Does Your Business Need Continuous Security Validation?

Regardless of the type of systems and devices you use for work, one thing is certain — it’s ever-changing. New information is circulating through your systems every day, and frequent updates make changes within your network.

For cybercriminals, any changes represent an opportunity because they can leave your organization vulnerable to attacks. Dealing with the aftermath after a hacking breach is not an option either. Cyber threats are expensive, and they can damage your reputation.

The high cost of cyber threats can even put organizations out of business. What’s more, you lose most of your funding while you’re patching up the system after the attack. For companies that already have all the tools they can have to protect devices employees use for work and the network itself, the next step in security is Continuous Security Validation.

What do you need to know about Continuous Security Validation, and what should businesses verify when it comes to cybersecurity? Stick with us as we find out.

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What Is Continuous Security Validation All About?

Continuous Security Validation is a more proactive take on cybersecurity that’s all about verifying the tools you use. This means you don’t wait for hackers to find flaws in your system. Within the system that is always changing and in the world where hackers are getting savvier, it’s important to check your security tools every day. Continuous validation does so 24/7.

The many advantages of Continuous Security Validation include, but are not limited to:

Testing your network against the latest hacking threats
Peace of mind because it confirms that your tools work
Simulation of an advanced attack in a safe environment
Detailed analytics and assessment that any member of your IT team can understand
Ability to customize assessments depending on the needs of your business

How Does Continuous Security Validation Work?

It utilizes Breach and Attack Simulation technology to test the network. This technology simulates known attacks to test your cybersecurity. Successful attacks (that resulted in breaches) reveal vulnerabilities within your system.

To determine what should be tested and to confirm that your security is ready for the latest threats, your security also needs to be verified against the latest threats. For details about the new ways cybercriminals managed to attack businesses, Continuous Validation relies on MITRE ATT&CK Framework.

MITRE ATT&CK Framework is a major resource for tools such as Breach and Attack Simulation. It’s the library of the latest methods that hackers have used to successfully breach networks.

What Should You Verify?

Every company has different security tools depending on their needs. Your company might need solutions that protect the cloud, and other organizations might need to employ software that protests endpoint devices that your employees use while working from their homes.

You need to verify that your security points can withstand any hacking attempt. That is to say, you need to check any devices that you and your employees used to protect the company.

Another thing that needs to be verified is that your IT team is using the tools you have properly and that only people who are meant to manage these tools actually use them. If they don’t know how to use them, your teams might need additional training.

Unauthorized use of the software that protects you from hacking threats that can lead to cyber breaches.

Does Your Company Really Need Continuous Security Checkups?

As you already know, your system and network are changing all the time. This includes updates, new members of your team using their credentials to log into the network, and daily exchange of data.

Any of these changes can disrupt the system and create vulnerability, either in the form of misconfigurations or new employees using weak passwords to access your network. Even the old vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched up can cause the breach.

Both small businesses and large enterprises are targeted in hacking attempts and breaches. Just last year, some of the most notable breaches happened to:

Microsoft
Facebook
Colonial Pipeline
Android
Volkswagen
T-Mobile
Panasonic

According to Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) research, 2021 was the record-breaking year in terms of data breaches. Up until September 30, 2021, the total number has already exceeded those of events in 2020 by 17%, counting 1,291 compromises in 2021 compared to 1,108 breaches in 2020.

Specifically, the manufacturing & utilities sector was deeply affected, with as many as 48 compromises and a total of 48,294,629 reported victims. The healthcare sector trailed, with 78 breaches and over 7 million victims. There are other sectors with more than 1 million victims included financial services (1.6 million victims), government (1.4 million victims) and professional services (1.5 million victims).

The fact is, hackers are constantly looking for new opportunities to attack, wherever they can. So, what does this mean for your company?

Your IT team doesn’t have the time or resources to track flaws and changes manually. Using tools to verify that your security system holds up against the threats enables you to discover any flaws early.

Continuous Security Check-Ups Create A Peace Of Mind

The work on cybersecurity is never completed because your system is ever-changing. The best you can do is to have the right cybersecurity tools and continually check if they work. Regular checkups warn you of possible flaws that need to be patched up within your network and whether your team requires more training.

After you check whether your security tools protect you against common and new hacking methods, you, your employees, and your clients or customers can have peace of mind. You’ll know that there aren’t any vulnerabilities that went under the radar for months. Your clients and team can rest assured that their information is safe after they share it with your company.