Is Offensive Security a Suitable Mindset for CISOs?

BreachLock Attack Surface Discovery Blog Series (6 of 6)
Guest Author: Edward Amoroso
Chief Executive Officer, TAG Infosphere
Research Professor, NYU

Enterprise security can be designed from two different perspectives. First, it can be created using models and methods that are defensive in their approach, focusing on matching up programs with models such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. But second, security approaches can be created using models and methods that are offensive in their approach, perhaps lining up with ethical hacker results or attack-oriented models.

It is generally agreed today that the best enterprise security programs try to take advantage of both approaches, but that too many are lacking in their application of offensive measures. This implies that offensive security represents a great opportunity for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to improve their programs considerably. Those who do not follow this path are missing an opportunity.

How Defensive Models Drive Security Programs

Advancements in data-driven offensive security have transformed how cybersecurity is approached by defenders (as well as their adversaries). The result is that enterprise teams can now be equipped with powerful tools to proactively combat emerging threats. Leveraging offensive security technologies, which can be powered now using AI and ML, security leaders can now take a new approach to prevention, detection, and response.

Offensive security enables the best security teams to take a more proactive stance against cyber threats, employing tactics like ptaas and red teaming to fortify their defenses and minimize risks. Also, as enterprises increasingly rely on data-driven insights resulting from security testing findings, the integrations of these innovative technologies will modernize how cybersecurity defense is approached. The common aphorism that “the best defense is a good offense,” certainly does apply here.

How Offensive Models Can Drive Security Programs

While data analytics empowers offensive security and decision-making, some challenges persist. Data quality does have a direct impact on accurate and actionable intelligence, following perhaps the old saying: “Garbage in, garbage out.” In addition, balancing privacy and ethics can be an issue, but as security testing data should be free of private data, this should not be a significant concern.

In the end, offensive security practitioners have the right mindset to properly anticipate the most likely adversarial attacks that will occur on their network. Practitioners should expect to see data analytics begin to fuel this offensive security approach as viable and evidence-backed support emerges, often from the best commercial vendors such as BreachLock. Armed with insights, security leaders can proactively defend against attackers.

How BreachLock Supports Offensive Security

The commercial BreachLock platform focuses specifically on driving this offensive mindset through the provision of continuous attack surface discovery and advanced penetration testing. The solution leverages data to drive penetration testing results to help leaders make well-informed decisions regarding vulnerability identification, prioritization, and mitigation. The result is an integrated offensive and defensive approach to a more effective defense.

To read the full blog series, download the eBook here.

About BreachLock

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About TAG

TAG is a trusted next generation research and advisory company that utilizes an AI-powered SaaS platform to deliver on-demand insights, guidance, and recommendations to enterprise teams, government agencies, and commercial vendors in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and climate science/sustainability.