Reporting is a crucial indicator of cybersecurity posture , but in this new technological age it is no longer about what you think you know , but rather what you can prove to an auditor , regulator or board member . Organizations utilizing performance-based data in cybersecurity reporting means CISOs can compete with Chief Technology Officers ( CTOs ), or Chief Financial Officers ( CFOs ) when reporting to their board with visceral data on how well their program is performing . However , attacks on infrastructure come in many guises , which makes it imperative for businesses to stay one step ahead of the adversary .
Methods of attack in 2023
An advanced digital infrastructure means an increased attack surface , providing more pathways for adversaries intent on infiltrating systems and stealing sensitive data . The abundance of intellectual property present in the manufacturing sector also means firms often rely on technical software packages that can be hard to patch against recent exploits , making them vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber-threats . If a system is smart , it is vulnerable .
In 2023 , however , social engineering attack methods such as phishing will be as damaging as highly sophisticated attacks targeting key assets . Employing zero-trust models and automation in cybersecurity environments can counter these known threats by authenticating , authorizing and continuously validating internal and external users .
The International Data Corporation ( IDC ) this year stated that cybersecurity is now a ‘ priority business investment ’, with automation acting as a ‘ force multiplier by taking routine tasks off the plate of cybersecurity , allowing specialists to focus their effort on adding higher-level value to the organization ’.
Automated Breach-and-Attack Simulation ( BAS ) helps cybersecurity teams continuously stress test and validate their people , processes , and technologies . By moving away from episodic , point-in-time , manual testing methods , organizations can realize both team productivity improvements and cost savings . According to IDC , BAS capabilities can help cybersecurity teams discover and remediate gaps in their security posture , delivering key security outcomes such as strengthening cyber defense and helping IT and security teams do their jobs better and faster .
To meet the needs of a modern threat landscape , manufacturers must adapt to an ‘ assume-breach ’ mindset of when , rather than if , an attack will happen , and utilize an ‘ evidence based security ’ method of making informed decisions about their cybersecurity program . An organization ’ s board needs to be kept informed of their cybersecurity posture with performance data-driven insight , rather than box checking exercises . By enhancing visibility within their cybersecurity program , manufacturers won ’ t be entering 2023 blindfolded . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Ross Brewer www . attackiq . com
Ross Brewer is Vice President of EMEA and APJ for Cybersecurity firm AttackIQ , the leading independent vendor of breach and attack simulation solutions . AttackIQ built the industry ’ s first Security Optimization Platform for continuous security control validation and improving security program effectiveness and efficiency . AttackIQ is trusted by leading organizations worldwide to plan security improvements and verify that cyber defenses work as expected , aligned with the MITRE ATT & CK framework .
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