Optimising Security Operations in 2024: The Path Forward
Friday 27th September 2024
Introduction
2024 has seen the continuation of a significant period of change in the world of Security Operations (SecOps). Regulatory requirements are shifting at its most rapid pace in a decade, organisations’ boards are demanding “AI”, and the ever-increasing number of cyber threats isn’t making Business-as-Usual any easier.
The technology landscape has also witnessed several changes. Everything comes with “an AI”, Merger & Acquisition activity has increased (Cisco-Splunk, Exabeam-Logrythym, IBM-PaloAlto), Hyper-Automation, Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM) and Continuous Threat & Exposure Management (CTEM) are on the rise in the analysts hype-cycles, and security technology giants continue to expand their platforms & portfolios. On the latter points, is it important to be aware of the maturing capability of Microsoft in this space.
To say transformation is necessary would overstate the challenge, however, it is important to note that there are new challenges and emerging threats that need to be acknowledged and reviewed to ensure maximum resilience against threats.
In this blog, we dive head-first into the strategies and tools that can help enhance security operations.
Embracing Advanced Threat Detection
Advanced threat detection systems are one of the most obvious places to gain productivity and Mean-time-to-Detect (MTTD) & -to-Respond (MTTR) benefits. Traditional security measures are proving inadequate against sophisticated cyber-attacks. Thankfully, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), also known as Machine Learning (ML), to identify potential threats accurately and swiftly is maturing rapidly in this area. This is due to many organisations coming familiar with, and utilising, the benefits of Endpoint Detection and Response solutions. These technologies analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, detecting anomalies and unusual patterns that may indicate a security breach, operating far beyond human speed. The new opportunity here is looking at these platforms for what else they can provide, and their advancing efficiency benefits through internal or API integrations.
With solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Azure Sentinel, Microsoft is one of a leader in driving this platform approach, alongside cyber security giant, CrowdStrike. Both Microsoft and CrowdStrike combine EDR with modern approaches to more traditional SecOps tooling, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Vulnerability Management.
Enhancing Incident Response (IR)
Effective Incident Management is critical to minimising the impact of security breaches. In today’s world, not only is this a good idea, but IR is becoming a key component in demonstrating operational resilience to external bodies who are interested from a regulatory or insurance stance. This is a critical capability that continues to be delivered by expert specialist organisations and has been a key lever in the continued rapid adoption of Managed Security Services.
The Role of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)
MSSPs of all shapes and sizes continue to offer invaluable support in optimising security operations. These providers bring specialised expertise and resources that can enhance an organisation's security posture. Some of the key areas for adoption of MSSPs have been across 247 Detection and Response & Incident Management. However, what has been noted in recent times, is the rise in people heavy processes with an increasing challenge of scale, such as vulnerability management, threat intelligence and firewall management, are being delivered by these specialists.
Partnering with an MSSP allows organisations to leverage state-of-the-art security technologies and best practices, without the need for substantial in-house investment in people or platform and accelerated optimisation programs.
Addressing the UK Cyber Security Skills Gap
The UK faces a significant cyber security skills gap. A shortage of skilled professionals makes it difficult for organisations to effectively manage and respond to cyber threats. This gap is driven by the rapid pace of technological advancement and scale of threats being faced.
Organisations are looking to MSSPs as one solution to these challenges, whilst also looking to “grow-their-own” talent through junior hires and apprentices.
To address the cyber gaps gap, many organisations have begun leveraging technologies, such as AI and automation, to aid in mitigating the impact of the skills shortage. By automating routine tasks, security teams can focus on more complex and strategic issues, effectively extending their capabilities.
The security team of the future potentially looks like a small number of highly skilled and fulfilled employees supported by highly automated solutions and service providers.
Integrating Hyper-Automation
Also addressing process and workflow efficiency is the development of Hyper-Automation is seeking to address the need to deliver solutions with a low technical burden for already stretched teams. Often based around low-and no-code robotic process automation (RPA), and other smart tools to automate complex business processes end-to-end. Hyper-Automation not only enhances efficiency but also improves accuracy and reduces the potential for human error.
Microsoft is at the forefront of this movement with its Power Automate platform. Hyper-Automation can help security operations by automating use cases such as threat detection, incident response, and compliance monitoring.
Conclusion
As we move further into 2024, the need to optimise security operations becomes ever more pressing. By embracing advanced threat detection, enhancing incident response, automation, and partnering with MSSPs, organisations can build a resilient security posture and address scale challenges and also drive cost-efficiencies to support their organisation in the challenging economy.
We hope that you've found this article useful. If you would like to discuss any of the points in further detail with Bytes, please reach out to your Bytes Account Manager, or email [email protected].
Want to keep informed? Sign up to our Newsletter