IBM’s 2022 Cost of a Data Breach report found that, on average, it took companies 207 days to detect a breach and 70 days to contain it. In this time, a threat actor that has gained access to your systems can view and steal sensitive data, leave back doors for re-entry, deploy malware that disrupts your operations or manipulate your team into divulging information – and these are only a few of the activities they might attempt.
So, your business’ ability to detect cyber threats is paramount to running a proactive security strategy that includes cyber threat detection. It is no longer enough to rely solely on basic security measures like anti-virus software; you need systems that detect suspicious behaviour and flag issues for immediate attention.
The risks of reactive cyber security
Reactive cyber security measures only respond to cyber threats after they have occurred. Such measures may include installing anti-virus software and firewalls. While these measures may provide some protection and are still essential, they cannot detect suspicious behaviour that may indicate a cyber threat.
Reactive cyber security measures rely on detecting a cyber threat before you can take action. So, your business may only become aware of a cyber attack after threat actors have dealt significant damage. In some cases, a cyber attack may go undetected for days, weeks, or even months, allowing cyber criminals to steal sensitive data, compromise systems, or cause significant financial losses.
Additionally, reactive measures cannot give you insights into potential system vulnerabilities. Without such insights, your business cannot address cyber security weaknesses and may continue to be at risk of attacks.
Understanding proactive cyber security measures
Proactive cyber security measures identify and address potential cyber threats before they can cause any harm. They typically leverage advanced technologies and tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and behavioural analysis to identify potential threats.
These tools can monitor network traffic, user behaviour, and system activity in real-time to detect unusual patterns or anomalies that may indicate a cyber attack. Once a potential threat is detected, your business can take proactive measures to contain the attack before it causes more damage.
One example of proactive cyber security measures is threat detection. Threat detection identifies potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities within your organisation's digital infrastructure. It leverages various tools and techniques, such as intrusion detection systems, log analysis, and behavioural analytics, to monitor network traffic, identify suspicious activity, and alert security teams to potential threats. Once a threat is detected, security teams can investigate and respond to the threat, either by blocking the attacker's access or implementing other security measures to mitigate the attack's impact.
Implementing proactive cyber threat detection
Implementing cyber security threat detection requires a multi-pronged approach that includes using advanced technology, adopting best practices, and working with cyber security experts. Here are some steps your business can take to implement proactive detection:
- Conduct a risk assessment: Before implementing any cyber security measures, you should conduct a risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats. This assessment identifies weaknesses in your cyber security posture and prioritises the protections you must focus on.
- Adopt advanced technologies: Proactive cyber security measures often involve using advanced technology such as AI, ML, and behavioural analysis. These tools can identify threats in real time, enabling your business to respond quickly and effectively to mitigate the impact of an attack.
- Establish a security monitoring system: Businesses can set up a system that monitors network traffic, system activity, and user behaviour to detect potential threats. This system can also alert security personnel, allowing them to respond quickly to potential threats.
- Work with cyber security experts: Your business can work with cyber security experts to develop and implement proactive cyber security measures. These experts can provide you with the expertise and resources to identify potential threats, assess risks, and implement effective cyber security measures.
It is also important to note that proactive cyber security measures require ongoing monitoring and updates to stay ahead of new threats. Cyber criminals constantly develop new tactics and techniques, so your business must remain vigilant and stay updated with the right tech to recognise the latest threats.
The benefits of cyber threat detection and response
Cyber threat detection can offer significant benefits, including:
- Early detection and prevention of cyber attacks: Cyber threat detection identifies potential threats early on and takes action before an attack can cause more damage. It prevents data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
- Improved compliance: Many businesses are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate specific security measures. By implementing cyber threat detection, your company can improve compliance with these requirements and avoid costly penalties.
- Cost savings compared to the fallout of a cyber attack: Proactive cyber security measures can help your business avoid the costs associated with data breaches and cyber attacks. These costs can include lost data, damage to reputation, legal fees, and regulatory fines.
- Enhanced incident response: Cyber threat detection quickens your response to an attack. By detecting potential threats early on, you can implement incident response plans and minimise the attack's impact.
- Increased customer confidence: Cyber threat detection demonstrates your commitment to protecting sensitive customer data. By implementing effective cyber security measures, your business can earn customer trust and enhance your reputation in the marketplace.
Conclusion
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, posing significant risks to businesses of all sizes. A reactive approach to cyber security is not enough to protect your business from modern threats. Implementing proactive cyber security measures, like cyber threat detection, is essential to avoid potential threats and reduce the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches.
By adopting best practices, using advanced technologies, working with cyber security experts, and conducting ongoing monitoring and updates, your business can establish a stronger security posture, enhance its reputation, save costs, and maintain efficiency. Proactive cyber security measures can offer significant benefits beyond protecting against potential threats, allowing businesses to thrive in a constantly evolving digital landscape.
Why partner with VISITS to build a proactive cyber security strategy?
Though we often see large corporations featured on the news, the reality is that cyber attacks impact companies of every size. So, you need a comprehensive and systematic approach to assessing your needs, analysing current controls and implementing improvements.
This is where VISITS’ CISO as a Service comes in. With our principle of ‘Less talk, more action’, we focus on building a strategy that delivers methodical and tangible improvements. Visit our CISO as a Service page for more information and to book a complimentary cyber discovery session.
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