Steps to achieving cohesion across the security stack

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a boardroom imperative, and as business leaders navigate their course, a key concept emerges: cohesion.

In a world saturated with security tools, ensuring these tools work together seamlessly, rather than within isolated silos, becomes paramount. There are three key steps an organisation needs to take to achieve optimal cohesion within its IT security stack. The steps are:

1. Shine a light: Unifying visibility across systems:

A cohesive security stack's most significant advantage lies in enhanced visibility. In an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, blind spots are something organisations simply cannot afford. At the same time, security teams shouldn't be left chasing after false positives either. Business leaders often grapple with the question of how to improve visibility without a complete overhaul of the existing security arsenal.

One solution lies in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms. SIEMs act as data aggregators, consolidating information from various security tools to provide a centralised view. This real-time, enterprise-wide visibility empowers users to identify and respond to threats effectively. For business leaders seeking a comprehensive understanding of their organisation's security posture without a disruptive overhaul, SIEMs are a valuable first step.

2. Fortify the gates: Strengthening API security:

Once visibility is achieved, it's crucial to evaluate the security of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). APIs act as the backend framework for mobile and web applications, facilitating communication between different systems. Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in APIs to gain unauthorised access to organisational networks.

Unsecured APIs can become the next big supply chain attack vector, allowing malicious actors to introduce destructive code and wreak havoc. Recent research paints a stark picture – API-targeted cyberattacks skyrocketed by a staggering 400% between June and December 2022, with no signs of abating.

For this reason, business leaders must prioritise API security. Key questions need to be addressed such as how confident IT teams are in the security of APIs and what measures are in place to protect them. Robust API security is fundamental because, without it, APIs become as vulnerable as a standard password login.

The approach should cover two key areas:

• Collaboration: Managers should partner with security teams to meticulously manage API access controls. Define access control rules that specify the identities and roles authorized to access specific API resources.
• Zero Trust: IT teams should also consider implementing Zero Trust security principles. This framework operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring each API layer to independently verify user access requests.

3. Build bridges: Ensure flexible integrations:

Beyond enhanced visibility and robust API security, achieving flexible integrations across security systems is crucial.

The first step involves evaluating current integration methods to determine whether custom-coded integrations have become the norm. While custom coding offers some advantages, it comes with a significant long-term drawback – engineer turnover. With the global software engineer shortage projected to reach a staggering 85.2 million by 2030, future-proofing integration strategies becomes critical. How easily will new hires be able to maintain these custom codes? This overreliance creates a significant barrier to infrastructure modernisation.

Avoid vendor lock-in

Consider scenarios where switching vendors becomes necessary, be it for compliance reasons or cost optimisation as this is where identity orchestration shines. Traditionally, identity management has been a major bottleneck in the integration process. Identity orchestration platforms empower businesses to seamlessly add or remove vendors across applications and services, fostering agility and ease of use. It acts as an "easy button" for the tech stack, ensuring a user experience characterized by simplicity, flexibility, and seamlessness.

Look beyond the initial price tag

It's vital to factor in all integration costs, including hidden or long-term expenses. Instances abound where organisations, lured by initial cost savings of new vendors, overlook the integration challenge. The hidden costs associated with integrating the new system can sometimes be four times the purchase price itself, with a successful integration timeline stretching from 6 to 12 months. Identity orchestration not only streamlines the integration process but also offers a strong return on investment (ROI) in the long run.

Regardless of size or industry, organisations crave a cohesive tech stack that prioritises both speed and security. In an era where cybersecurity has garnered boardroom attention, paving the way for simpler and more seamless security integrations becomes critical.

By implementing a three-pronged approach that prioritises visibility, robust API security, and flexible integrations, organisations can build an unbreakable security chain, fortifying their digital defences in the face of ever-evolving security threats.