If you could get your hands on the “hacker playbook,” what do you think you would find? The smallest flaws in your network security or software updates are big, flashing neon signs for cybercriminals. But without a trained eye, you might never know what these flaws are.
Our outsourced security experts at ISG Tech put together a list of five common flaws in security operations that they’ve seen over and over again. By addressing these issues head-on, you can avoid becoming an easy target for cyber criminals.
1. Security Gaps and Lack of Roadmaps
The foundation of a strong SOC (Security Operations Center) lies in having clear, actionable security objectives and a well-defined roadmap to achieve them. Without these, SOC efforts can become disjointed and reactive, leaving significant security gaps.
Here are some strategies for improvement:
- Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Understanding your threat landscape allows you to prioritize your security efforts effectively.
- Develop and Refine a Comprehensive Security Strategy: Your strategy should include measurable objectives and a roadmap for achieving them, underpinned by regular reviews to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
- Align with Risk Management Framework: Ensure that your security objectives and roadmap are aligned with your organization’s overall risk management framework. This alignment helps in integrating security into the broader business context.
2. Reliance on More and More Security Tools
Organizations often believe that adding more security tools will enhance their protection. However, an overabundance of tools can lead to complexity, inefficiencies, and gaps in security.
Here’s what you can do to prevent this:
- Consolidate and Integrate Tools: Focus on a select suite of interoperable tools that can work together seamlessly.
- Optimize Tool Utilization: Ensure that existing tools are fully utilized and configured correctly to maximize their effectiveness.
- Invest in Training: Ensure your team is well-trained on the tools you do use, to prevent misuse or underuse.
3. Business and IT Aren’t Aligned
Is your IT team serving your long-term security goals? Misalignment between business objectives and IT operations can set back your business, as it can result in both security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies.
Implement these measures for better results:
- Foster Communication and Collaboration: Create channels for regular communication between business leaders and IT teams to ensure alignment on security goals.
- Align Security Goals with Business Objectives: Ensure that security measures support and protect the critical functions of the business.
- Engage Leadership: Involve executive leadership in security discussions to ensure that security priorities are aligned with overall business strategies.
4. Lack of Preparation for Security Incidents
A business that is caught unprepared for incidents is at a greater risk of amplifying the impact of security breaches. Readiness for any incident is what often differentiates the most secure organizations from the rest.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Establish a Dedicated Incident Response Team: This team should have clear roles, responsibilities, and training on how to act swiftly and efficiently during a security incident.
- Develop and Routinely Test Incident Response Playbooks: These playbooks provide step-by-step instructions on how to handle various types of incidents, which ensures a rapid and coordinated response.
How Outsourced Security Can Help
With the various challenges of maintaining an effective SOC, outsourcing part or all of your security operations can offer several advantages:
- Access to Specialized Expertise and Advanced Technologies: Outsourced security often has a broader range of experience and resources at their disposal.
- 24/7 Monitoring and Response Capabilities: Ensuring around-the-clock coverage can be resource-intensive, but it’s a standard provision with outsourced security.
- Cost Savings: Building and maintaining an in-house SOC can be a significant investment, whereas outsourced security can offer a more cost-effective alternative.
- Flexibility and Scalability: As your organization grows, outsourced security can quickly adapt to support your evolving needs, whereas an in-house team would take recruiting, hiring, and training.
Interested in Outsourcing? See if ISG Tech Is the Right Choice
With tiered layers of security, you can get the services you need without paying for what you don’t. From SIEM management and threat intelligence to vulnerability assessments and security awareness training, ISG Tech has a comprehensive range of security services to help you strengthen your cybersecurity posture.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can keep you and your customers safe from digital threats.