Redefining CyberSecurity

Latest Episodes:

From Zero Trust to AI and now Platformization and Consolidation: Debunking Cybersecurity Buzzwords | A Brand Story Conversation From Black Hat USA 2024 | A Coro Story with Dror Liwer | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Join the On Location Podcast co-hosts, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli, as they kick off an engaging conversation with Dror Liwer, Co-Founder of Coro, discussing SMB cybersecurity and preparations for Black Hat 2024.

Dror emphasizes Coro’s excitement about participating in Black Hat for the second year, where they will be showcasing their offerings at booth 4734. He contrasts Black Hat with other conferences, noting its unique focus on cybersecurity practitioners and those who carry the weight of their organizations' security.

Throughout the discussion, Dror tackles the buzzwords and trends in the cybersecurity industry. This year, the buzzword is "platform," and Dror provides insight into what truly constitutes a cybersecurity platform. He distinguishes between various types of platforms, such as those built from multiple vendors, internally developed ones like Cisco and Palo Alto, and Coro's own from-the-ground-up modular platform. He also discusses the advantages of a unified and seamless approach to cybersecurity.

The conversation covers the practical benefits of Coro’s platform for service providers and end customers. Dror mentions how Coro simplifies cybersecurity by allowing easy onboarding and flexible licensing. He highlights Coro’s data governance capabilities and modular design, which enable users to scale their security needs up or down efficiently.

Dror also teases his upcoming talk at Black Hat, titled “Platformization, Consolidation, and Other Buzzwords Debunked,” promising a comprehensive framework to help organizations evaluate and select the right cybersecurity platforms for their needs.

The episode closes with Sean and Marco expressing their enthusiasm for continuing the conversation at Black Hat and encouraging listeners to connect with Coro’s energetic team. They also invite the audience to stay tuned for more updates and insights from the event.

Learn more about CORO: https://itspm.ag/coronet-30de

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

Guest: Dror Liwer, Co-Founder at Coro [@coro_cyber]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/drorliwer/

Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from CORO: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/coro

View all of our Black Hat USA 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegas

Are you interested in telling your story?
https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-story

About the host

Sean Martin, CISSP, is a cybersecurity journalist, marketer and the host of Redefining CyberSecurity. He talks with practitioners, CISOs, researchers and business leaders about how security connects to the way organizations operate, and what that means for risk, revenue and trust. He holds the CISSP, first earned in 2003, and co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he covers technology, cybersecurity and society.

Podcast, Redefining CyberSecurity: https://www.seanmartin.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast
Video, Redefining CyberSecurity on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllRWnxWBBf8E2rGm4AaELu1Y
Newsletter, The Future of Cybersecurity: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-future-of-cybersecurity-7108625890296614912/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For cybersecurity and technology companies, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

The Fault in Our Metrics: Rethinking How We Measure Detection & Response | A Conversation with Allyn Stott | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Allyn Stott, Senior Staff Engineer, meoward.co

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/whyallyn

On Twitter | https://x.com/whyallyn

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Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

View This Show's Sponsors

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Episode Notes

In this episode of The Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, host Sean Martin converses with Allyn Stott, who shares his insights on rethinking how we measure detection and response in cybersecurity. The episode explores the nuances of cybersecurity metrics, emphasizing that it's not just about having metrics, but having the right metrics that truly reflect the effectiveness and efficiency of a security program.

Stott discusses his journey from red team operations to blue team roles, where he has focused on detection and response. His dual perspective provides a nuanced understanding of both offensive and defensive security strategies. Stott highlights a common issue in cybersecurity: the misalignment of metrics with organizational goals. He points out that many teams inherit metrics that may not accurately reflect their current state or objectives. Instead, metrics should be strategically chosen to guide decision-making and improve security posture. One of his key messages is the importance of understanding what specific metrics are meant to convey and ensuring they are directly actionable.

