As organizations race to digitize their processes and customer experiences, they are also taking significant steps to become more connected and cyber-resilient. In this digital transformation, businesses can no longer rely on a single technology or a standalone cybersecurity solution. Instead, they require a Cybersecurity Stack that seamlessly integrates multiple layers of security technologies to boost network performance, protect critical data and detect suspicious activities in real time. A cybersecurity stack architecture is the best way to ensure your organization has an optimal set of security solutions covering all areas of your business.
What is a Cybersecurity Stack?
A cybersecurity stack is a group of security solutions that are strategically combined to protect an organization’s network. Organizations need to go beyond the protection of a single endpoint or network. They need to be aware of threats across the entire network, across their third-parties, and they need to have full visibility on what is happening. This is why cybersecurity stacks are now the norm for most companies, large and small. Cybersecurity stacks consist of several layers that encompass a company’s endpoint protection, network security, cloud security and data security needs. Businesses can build their own stack or they can use a managed security service provider that offers a pre-built stack.
Why Organizations Need A Cybersecurity Stack
Businesses need to be proactive about protecting their critical data and assets. A cybersecurity stack is a one-stop solution for all your security needs. It will allow you to effectively manage risk across your entire network and keep your customers’ data safe. As businesses grow and evolve, their security needs also change. If a company starts with a single product, it will eventually fail as the business grows. Instead, organizations should implement a cybersecurity stack that allows them to scale as they grow.
The Best Practices for Building a Secure Stack
When it comes to building a cybersecurity stack, organizations should follow the below best practices:
- Understand Your Risk Profile: Before you start building your stack, you need to understand your risk profile. You need to know which areas are your organization is most vulnerable to cyberattacks. You should consider the network traffic coming into your organization as well as your data’s lifecycle. Your risk profile will help you decide what tools you need to make up your stack.
- Identify Your Business Requirements: Your business requirements will help you define the solution set for your cybersecurity stack. You will have to consider things such as budget, scalability, flexibility and business continuity. You will also have to decide if you want a hybrid or on-premise stack.
- Keep Your Stack Updated: Your security stack should be flexible enough to change with your business needs. Successful businesses know that technology is always changing. As your business evolves and new threats emerge, your security stack needs to adapt. The best way to do this is to select tools that can be easily upgraded or replaced.
- Cybersecurity Training: Training on how to properly handle and protect information, as well as mitigate threats. This can include: digital safety training, social engineering training, phishing simulation, secure development training and more.
- Cybersecurity Talent: Their is a skill shortage for competent cyber security analysts who can monitor and manage security systems, detect threats, and respond to incidents. This can include: application security engineers, threat intelligence analysts, incident responders and more. If you have one, make sure to keep him or her.
Types of Tools That Make up Your Stack
– Endpoint Protection: This is the first line of defense against malware and hackers. It secures computers, mobile devices, servers and IoT devices.
– Network Security: This layer of protection secures your network against malicious traffic and hackers. Network security tools include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and web application firewalls (WAFs).
– Cloud Security: This protects your data stored in the cloud and your cloud-based apps and services. Cloud security tools include cloud access security broker (CASB), and cloud encryption.
– Data Security: This protects your data against both internal and external threats. Data security tools include data loss prevention (DLP), and data encryption.
The Cybersecurity Stack needs a Preventive Risk Analysis
The Cybersecurity Stack is a combination of technology, processes, people and culture that will help your organization assess and mitigate cyber risk. It is an important tool for both your organization and your security team as you develop your cybersecurity strategy. A well-designed Cybersecurity Stack takes into account your company’s unique business goals, resources and risks. It should be considered a living system that evolves as your business priorities change. A strong Cybersecurity Stack will help secure the trust and confidence of both your employees and board members.
To architecture the Cybersecurity Stack, you need to know were to focus your effort and what you have to protect. A preliminary cyber risk assessment is mandatory before creating or changing the Stack. The risk assessment conclusion will give you information about what are your crown jewels, what risk must be mitigated, what risks are tolerable and where to start first. This create the Security Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP) that engage the Cybersecurity Stack in an iterative and continuous improvement evolution.
