1 trillion Dollars. If you are wondering what that number is, let us clarify. This was the expected cost of global cybercrime incidents in the year 2020. (According to McAfee global report titled “The Hidden Costs of Cybercrime,” conducted in partnership with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)). According to annual cyber threat reports, The Australian Cyber Security Centre received one cybercrime report every ten minutes in 2020. From individual financial information to public distribution systems, from social networks to global supply chains cybercriminals have left no network behind. In such a scenario, it has become imperative for all companies to incorporate the highest cybersecurity standards in their applications, systems, and operation networks irrespective of the size of their organizations.
However, handling cybersecurity projects can be challenging as it includes a variety of one-time and recurring tasks all while taking care of the day-to-day operations and long-term priorities. To execute the projects smoothly while staying within the budget and to complete the project within the timeframe, businesses can follow the below approach. The below infographic details the process to handle any cybersecurity project effectively.
How to conduct an effective cybersecurity project
- Gather the Requirements – The effectiveness of a cybersecurity solution depends on the robustness of the requirement gathering process. The first and foremost task of the teams involved in cybersecurity projects should be to set the right priorities and expectations. They should understand the applications, systems, and processes that are currently being followed in depth by interacting with all the stakeholders.
- Perform a Feasibility Study – A feasibility study gives a clear picture of the time, cost, complexity, and effort required to implement the proposed solution. Performing a feasibility study minimizes the probability of errors and shortens the development lifecycle of the project.
- Develop the Solution – The development should be focused on the best ways to protect the application, software, or network from internal and external threats. Risk analysis of all possible worst-case scenarios should be diligently performed during this step. This ensures that the solution not only makes the application robust but also ensures the Repeatability and Reproducibility of the results.
- Final Integration – Once the development is completed, the solution can then be locally implemented as a pilot or a Beta Version before scaling it. This is a better approach to bring visibility to any unnoticed lapses during the development process. Upon successful implementation of the pilot, the solution can then be scaled and integrated with existing systems, processes, and networks.
- Final Testing and Validation – After final integration, the solution should be tested in the live business environment and the results should be validated. It is advisable to constantly monitor the solution and loop the feedback into the development process. Key Performance Indicators based on empirical knowledge should be developed and measured for all the processes and sub-processes.
Challenges in handling a cybersecurity project
As mentioned in the former part of this article, managing a cybersecurity project has several challenges. The above infographic details the most significant challenges in handling a cybersecurity project:
- Not knowing where to begin – There might be a multitude of problems related to cybersecurity that often overwhelm the developers. The best way to tackle this challenge is the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). This is an open industry standard for assessing the severity of computer system security vulnerabilities. This allows the developer to focus and prioritize threats that have a high score (The scores range from 0-10, 0 being the lowest threat and 10 being a severe threat).
- Interaction with developers – Lack of coordination between the development (technical) and functional teams results in a solution that does not completely address all the issues related to a vulnerability. This challenge can be addressed by setting up proper communication channels where vital information related to the development can be shared and accessed easily by all the stakeholders.
- Changes in software/application versions – Improper and faulty version control systems and negligence in application of the security patches result in instability of the applications, systems, or network on a whole. Proper version control and timely application of the security patches can help businesses to tackle this challenge.
Impact of Aurion Systems Solution
At Aurion, we bring in unique capabilities to provide cybersecurity solutions of the highest standards to our clients. Our uniqueness lies in our ability to achieve the lowest CVSS Scores which reflect the trustworthiness of the application for the users. Additionally, our project delivery structure is of the highest quality and lowest cost structure which does not burn the pockets of the businesses.
In one of our recent projects, we were able to considerably bring down the CVSS Scores of our clients Application Programming Interface (API) by following a scientific approach that combined the power of statistics, analytical tools, and traditional methods like Penetration Testing. The below infographic depicts the bell curve of the CVSS scores before and after the implementation of our solution.
How to start and not stop at the end of this article piece?
I would recommend starting simply by just taking this approach, which has negligible risk, simple and yet an amazingly effective positive step towards our goal of a proactive strategy
A) Take pen -paper or manual method (start now)
Start reviewing your current security measures in place against the NIST framework guidelines and see how many checkboxes it ticks. Indeed, this causes efforts, but this will pave the way for better clarity around unknown risks.
B) Take help from technology
Work towards making it unattended, assisted by using Super-fast digital solution such that it works autonomously without losing its efficacy by engaging a solid, affordable Business and Technology solution partner. Once a solution called iCyberMate has been developed by Aurion Systems it autonomously captures threats, vulnerabilities and provides real-time intel to assist proactive mitigation of the Cyber and Information security risks. In a nutshell, we can bring down the CVSS score to a much lower value preferably to “0”.
If you are a CEO/COO/CIO/Managing Director/General Manager who is spending more time in reactive/preventive mode than future-facing, please reach out for an exploratory conversation.
Our Contact details
Pradeep Mishra (Director and Co-founder)
pradeep.mishra@aurionsystems.com.au
Ashok Mulchandani (Partner – Business Success and Strategic Transformation)
ashok.mulchandani@aurionsystems.com.au
Amit Bhagat (Director – Business Strategy)
amit.bhagat@aurionsystems.com.au
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