In his framework, aptly named SAVER (Streamlined, Awareness, Vigilance, Exploration, Readiness), Stott outlines a holistic approach to security metrics. Streamlined focuses on operational efficiencies achieved through better tools and processes. Awareness pertains to the dissemination of threat intelligence and ensuring that the most critical information is shared across the organization. Vigilance involves preparing for and understanding top threats through informed threat hunting. Exploration encourages the proactive discovery of vulnerabilities and security gaps through threat hunts and incident analysis. Finally, Readiness measures the preparedness and efficacy of incident response plans, emphasizing the coverage and completeness of playbooks over mere response times.

Martin and Stott also discuss the challenge of metrics in smaller organizations, where resources may be limited. Stott suggests that simplicity can be powerful, advocating for a focus on key risks and leveraging publicly available threat intelligence. His advice to smaller teams is to prioritize understanding the most significant threats and tailoring responses accordingly.

The conversation underscores a critical point: metrics should not just quantify performance but also drive strategic improvements. By asking the right questions and focusing on actionable insights, cybersecurity teams can better align their efforts with their organization's broader goals.

For those interested in further insights, Stott mentions his upcoming talks at B-Sides Las Vegas and Blue Team Con in Chicago, where he will expand on these concepts and share more about his Threat Detection and Response Maturity Model.

In conclusion, this episode serves as a valuable guide for cybersecurity professionals looking to refine their approach to metrics, making them more meaningful and aligned with their organization's strategic objectives.

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Watch this and other videos on ITSPmagazine's YouTube Channel

Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast with Sean Martin, CISSP playlist:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq
ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

Be sure to share and subscribe!

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Resources

The Fault in Our Metrics: Rethinking How We Measure Detection & Response (BSIDES Session): https://bsideslv.org/talks#EVFTBT

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To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit:

https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

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About the host

Breaking the Password Barrier: An Expert Guide to Multi-Factor Authentication and the Rise of Passwordless Security | A Conversation with Theodore Heiman | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin Jul 27, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Theodore Heiman, CEO, CISO Guru

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedheiman

On Twitter | https://x.com/tedrheiman

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Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

View This Show's Sponsors

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Episode Notes

In this episode of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, host Sean Martin engages with Ted Heiman, CEO of the cybersecurity practice CISO Guru, in an insightful conversation about the complexities and evolving landscape of password management and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Sean Martin introduces the session by highlighting the challenges practitioners and leaders face in building security programs that enable organizations to achieve their objectives securely.

The discussion quickly steers towards the main topic - the evolution of passwords, the role of password managers, and the critical implementation of MFA. Ted Heiman shares his extensive experience from over 25 years in the cybersecurity industry, observing that passwords are a relic from a time when networks were isolated and less complex. As organizations have grown and interconnected, the weaknesses of static passwords have become more apparent. Heiman notes a striking statistic: 75 to 80 percent of breaches occur due to compromised static passwords.

The conversation examines the history of passwords, starting as simple, memorable phrases and evolving into complex strings with mandatory special characters, numbers, and capitalization. This complexity, while intended to increase security, often leads users to write down passwords or repeat them across multiple platforms, introducing significant security risks. Solutions like password managers arose to mitigate these issues, but as Heiman highlights, they tend to centralize risk, making a single point of failure an attractive target for attackers.

The discussion shifts to MFA, which Heiman regards as a substantial improvement over static passwords. He illustrates the concept by comparing it to ATM use, which combines something you have (a bank card) and something you know (a PIN). Applying this to cybersecurity, MFA typically involves an additional step, such as an SMS code or biometric verification, significantly reducing the possibility of unauthorized access.

Looking forward, both Heiman and Martin consider the promise of passwordless systems and continuous authentication. These technologies utilize a combination of biometrics and behavioral analysis to constantly verify user identity without the need for repetitive password entries. This approach aligns with the principles of zero-trust architecture, which assumes that no entity, inside or outside the organization, can be inherently trusted. Heiman stresses that transitioning to these advanced authentication methods should be a priority for organizations seeking to enhance their security posture. However, he acknowledges the challenges, especially concerning legacy systems and human behaviors, emphasizing the importance of a phased and managed risk approach.

