Despite three decades of advancements in technology and increased spending on cybersecurity, organizations are still facing the same problems in 2023 that they did in 1995 when they first connected to the internet. The long-standing strategies of attacking users through email, targeting availability through denial-of-service campaigns, and exploiting systems through vulnerable applications remain fruitful for threat actors.
One of the reasons why cybersecurity losses continue to grow is that organizations are treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. Vendor messaging has ingrained the belief that the solution to cybersecurity challenges lies in more technology. While technology is valuable, cybersecurity issues often arise in the gaps created by adopting new technologies without a comprehensive plan. Many organizations prioritize shiny, new attacks at the expense of solid foundational protection, perpetuating a culture of victimization and ongoing vulnerabilities.
The rising cost and destructive power of cyberattacks are the direct result of neglecting basic security policies and best practices over the years. Increased security investment is often spent on niche protection technologies that are promoted by analysts, vendors, and the media. This constant change in focus and tooling contributes to burnout and job dissatisfaction among experienced cybersecurity professionals, exacerbating the industry’s skills shortage.
To address these ongoing vulnerabilities and alleviate stress, a different approach to cybersecurity is necessary. Organizations should start thinking about cybersecurity as they would think about their overall well-being. Instead of looking for a quick fix for every security symptom, they should focus on preventive measures, detection, response, and remediation. Just like a healthy diet and regular exercise promote physical well-being, conducting awareness training, tabletop exercises, certification programs, asset inventory verifications, and penetration tests can enhance cybersecurity resilience.
Regular checkups and evaluations of the security program are essential to ensure its effectiveness and balance. Similar to going for a yearly physical, organizations should have their team double-check critical controls, compliance with relevant standards or best practices, and seek external opinions. Good cybersecurity health requires looking for even small indications that something may have been missed, as a blind spot can jeopardize the entire effort.
Moreover, as new capabilities and a diverse threat landscape continue to complicate cybersecurity, organizations need to diagnose and treat new problems. Taking inspiration from the healthcare industry, which constantly adapts to changing epidemiological challenges, the cybersecurity industry should have specialists who focus on specific threats, develop diagnostic tools, and find effective treatments. By understanding their organizations and the threats they may face, organizations can live a healthy and predictable corporate cybersecurity life.
In conclusion, the persistent cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations in 2023 reflect a pervasive focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. The reliance on technology alone and neglecting basic security policies has resulted in ongoing vulnerabilities and increasing cyberattacks. To truly improve cybersecurity, organizations need to prioritize preventive measures, regularly evaluate their security programs, and adopt a holistic approach to cyber health. By doing so, they can cure the fundamental problems that have plagued the industry for the past three decades and stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.