Page 76 - Cyber Defense eMagazine February 2024

Going Medieval

In building our cyber capabilities, we can look to the development of medieval fortifications as a
compelling analogy. Early defenses were primarily designed to counteract localized raids and
small-scale warfare. These wooden fortifications provided quick, cost-effective protection
against attackers lacking advanced siege equipment. However as offensive threats evolved, so
did the must-have features of the fortifications. Stone replaced wood. Wider moats, taller towers,
and arrow slits were added to resist more capable attackers. This continuous process of
innovation, adaptation, and improvement is a blueprint for the iterative approach necessary to
st
do business securely in the 21 century.

Embracing Iterative Security

Think of the hapless feudal lord who pitched building a massive stone structure to their king in
response to spear-wielding, local bandits. “Milord, for a mere 50,000 sovereigns, we will be safe
from these brigands in a mere 10-years’ time!” Not only did their funding request likely get
denied, but their town also likely got sacked while getting estimates from the stone masons.

Iterative security is about continually adapting security measures in response to the current
landscape of threats and vulnerabilities while evaluating emerging threats. This approach
acknowledges that cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. It acknowledges the uncertainty
of likelihood and impact in risk calculations and factors that into prevention and detection
strategies. Not every threat warrants a best-in-class platform and top-flight resources in
response. Sometimes, open-source tools running on the intern’s laptop is good enough.

Benefits of Iterative Security

• Speed: Iterative security allows organizations to respond swiftly to emerging risks. A
complete fortification of wooden walls is far better than a half-finished wall of stone. In
cybersecurity, it’s common that the best response to a new threat is visibility. This can
be done quickly and easily, answering questions like, “How big is the problem?” and
“What is our exposure?”
• Focus: This approach allows organizations to prioritize and address the most critical risks
first, much like how the most vulnerable parts of a castle were reinforced first. Lesser
threats can remain in “visibility-only mode” until the threat level warrants further
investment.
• Innovative: Iterative security fosters an environment where innovation thrives. New
attacks spawn new ideas and new solutions. Just as medieval castles evolved over time

Cyber Defense eMagazine – February 2024 Edition 76
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