For listeners involved in cybersecurity, Heiman’s insights provide valuable guidance on navigating the intricate dynamics of password management and embracing more secure, advanced authentication mechanisms.

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Watch this and other videos on ITSPmagazine's YouTube Channel

Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast with Sean Martin, CISSP playlist:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq
ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

Be sure to share and subscribe!

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Resources

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To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit:

https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

Are you interested in sponsoring this show with an ad placement in the podcast?

Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplc

About the host

A Deep Dive into SquareX | A Short Brand Story from Black Hat USA 2024 | A SquareX Story with Chief Architect Jeswin Mathai | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another edition of Brand Stories, part of our On Location coverage of Black Hat Conference 2024 in Las Vegas. In this episode, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli chat with Jeswin Mathai, Chief Architect at SquareX, one of our esteemed sponsors for this year’s coverage. Jeswin brings his in-depth knowledge and experience in cybersecurity to discuss the innovative solutions SquareX is bringing to the table and what to expect at this year’s event.

Getting Ready for Black Hat 2024

The conversation kicks off with Marco and Sean sharing their excitement about the upcoming Black Hat USA 2024 in Las Vegas. They fondly recall their past experiences and the anticipation that comes with one of the most significant cybersecurity events of the year. Both hosts highlight the significance of the event for ITSP Magazine, marking ten years since its inception at Black Hat.

Introducing Jeswin Mathai and SquareX

Jeswin Mathai introduces himself as the Chief Architect at SquareX. He oversees managing the backend infrastructure and ensuring the product’s efficiency and security, particularly as a browser extension designed to be non-intrusive and highly effective. With six years of experience in the security industry, Jeswin has made significant contributions through his work published at various conferences and the development of open-source tools like AWS Goat and Azure Goat.

The Birth of SquareX

Sean and Marco delve deeper into the origins of SquareX. Jeswin shares the story of how SquareX was founded by Vivek Ramachandran, who previously founded Pentester Academy, a cybersecurity education company. Seeing the persistent issues in consumer security and the inefficacy of existing antivirus solutions, Vivek decided to shift focus to consumer security, particularly the visibility gap in browser-level security.

Addressing Security Gaps

Jeswin explains how traditional security solutions, like endpoint security and secure web gateways, often lack visibility at the browser level. Attacks originating from browsers go unnoticed, creating significant vulnerabilities. SquareX aims to fill this gap by providing comprehensive browser security, detecting and mitigating threats in real time without hampering user productivity.

Innovative Security Solutions

SquareX started as a consumer-based product and later expanded to enterprise solutions. The core principles are privacy, productivity, and scalability. Jeswin elaborates on how SquareX leverages advanced web technologies like WebAssembly to perform extensive computations directly on the browser, ensuring minimal dependency on cloud resources and optimizing user experience.

A Scalable and Privacy-Safe Solution

Marco raises the question of data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Jeswin reassures that SquareX is designed to be highly configurable, allowing administrators to adjust data privacy settings based on regional regulations. This flexibility ensures that user data remains secure and compliant with local laws.

Real-World Use Cases

To illustrate SquareX’s capabilities, Jeswin discusses common use cases like phishing attacks and how SquareX protects users. Attackers often exploit legitimate platforms like SharePoint and GitHub to bypass traditional security measures. With SquareX, administrators can enforce policies to block unauthorized credential entry, perform live analysis, and categorize content to prevent phishing scams and other threats.

