The need for essentialism has never been more necessary in cybersecurity, according to a recent report. Despite the ongoing challenges faced by many organizations, teams are still being asked to scrutinize their capital and operational expenditures while being tasked with defending a larger surface area each year. With this in mind, several strategies can be utilized to maintain effective cybersecurity practices.
Starting with strategy is crucial in establishing an effective cybersecurity program. Companies should consider what their security program hypothesis is and develop a guiding policy that can be utilized for both micro and macro decisions. Decentralization, automation, and monitoring can all be effective guiding policies. Additionally, establishing an effective culture within the company is crucial and can aid in decision-making, prioritizing tasks, people, and energy.
Once a strategy and culture have been established, companies can focus their time and energy on maintaining effective cybersecurity practices. All aspects of security should be treated as a supply-and-demand equation, with risk reduction demanding the necessary time and resources. Sometimes, focusing on basic cyber hygiene and environment hardening can free up the necessary time and reduce the need for more advanced technologies.
The report emphasizes the importance of focusing on the vital few versus the trivial many. By maximizing the supply-versus-demand equation, companies can ensure that their cybersecurity programs are effective and sustainable.