Keeping sensitive digital information secure has never been more important than it is today, nor has it ever been more difficult. South Florida companies that have managed to avoid been hacked should take heed. In today’s environment, it’s not a matter of “if” your information will be compromised, but when and how.
Why is digital information so vulnerable? The 2014 Cyberthreat Defense Report concludes it is a matter of an outdated approach to IT security. Companies tend to focus their efforts on the perimeter, and organizations taking that approach were 60 percent more likely to be attacked by hackers. What makes the majority of those attacks so notable, however, is not the sheer number of hacks, but the fact that between 66 and 90 percent of those data breaches were identified by third parties, not the victim companies themselves.
From Reactionary to Hyper-Vigilance: The Zero Trust Model
Forward-thinking corporations are taking a new approach which has been dubbed the “zero trust model” (ZTM). ZTM is a hyper-vigilant approach to IT security, viewing every single file as a potential target for hackers. Since every piece of data is potentially vulnerable, it means that information must always be accessed in a secure manner. Employees and contractors that do not require access to specific data to do their jobs simply cannot access it. Each and every file is subject to controlled, need-to-know access, and that access is strictly enforced.
In a zero trust model, there is no such thing as a “trusted” application, a “trusted” interface, “trusted” networks or even “trusted” users. Instead, the motto of ZTM is to “trust but verify.” Employee access privileges are strict and under constant review, log analysis are of highest priority and tools are employed to continually inspect the content of all data packets. The goal of ZTM is to be proactive rather than reactive, always erring on the side of caution.
The Zero Trust Model of IT Security and Big Data
The constant monitoring and analysis of a ZTM approach to security results in high volumes of new data. Without a strong big data management program, IT teams could become overwhelmed with log files, vulnerability reports, alerts, etc. When companies take on ZTM, they must also be ready to engage in big data analytics to help give IT teams a 360-degree view of the cyber security landscape.
Reports from Gartner indicate that big data analytics can play a significant role in helping companies detect attacks. Their data indicates that by 2016, one-quarter of global corporations will utilize big data for fraud detection and security purposes. Big data will be able to help companies use predictive analysis prevent attacks before they occur, as opposed to taking the reactionary approach they’ve been mired in for the last several years.
If your South Florida company is ready to take a new approach to cyber security, you will need the right people in place to be able to make it happen. At CERS, we work with a talented network of security and big data IT professionals who are ready for new challenges. If you’d like to learn more about our process for connecting our clients with top IT talent in South Florida, contact CERS today.