Looking Ahead to Black Hat and DEF CON

The discussion wraps up with a look at what attendees can expect from SquareX at Black Hat and DEF CON. SquareX will have a booth at both events, and Jeswin previews some of the talks on breaking secure web gateways and the dangers of malicious browser extensions. He encourages everyone to visit their booths and attend the talks to gain deeper insights into today’s cybersecurity challenges and solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the conversation with Jeswin Mathai offers a comprehensive look at how SquareX is revolutionizing browser security. Their innovative solutions address critical gaps in traditional security measures, ensuring both consumer and enterprise users are protected against sophisticated threats. Join us at Black Hat Conference 2024 to learn more and engage with the experts at SquareX.

Learn more about SquareX: https://itspm.ag/sqrx-l91

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

Guest: Jeswin Mathai, Chief Architect, SquareX [@getsquarex]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeswinmathai/

Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from SquareX: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/squarex

View all of our Black Hat USA 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegas

Are you interested in telling your story?
https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-story

About the host

Is Defense Winning? | A Black Hat USA 2024 Conversation with Jason Healey | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Jason Healey, Senior Research Scholar, Cyber Conflict Studies, SIPA at Columbia University [@Columbia]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhealey/

At BlackHat: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/briefings/schedule/speakers.html#jason-healey-31682

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Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

Opening Remarks:

Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli set the stage with their signature banter, creating an inviting atmosphere for a deep dive into cybersecurity. Marco introduces a philosophical question about measuring success and improvement in the field, leading seamlessly into their conversation with Jason Healey.

Meet the Expert:

Sean introduces Jason Healey, a senior research scholar at Columbia University and a former military cybersecurity leader with extensive experience, including roles at the Pentagon and the White House. Jason shares his excitement for Black Hat 2024 and the anniversary celebrations of ITSPmagazine, expressing anticipation for the discussions ahead.

The Role of Defense in Cybersecurity:

Jason previews his journey from military service to academia, posing the critical question, “Is defense winning?” He provides a historical perspective, noting that cybersecurity challenges have been present for decades. Despite significant investments and efforts, attackers often seem to maintain an edge. This preview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how to measure success in defense, which he plans to address in detail at the conference.

Shifting the Balance:

Jason highlights the need for a comprehensive framework to evaluate the effectiveness of defense mechanisms. He introduces the concept of metrics like “mean time to detect,” suggesting that these can help gauge progress over time. Jason plans to discuss the importance of understanding system-wide dynamics at Black Hat, emphasizing that cybersecurity is about continual improvement rather than quick fixes.

Economic Costs and Broader Impacts:

Sean shifts the discussion to the economic aspects of cybersecurity, a topic Jason is set to explore further at the event. Jason notes that while financial implications are substantial, other indicators, such as the frequency of states declaring emergencies due to cyber incidents, provide a broader view of the impact. He underscores the need to address disparities in cybersecurity protection, pointing out that not everyone has access to the same level of defense capabilities.

Community and Collaboration:

Marco and Jason discuss the importance of community involvement in improving cybersecurity. Jason stresses the value of shared metrics and continuous data analysis, calling for collective efforts to build a robust defense against evolving threats. This theme of collaboration will be a key focus in his upcoming session.

Looking Forward:

As they wrap up, Sean and Marco express their anticipation for Jason’s session at Black Hat 2024. They encourage the audience to join in, engage with the topics discussed, and contribute to the ongoing conversation on cybersecurity.

Conclusion:

Sean concludes by thanking Jason for his insights and highlighting the importance of the upcoming Black Hat sessions. He invites listeners to follow ITSPmagazine's coverage for more expert discussions and insights into the field of cybersecurity.

For more insightful sessions and expert talks on cybersecurity, make sure to follow ITSPmagazine's Black Hat coverage. Stay safe and stay informed!

Be sure to follow our Coverage Journey and subscribe to our podcasts!

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This Episode’s Sponsors

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/levelblue266f6c

Coro: https://itspm.ag/coronet-30de

SquareX: https://itspm.ag/sqrx-l91

Britive: https://itspm.ag/britive-3fa6

AppDome: https://itspm.ag/appdome-neuv

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Follow our Black Hat USA 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegas

On YouTube: 📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllRo9DcHmre_45ha-ru7cZMQ

Be sure to share and subscribe!

