In a recent webinar, Benny Czarny, founder and CEO of leading cybersecurity firm OPSWAT, discussed the current threat landscape facing critical infrastructure sectors. Czarny emphasized the importance of threat intelligence and highlighted several strategies that organizations can employ to better protect themselves.
One area that Czarny focused on was the software supply chain. He acknowledged that the software supply chain is a prime target for cyber attackers, who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the various components and dependencies that make up a software system. Czarny stressed the need for organizations to thoroughly vet their software suppliers and conduct regular security assessments. By ensuring that software suppliers have robust security measures in place, organizations can mitigate the risk of introducing vulnerable software into their systems.
Furthermore, Czarny emphasized the importance of incident response capabilities. He discussed the need for organizations to develop an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Czarny highlighted the importance of conducting regular drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of the plan and ensure that all members of the organization are well-prepared to respond to an incident. He also stressed the need for organizations to have a clear chain of command and communication channels in place to facilitate a coordinated response.
Additionally, Czarny discussed the role of training in maintaining strong and informed cybersecurity teams. He emphasized that cybersecurity is not solely a technical issue but also a human one. Organizations must invest in regular training and education for their employees to ensure that they are aware of the latest threats and best practices for mitigating them. Czarny highlighted the importance of training employees on how to spot phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics, as these are often the entry point for cyberattacks.
Czarny’s insights into the threat landscape facing critical infrastructure sectors are informed by his extensive experience in the field. As the founder and CEO of OPSWAT, he has led the company to become a leader in the cybersecurity industry, serving over 1,500 customers worldwide. With a personal investment in the company, Czarny has driven its market-driven approach to security application design and development.
Prior to founding OPSWAT, Czarny held technical leadership positions at companies such as NetManage, Netect, and BindView. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various aspects of cybersecurity, including encryption, network operations, and security vulnerability detection.
Czarny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Technion-Machon Technologi Le’Israel. His educational background, coupled with his years of experience in the industry, has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to effectively address the cybersecurity challenges facing critical infrastructure sectors.
In conclusion, Czarny’s webinar shed light on the threat landscape affecting critical infrastructure sectors and provided valuable insights into how organizations can better protect themselves. From the importance of vetting software suppliers to the need for robust incident response capabilities and regular employee training, Czarny emphasized the various strategies that organizations can implement to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. As organizations continue to face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is crucial to heed Czarny’s advice and stay vigilant in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.