The 2021 CrowdStrike Global Security Attitude Survey found that on average, organizations take 146 hours to discover a cybersecurity incursion, an alarming increase on the 2020 average of 117 hours. This means that an intruder could remain inside an enterprise network for more than six days before detection. Moreover, those attackers can move laterally across the network in just 92 minutes, searching for — and often finding — sensitive enterprise data or other high-value assets.

Learn how the industrial internet of things (IIoT) is changing industries around the world, and what your business can do to make sure your IIoT devices are secure. The fourth industrial revolution – industry 4.0, as some are calling it – is upon us. As digital transformation sweeps across manufacturing, production and related industries, many organizations are grappling with this new stage in the organization and control of the industrial value chain.

Operational risk is defined as the risk of a loss that results from inadequate or failed business processes, people and systems, or from external events. More simply, operational risk pertains to any uncertainty or threat your organization faces (or might face in the future) during day-to-day business activities. The risk arises from operational disruptions and is likely to result in losses or reputational damage. Some operational risk is inevitable for every organization.

Most businesses today want to deliver modern applications, products, and services to customers as efficiently as possible. This seemingly simple goal is far more complex than it sounds – particularly in the age of digital transformation.

When a business concept is born, building out a tech stack based on cybersecurity is not always the first item of concern. The need to simplify cybersecurity often comes later in the growth phase of a business. Start ups are well-known for everyone on staff pitching in in different areas. Technology, software purchases are often based on last minute needs, lowest costs, etc. It is often assumed that security is covered by the manufacturers of the chosen technology.

When security analysts choose technology, they approach the process like a mechanic looking to purchase a car. They want to look under the hood and see how the product works. They need to evaluate the product as a technologist. On the other hand, the c-suite has different evaluation criteria. Senior leadership approaches the process like a consumer buying a car.

Attack Surface Assessment tools enable information security teams to look at their organizations “outside-in” from the attacker’s point of view, prioritizing the issues that attackers will see first.

The vendor risk management process is now an essential requirement of all cybersecurity programs. Without it, you're a sitting duck for supply chain attacks and third-party data breaches. In recognition of this, regulatory bodies are increasing their third-party risk compliance requirements and enforcing obedience by threatening heavy financial penalties for non-compliance.

Cyber insurance coverage? Through the roof these days. Also, coverage is not that easy to get. The many breaches and the dollar judgements handed down make cyber insurance another costly operating investment. A mid-sized client of mine, as an example, pays $1 million in annual cyber insurance costs just to do business with its commercial and government customers. The issue adds another twist to the topic of third-party risk.