In 2021, the cybersecurity landscape evolved at such a rapid rate. Threat actors are now shifting their focus toward small businesses and individuals, and are launching more sophisticated attacks that can no longer be stopped by blanket security tactics.
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have become huge cybersecurity targets because threat actors view them as rich sources of customer data. Cybersecurity experts sometimes refer to SMBs as “inverted funnels,” as a threat actor can infiltrate an SMB's network through tiny vulnerabilities and instantly gain access to practically all the data the SMB governs.
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Fortunately, experiences from the previous year left us with a good idea of which cybersecurity strategies and ideologies work. Here are some of 2021’s most important cybersecurity lessons:
ISAO standards work
Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs) are organizations that voluntarily set cybersecurity standards based on findings, observations, and recommendations of fellow ISAOs. The standards they provide aren’t set in stone and are formed out of observations and recommendations of peer ISAOs based on threat activity in the region, current trends, and their experiences. Your business’s existing infrastructure and specific needs are also taken into account.
ISAO standards work because they are derived from practice rather than just theory. They leverage the experiences and knowledge of multiple businesses to best address the cybersecurity needs and risks of companies in the same industry and place of operations.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity
Most cybersecurity experts agree that cyberattacks are a question of “when” and no longer “if,” thanks to a continuously broadening scope of cyberthreats. This also means that cybersecurity strategies should be as diverse as the threat ecosystem. One-size-fits-all solutions like outdated personal-grade antivirus suites that profess to block all viruses and malware don’t cut the mustard anymore, as sophisticated threats like email-based phishing attacks and ransomware can easily bypass them.
A far more reliable approach is to view the cyberthreat landscape as several different threat types and deploy different solutions that lower your risk and mitigate their effects. So you should continue to deploy a trusted antivirus and anti-malware solution, but don’t expect them to function beyond their capabilities. For phishing and ransomware threats, deploy email scanners and other tools, and update your employee training. Your IT partner can also provide you with recommendations and solutions to round out your cybersecurity profile.
Real-time information is key to successful defense
Speed is of the essence when it comes to cybersecurity, as threats come and go very quickly. Therefore, real-time information on threat trends, solutions, and training is key. This is where becoming an ISAO pays further dividends, as information from your community of businesses gives you an insider advantage. Take their experiences, their mistakes, and their successes to mold your own cybersecurity strategy.
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There is no alternative to trustworthy threat intelligence
In fast-paced threat environments, information about threats change rapidly. And while the majority of the information available is accurate, it’s still best to gather vetted information about cyberthreats instead of getting caught up in the information noise. Threat intelligence from trustworthy sources allows your cybersecurity partner to deploy the correct response techniques, enable faster resolution, and improve your threat mitigation profile.
Assuming the worst will put you in the best position to survive
Assuming the worst doesn’t mean that you should accept that all is lost; it simply means that when in doubt, you should assume that your system has already been breached. Going on full alert mode at the slightest sign of breach is critical because every second counts in a cyberattack. Many cyberattackers are deviating away from outright “hacks” and doing more sophisticated multistage missions, so it’s important to nip any possible breach in the bud. When it comes to protecting data, overreacting is often better than underreacting.
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