Need of the hour is to embrace real-time security posture analysis

• Real-time security analysis empowers organisations to navigate the dynamic technology and threat landscapes with the same agility and confidence before they can escalate.
• As we navigate an increasingly interconnected and dynamic digital world, the limitations of these static evaluations become glaringly apparent.

In the realm of cybersecurity, the landscape is in a constant state of flux, with threats evolving and multiplying at a pace that keeps security professionals perpetually on their toes.

Traditionally, penetration tests have served as a valuable tool for assessing an enterprise’s security posture. However, these tests provide only a snapshot of the security environment at a specific point in time.

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected and dynamic digital world, the limitations of these static evaluations become glaringly apparent.

This article delves into the critical need to transition from conventional penetration testing to real-time dynamic security posture analysis.

Shortcomings of snapshot mentality

The traditional approach to penetration testing involves conducting periodic assessments of an organisation’s cybersecurity defences. While this approach has historical merit, it is not without its drawbacks.

Just as a photograph captures a singular moment, penetration tests offer a fixed snapshot of an organisation’s security landscape. They may uncover vulnerabilities that exist at the time of the assessment but fail to address the rapidly changing threat landscape that continues to evolve after the test is completed.

Cybercriminals are not bound by the same schedule, and new vulnerabilities can emerge at any time.

Very similar issues arise from the reliance on an annual vehicle safety check to ensure the roadworthiness of your commercial vehicles is readily apparent.

According to a 2022 study by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), vehicles are issued 10 times more prohibitions three months after their annual test, a 25 percentage point increase compared to the first month after the test.

Alarmingly more than 60 per cent of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) prohibition defects found at the roadside three months after the MoT could have been reported and fixed before beginning a journey or noticed when driving the vehicle.

While the check may reveal issues at that moment, it does not account for wear and tear, unforeseen road hazards, or the mechanical changes that can occur between inspections. Similarly, traditional penetration tests can miss vulnerabilities that surface post-assessment or fail to account for the complex interplay of new threats and technologies.

If it’s not secure now, it’s not secure

To stay ahead in the race for cybersecurity, organisations must adopt a real-time dynamic security posture analysis approach. This shift acknowledges that security is not a static state, but an ongoing process requiring constant vigilance.

Just as modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor performance and safety in real-time, organisations need continuous monitoring and analysis to maintain a robust security posture.

In modern vehicle technology: sensors continuously monitor tyre pressure, engine performance, and various safety systems, sending real-time data to the driver. This data empowers the driver to take immediate action in response to changing conditions, enhancing safety on the road.

Similarly, real-time security posture analysis provides organisations with the tools to detect and address vulnerabilities as they arise, stopping threats before they can escalate. And despite what the hype machine may try to have you believe, this all still requires a human at the wheel.

Adapting to ever-changing landscape

Much as a car’s safety features must adjust to changing driving circumstances, an organisation’s cybersecurity protections must evolve to counter new threats.

Leveraging automation and machine learning, real-time dynamic security posture analysis can spot patterns and anomalies in network traffic, user behaviour, and system performance or configuration.

This data is weighted and assessed by the importance of specific assets and the consequences for the business, should they be hacked or rendered unavailable. 

The continuous analysis makes it possible to quickly identify any unexpected activity that can point to a persistent breach or an approaching attack.

Think of the adaptive cruise control system in a modern vehicle. This technology allows for a safe and reliable driving experience by adjusting the speed of the car in reaction to the traffic in the area.

In the same way, real-time dynamic security posture analysis modifies a company’s security protocols in response to shifting threat environments, ensuring that vulnerabilities are promptly fixed and new attack vectors are mitigated.

The benefits of timely response

One of the key advantages of real-time dynamic security posture analysis, with a human in the loop, lies in their ability to make a timely response.

Just as a driver’s quick reaction can prevent an accident, rapid identification of threats and vulnerabilities can mitigate potential breaches. By eliminating the lag between assessment and action, organisations can drastically reduce the window of opportunity for attackers.

Imagine the potential repercussions if a driver or a vehicle’s safety systems took minutes or even hours to react to shifting road conditions. Similarly, a security posture that only relies on routine evaluations exposes organisations to danger during the intervals between assessments.

The traditional static approach to security assessment falls short in a world where cyber threats evolve in real-time. Just as an annual vehicle safety check doesn’t guarantee a car’s roadworthiness throughout the year, conventional penetration tests provide only a transient insight into an organisation’s security posture.

Organisations have to move beyond a snapshot mentality to proactively address misconfigurations, vulnerabilities and threats as they emerge.

A vigilant driver responds intuitively to changing conditions and traffic patterns. Real-time security analysis empowers organisations to navigate the dynamic technology and threat landscapes with the same agility and confidence.

In a world where the next cyber threat could emerge at any moment, it’s time to leave the snapshot mentality behind and embrace the power of real-time security analysis.

• Rik Ferguson is the Vice President of Security Intelligence at Forescout.