major liability and existential threat to a company. Let the Dish Network situation serve as a stark reminder of how important cybersecurity is to the health of a company. It also reinforces the importance of proactive security measures to address threats before they become incidents.

The Thorough Awareness of Comprehensive Security

The best prescription is to address situations like this with a comprehensive security plan. A plan should provide end-to-end visibility into what is normal, what is an anomaly, and what needs more threat hunting. This should extend into every imaginable corner of the enterprise – from the endpoint, to the cloud, to firewalls, to on-premise, and within applications.

While leveraging a comprehensive security approach, it is incumbent to utilize state-of-the-art security technologies (firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption) to protect networks and sensitive data. Regularly evaluate and upgrade technologies to ensure a fair pace ahead of emerging threats. Further, it’s important to implement the following guides for a total security approach:

  1. Periodically Assess Vulnerability to Cyber Threats: By conducting threat modeling risk assessments. These assessments will help identify potential weaknesses in security infrastructures, allowing for prioritization in addressing areas of concern.
  2. Develop a Robust and Well-Defined Incident Response Plan: To prevent potential cybersecurity breaches. This plan should outline the steps your organization will take in the event of a breach including communication protocols, investigation procedures, and recovery measures.
  3. Collaborate with Industry Partners: Such as Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). MSSPs provide security solutions that monitor the flow of data throughout your network, systems, applications, and endpoints. The primary objective of an MSSP is to reduce the dwell time of attackers on a network and respond to threats expediently.
  4. Build Relationships: With other organizations in your industry, leading technology partners, law enforcement, and cybersecurity experts, to share information and best practices on cybersecurity. Collaborative efforts can help strengthen your organization’s security posture and provide valuable insights into emerging threats.
  5. Regularly Test your Security Measures: Conduct regular penetration tests and vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in your security infrastructure. This will help ensure your security measures are effective and up-to-date.
  6. Foster a Security-Aware Culture: Continue to educate employees on the importance of cybersecurity and their role in protecting company data. Develop a comprehensive security awareness program that includes regular training, updates on current threats, and clear guidelines on how to handle sensitive information.
  7. Maintain Compliance with Industry Standards: Compliance guidelines help maintain security standards. An organization should meet or exceed industry-specific security standards and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Compliance with these standards not only helps protect customer data, but also demonstrates a commitment to security.
  8. Monitor Third-Party Vendors: Ensure any third-party vendors have robust security practices in place. Regularly review their security policies and request updates on their efforts to maintain a secure environment.
  9. Be Transparent and Proactive in Communication: In the event of a breach, be transparent with customers and stakeholders about the incident, the steps you are taking to address it, and the support you will provide to those affected. Proactive communication is essential to rebuilding trust and maintaining reputation.

Where Dish Network Goes from Here

The Dish Network/Boost Mobile breach is a significant event in the history of the parent company. Yet, with a bit of openness and by gathering a comprehensive security approach, the company can position itself to recover. Combined with a new state of preparedness and vigilance after these impact events, there is an opportunity for a renewed, strengthened message that tells investors and clients the security of their information is serious business.