During the tumultuous time of the Pacific Rim, the focus on security features for embedded architecture devices, such as network appliances, has become a pressing issue. Blue teamers, including those at Sophos, are now facing an escalating arms race in the realm of network security that demands attention and action.
The landscape of network appliance technology has evolved significantly, with many devices now based on well-known operating systems like various Linux variants. However, there is still a large number of devices operating on outdated, security-unaware embedded architectures that pose significant risks.
As an information security company, Sophos approaches security and incident response from a dual perspective. Not only does the company respond to incidents that affect its own operations, but it also extends its incident response processes to the infrastructure deployed for its customers. This proactive approach allows Sophos to stay ahead of potential threats and protect its clientele effectively.
A key component of Sophos’ incident response strategy is the Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT). This dedicated team monitors various channels for security-related information concerning Sophos products and services, including external bug bounty programs, internal testing, and open-source monitoring. The PSIRT team’s primary goal is to triage incoming security events, coordinate responses, and drive remediation efforts in collaboration with product subject matter experts.
In line with industry best practices and initiatives like CISA’s Secure by Design, Sophos is committed to transparent communication and proactive security measures. The company’s PSIRT operates round the clock to ensure timely and effective responses to security incidents, providing customers with actionable security advisories and detailed vulnerability information.
One of the key learnings from Sophos’ experiences during the Pacific Rim period is the importance of telemetry in capturing device state and changes. Network appliances, often overlooked as discreet devices, play a crucial role in maintaining network security and require specialized monitoring and response mechanisms. Challenges such as resource availability, noisy data capture, and network vs. control plane distinctions must be carefully navigated to ensure effective security monitoring.
Streaming telemetry data from network appliances poses additional challenges, including host interference, data selection criteria, and data retention policies. Sophos emphasizes the importance of selecting relevant data and implementing efficient detection engineering practices to streamline response efforts and mitigate potential threats.
Responding to security incidents involving core network infrastructure requires a delicate balance between swift action and risk mitigation. Network availability impacts, jurisdictional considerations, and legal limitations all play a crucial role in shaping response strategies and ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
In conclusion, the evolving threat landscape in network security demands a proactive and collaborative approach to incident response. By prioritizing principles such as telemetry, streaming, detection, and response actions, organizations can better protect their networks and mitigate security risks effectively. Discussions around data privacy, network availability, and liability limitations must be integrated into technical, commercial, and legal frameworks to address the evolving challenges posed by sophisticated threats.