Sponsored by:
Produced by:
Robin Smith
CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
How is automation changing the way that enterprise businesses approach cybersecurity?
Large enterprise businesses have traditionally been slow to adapt when faced with rapid changes in information technology. This wasn’t because there was no appetite for change, but rather the sheer size of these businesses meant that any changes had to be meticulously planned and happen slowly. But autonomous automated access services are now overcoming this hurdle for many businesses. This new way of working empowers enterprise businesses to rapidly respond to rapid changes in your environment in an optimised way, whilst at the same time as reducing risk and exposure.
When used in an intelligent and strategic way, automation can help to deliver more insight and cut costs at the same time. Having complex, repetitive tasks completed by machine will enhance performance and ultimately deliver rapid data analysis. A great place to start with automation is using them to improve your information technology security. AI-powered tools that sit on the boundary of your network can not only raise flags upon the immediate occurrence of an incident or threat, but take the appropriate action automatically to remediate them. This all happens within a matter of seconds and the intelligence gained from the incident helps to make the AI-powered tool even more efficient, ultimately making your network even more secure.
When used in an intelligent and strategic way, automation can help to deliver more insight and cut costs at the same time.
Over time, analysing your data will allow you to create accepted patterns of behaviour.
Are businesses harnessing the power of data correctly?
Businesses need to move away from obsessing over data and information, and instead focus on the concept of intelligence. Having large amounts of data does not mean having large amounts of insight. Data is a raw product that needs to be synthesised and aggregated before it can be used in any meaningful way. To avoid drowning in data there are a couple of steps to be taken. The first is accepting that all data is not born equal, and the second is to develop products that allow you to create actionable insights from the data you have, such as proper profiles and risk assessments.
Over time, analysing your data will allow you to create accepted patterns of behaviour i.e. are end-users in our network behaving as we expect them to? If they diverge from what is an expected pattern of behaviour, your automated responses can then take the appropriate action to minimise any risk or threat. Profiling your estate and analysing data will also help you to define your future proofing strategy as common divergences show you where your colleagues may need more training or a more robust security solution is required.
Will humans eventually be replaced by machines when it comes to cybersecurity?
There will always be a need for human involvement within cybersecurity. Automated tools and systems are great at doing the work of protecting your network, but they can’t devise strategies and don’t really generate intelligence - human analysis is required. When used appropriately, automated security tools free up your best analysts to focus on creative and strategic ways of keeping your network future proofed.
But it’s no secret that there is not enough highly-skilled staff within cybersecurity currently. This can be a daunting prospect for CISOs, but by taking a step back this lack of staff can actually become an opportunity to save costs whilst still having access to the expertise required. Managed security as a service is becoming an increasingly popular way of delivering top-level cybersecurity. Having a trusted partner means that you can avoid having to make certain hires, such as an Audit Officer, thereby saving costs. You can also work in the comfort of knowing that your security partner will be keeping on top of the latest trends and threats, delivering training to your team where required. A great cybersecurity partner handles the ‘day to day’ security requirements, enabling you to focus on more strategic work and increasing capabilities.
There will always be a need for human involvement within cybersecurity. Automated tools and systems are great at doing the work of protecting your network, but they can’t devise strategies and don’t really generate intelligence - human analysis is required.
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