Page 146 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024

Together, people, processes, and technology all combine to help you build a more robust cybersecurity
strategy. People are the first pillar of such a strategy. To support this, security awareness programs must
include simulated cyberattacks and phishing simulations. This provides employees with firsthand
experience in identifying, thwarting, and mitigating potential risks. Regular penetration testing,
vulnerability assessments, and personalized security training all contribute to increasing an organization's
defense systems.

Processes are the second pillar to the strategy, because they define how an organization manages and
mitigates risks. Organizations must adopt consistent policies for both information technology (IT) and
operational technology (OT) security. Policies going forward will require SBOMs, the analysis of those
SBOMs, and how that may impact other software and systems. Policies may also require a deeper
understanding of security tools to ensure that they are being used effectively. As regulatory bodies
increasingly become involved in OT cybersecurity, processes must include the review of compliance with
relevant regulations. And as leadership teams and boards of directors require more cybersecurity
expertise, processes help increase cybersecurity maturity and effectiveness.

The third pillar, technology, will play a crucial role in the rapid identification and neutralization of potential
threats as organizations adopt advanced technologies. By leveraging the power of AI and ML,
organizations can more rapidly discern patterns, anomalies, and potential risks in real-time, allowing for
proactive threat mitigation. Organizations must stay up to date with evolving tactics and defenses to
mitigate risks effectively.

Looking Ahead

Increased Partnerships and Mergers

The OT security sector is undergoing a transformation driven by increased partnerships and acquisitions.
This reflects the need for specialized expertise in securing the operational technologies that are critical
in manufacturing, energy, and utilities. Partnerships and mergers bring together diverse expertise and
enable organizations to develop more comprehensive security solutions for OT environments.
Cybersecurity firms and OT experts must address the complex threats faced by critical infrastructure
systems.

Firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems, and Secure Gateways

Traditional cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and secure
gateways continue to be critical in perimeter defense strategies. These technologies are evolving to
provide more sophisticated and integrated solutions. Advanced firewalls now provide deeper insights into
network traffic, enabling more effective detection and prevention of malicious activities. Similarly, IDS can
identify complex attack patterns using AI and ML. Secure gateways now offer deep packet inspection
and threat intelligence integration to improve security.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 146
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