How can you ensure continuous IT security monitoring and improvement?

IT security is not a one-time project, but a continuous process that requires constant vigilance and improvement. To protect your IT assets and data from cyber threats, you need to implement a comprehensive and effective IT security monitoring and improvement strategy. In this article, we will discuss some of the key steps and best practices that can help you achieve this goal.

1 Assess your current IT security posture

The first step is to assess your current IT security posture and identify any gaps, vulnerabilities, or risks that may compromise your IT systems and data. You can use various tools and methods to conduct an IT security audit, such as vulnerability scanners, penetration tests, compliance checklists, or frameworks like NIST or ISO. The audit should cover all aspects of your IT environment, such as networks, servers, applications, devices, users, policies, and procedures. The audit should also provide you with a clear report of your IT security strengths and weaknesses, as well as recommendations for improvement.

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2 Implement IT security controls and policies

The next step is to implement the IT security controls and policies that can mitigate or prevent the IT security risks identified in the audit. IT security controls are the technical or administrative measures that can protect your IT assets and data from unauthorized access, modification, or damage. IT security policies are the rules and guidelines that define how your organization manages and enforces IT security. Some examples of IT security controls and policies are firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, backup, authentication, authorization, logging, incident response, and awareness training. You should prioritize the most critical and urgent IT security issues and implement the appropriate controls and policies accordingly.

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Mark C.

Section Chief, Cybersecurity Division (CSD) @ CISA | CISSP, PMP, CISM, PMI-ACP
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Incorporating threat intelligence and vulnerability management is pivotal for organizations. With a growing number of threat actors exploiting unpatched CVEs on non-traditional perimeter devices, such as routers, the next step is to implement IT security controls and policies to mitigate these identified risks. Prioritizing the most critical and urgent security issues is of utmost importance. Implement the relevant controls and policies to bolster your organization's defense against threats. Even with robust defense-in-depth strategies, it's crucial to acknowledge that unauthorized access to devices like routers can enable lateral movement, emphasizing the significance of proactive security measures.

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3 Monitor your IT security performance

The third step is to monitor your IT security performance and ensure that your IT security controls and policies are working effectively and efficiently. You can use various tools and methods to monitor your IT security performance, such as dashboards, alerts, reports, audits, or reviews. The monitoring should cover all aspects of your IT security environment, such as events, incidents, trends, anomalies, or compliance. The monitoring should also provide you with a timely and accurate feedback of your IT security status and performance, as well as any issues or challenges that need your attention.

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Mark C.

Section Chief, Cybersecurity Division (CSD) @ CISA | CISSP, PMP, CISM, PMI-ACP
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In my tenure, I've found that one of the critical aspects of maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture is the ability to identify measurable KPIs. These KPIs serve as vital indicators of how well your security measures are working, allowing your team to discern what isn't working, what is working, and what has become irrelevant. KPIs should not be static; they must evolve in tandem with the organization. In today's ever-evolving threat landscape, this adaptability is more critical than ever. With the recent surge in zero-day exploitations, escalating involvement from nation-state actors driven by global tensions, and the rise of disinformation campaigns, an organization's cybersecurity posture is in constant flux.

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4 Improve your IT security processes and practices

The final step is to improve your IT security processes and practices based on the feedback and insights gained from the monitoring. You can use various tools and methods to improve your IT security processes and practices, such as root cause analysis, problem solving, corrective actions, preventive actions, or continuous improvement. The improvement should focus on enhancing your IT security effectiveness and efficiency, as well as addressing any gaps, vulnerabilities, or risks that may arise from changes in your IT environment or business needs. The improvement should also involve evaluating the impact and results of your IT security actions and initiatives, as well as learning from your successes and failures.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Mark C.

Section Chief, Cybersecurity Division (CSD) @ CISA | CISSP, PMP, CISM, PMI-ACP
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IT security is an ongoing battle against threat actors who are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To effectively protect systems and data, organizations must adopt an Agile mindset to ensure continuous IT security monitoring and improvement. Threat actors are constantly refining their tactics, and even systems that are considered secure can fall victim to zero-day vulnerabilities. Threat actors closely monitor threat feeds, ready to exploit the latest vulnerabilities. As security practitioners, we must adapt, stay agile, and stay ahead of the game.

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How can you ensure continuous IT security monitoring and improvement?

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1 Assess your current IT security posture

2 Implement IT security controls and policies

3 Monitor your IT security performance

4 Improve your IT security processes and practices

5 Here’s what else to consider

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