Can Our Cybersecurity Professionals Keep Up with Criminal Hackers?
I have been asking this question to myself for years and I haven't really gotten the chance to answer it myself.
When I got in to a cybersecurity role, it was totally a different world than what I've seen in movies.
It is a world of reporting, documentation, ticketing, meetings, and more meetings.
Talking about continuous improvement, how to be more efficient about their work and at the same time keeping the business alive. and stakeholders happy.
It feels cybersecurity professionals are always behind and will need to exert a lot of efforts in order to catch up with the bad guys.
Now, not all organization are structured the same way.
There are some who mainly focuses on keeping their teams do what they're suppose to do and continue getting good at what they do everyday.
As technology evolves, and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, a critical question is asked.
Can our cybersecurity professionals keep up with criminal hackers?
I thought of writing this newsletter to talk about between the two factions and explore the challenges that cybersecurity experts face in their role to protect digital assets.
$ the-ever-evolving-cyber-threat-landscape
One of the fundamental challenges facing cybersecurity professionals is the dynamic nature of the cyber threat landscape.
Cybercriminals are constantly adapting, innovating, and developing new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and evade detection.
Yes, they have a lot of time doing this at their basement.
They are not only surrounded by a coffee machine, cigarettes, books, printed manuals, and desk lamps but also underground communities supporting each other's cause and curiosity.
As technology advances, so do the tools and tactics at the disposal of cybercriminals, making it an uphill battle for security experts.
$ skill-and-knowledge-gap
Cybersecurity professionals are undoubtedly skilled and knowledgeable individuals.
Some of them being so good, they became educators and mentors to train and teach the next generation of security professionals.
They invest significant time and effort in acquiring certifications, staying up to date with the latest security trends, and honing their expertise.
However, the skill and knowledge gap between security professionals and criminal hackers remains a persistent issue.
Criminal hackers often operate in an environment where they can quickly learn from one another, collaborate on new attack methods, and access underground forums to share knowledge.
In contrast, security professionals operate within the confines of legality and ethics, making it challenging to keep pace with the rapidly evolving techniques used by criminal hackers.
$ resource-limitations
Another factor that affects the ability of cybersecurity professionals to keep up with criminal hackers is resource limitations.
Organizations may not allocate sufficient budgets or personnel to their cybersecurity teams, leaving them stretched thin and incapable to address the multitude of threats that constantly emerge.
Criminal hackers on the other hand can be financially motivated, backed by the resources of organized crime, or even state-sponsored.
This financial backing grants them the means to acquire advanced tools and infrastructure, making their attacks more potent and difficult to defend against.
$ zero-day-vulnerabilities
Criminal hackers often target these vulnerabilities because they provide a significant advantage – there are no patches or fixes available to counter the attack.
While security professionals work diligently to discover and patch these vulnerabilities, criminal hackers are equally relentless in their pursuit of zero-days.
$ human-error-and-insider-threats
Despite the best efforts of cybersecurity professionals, human error and insider threats remain significant concerns.
Even the most robust cybersecurity measures can be compromised by employees or individuals with malicious intent.
While cybersecurity experts can implement security protocols and awareness training, they cannot always prevent insider threats or human errors that inadvertently lead to breaches.
$ the-role-of-AI-and-automation
To bridge the gap between cybersecurity professionals and criminal hackers, many organizations are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns indicative of attacks, and respond in real-time.
It can also enhance the speed and efficiency of threat detection and mitigation.
However, even with AI and automation, the human element remains crucial.
Cybersecurity professionals are needed to oversee these systems, fine-tune them, and respond to complex and evolving threats that require human judgment and intervention.
$ collaboration-and-information-sharing
One avenue through which cybersecurity professionals can gain an edge is through collaboration and information sharing.
By working together, sharing threat intelligence, and pooling resources, security experts can collectively address the challenges posed by criminal hackers.
Governments, industries, and organizations must foster an environment that encourages collaboration and facilitates the exchange of critical cybersecurity information.
$ So to wrap it up...
The question of whether our cybersecurity professionals can keep up with criminal hackers is an ongoing challenge at least for me.
While cyber threats are growing in complexity, cybersecurity professionals are evolving, too.
Yes, we have tons of training platforms where we can learn for free, experiment and interact with the community.
Through continuous learning, collaboration, and the use of advanced technologies, they are working tirelessly to stay one step ahead.
However, it is crucial for organizations and governments to invest in cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development to bridge the skills gap and ensure that the defenders of the digital realm can effectively protect against ever-evolving cyber threats.
Cybersecurity is a battle we can't afford to lose, and it requires a united effort from professionals, organizations, and society as a whole.
How do you structure your cyber team for a more efficient work?
How you, as a cybersecurity professional keep yourself up to date?
Feel free to share your thoughts on how, we, cybersecurity professionals can keep up with the cybercriminals.
LET’S BUILD TOGETHER
Your feedback and questions will be invaluable in shaping this newsletter.
If there’s a topic you’re curious about, let me know.
I want this space to be as collaborative as possible, so please feel free to reply and share what’s on your mind.
I’m here to help you grow, learn, and succeed in the world of cybersecurity.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Here’s to learning, sharing, and making an impact together!
With you on this cyber path,
Jeff