Page 77 - Cyber Defense eMagazine February 2024

to incorporate architectural and defensive enhancements, our cybersecurity defenses
become stronger and more resilient as the threat level rises.

Implementing Iterative Security

• Adopt Agile Development Practices: Agile development is built on constant
improvement and prioritization based on the demands of the customers, market, or
competition. Cybersecurity can follow the same path, delivering incremental
improvements quickly and efficiently.
• Perform Regular Security Assessments: Periodic reviews ensure threats are
understood and vulnerabilities are identified much like routine inspections and upgrades
of a fortress. Iterative Security doesn’t mean waiting to get compromised before
innovating.
• Foster Security Awareness: Educating the organization about security practices helps
identify potential threats and, in turn, trigger analysis and response. “Milord, you know
that we use the back stairs and that unlocked door in the wall to fetch your ale, right?”

Conclusion

Like those ancient defenders, we must face external threats quickly and efficiently. Not every
barbarian sighting warranted building 40-foot stone walls and conscripting all the villagers. Not
every script kiddie warrants a cutting edge, million-dollar platform. Cybersecurity is a highly
dynamic and rapidly evolving space. Our cybersecurity strategies should be the same. As
CISOs, our goal is to create systems capable of mitigating threats and responding to new
challenges without hamstringing the business. Chasing perfect security and zero risk is both
costly and unattainable. The iterative approach to cybersecurity offers a pragmatic and effective
strategy for protecting modern organizations. It not only ensures a strong current-state posture,
but it also supports the agility and innovation essential for businesses to thrive in today's digital
world. In simple terms, don’t build an impressive stone tower when a simple wooden fence will
do.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – February 2024 Edition 77
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