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Resources

Is Defense Winning? (Session): https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/briefings/schedule/index.html#is-defense-winning-40663

Learn more about Black Hat USA 2024: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/

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Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverage

To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcast

Are you interested in sponsoring our event coverage with an ad placement in the podcast?

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Want to tell your Brand Story as part of our event coverage?

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About the host

From Signatures to Behavior: RAD Security's Recognized Innovations for Cloud Threat Detection and Response | A Brand Story Conversation From Black Hat USA 2024 | A RAD Security Story with Brooke Motta Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

In this Brand Story conversation, Sean Martin sat down with Brooke Motta, CEO and co-founder of RAD Security, to discuss a game-changing shift in cloud security: moving from signature-based to behavioral-based detection and response within the Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP).

The What: RAD Security is pioneering the future of cloud security with its state-of-the-art behavioral cloud detection and response (CDR) solution. Unlike traditional CWPP and container detection systems that depend on signatures, RAD Security employs advanced techniques to create behavioral fingerprints based on unique good behavior patterns. This innovative approach aims to eliminate the risks associated with zero-day attacks and apply zero trust principles while ensuring real-time posture verification.

The How: RAD Security's approach stands out in multiple ways. By setting behavioral baselines reflecting a system's normal operations, the platform can detect deviations that indicate potential threats earlier in the attack lifecycle. Integrated real-time identity and infrastructure context further sharpens its threat detection capabilities. This not only allows for proactive defenses but also enhances shift-left strategies and posture management, making cloud environments more resilient against emerging threats.

Key Points Discussed:

Behavioral Detection vs. Signature-Based Methods:
- Brooke emphasized the limitations of signature-based detection in addressing modern cloud security challenges. RAD Security's shift to behavioral detection ensures early identification of zero-day attacks, addressing both runtime and software supply chain vulnerabilities.
Enhanced Capabilities for Real-Time Response:
- The platform provides automated response actions such as quarantining malicious workloads, labeling suspicious activities, and terminating threats. It leverages machine learning and large language models to classify detections accurately, aiding security operations centers (SOC) in quicker and more effective remediation.
Recognition and Impact:
- RAD Security’s innovative approach has earned it a finalist spot in the prestigious Black Hat Startup Spotlight Competition, signifying industry acknowledgment of the need to move beyond traditional, reactive signatures to a proactive, behavioral security approach. They were also recognized during RSA Conference, one of the only startups to garner such a position.
Supply Chain Security:
- Brooke highlighted the importance of analyzing third-party services and APIs at runtime to get a comprehensive threat picture. RAD Security’s verified runtime fingerprints ensure a defense-ready posture against supply chain attacks, exemplified by its response to the recent XZ Backdoor vulnerability.
Future of Cloud Security:
- As security teams navigate increasingly complex cloud environments, the legacy method of relying on signatures is no longer viable. RAD Security's behavioral approach represents the future of cloud detection and response, offering a robust, resilient solution against novel and evolving threats.

RAD Security is leading the charge in transforming cloud security through its innovative, signatureless behavioral detection and response platform. By integrating real-time identity and infrastructure context, RAD Security ensures swift and accurate threat response, laying the groundwork for a new standard in cloud native protection.

For more insights and to learn how RAD Security can help enhance your organization's cloud security resilience, tune into the full conversation.

Learn more about RAD Security: https://itspm.ag/radsec-l33tz

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

Guest: Brooke Motta, CEO & Co-Founder, RAD Security [@RADSecurity_]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookemotta/

On Twitter | https://x.com/brookelynz1

Resources

A Brief History of Signature-Based Threat Detection in Cloud Security: https://itsprad.io/radsec-4bi

Open Source Cloud Workload Fingerprint Catalog: https://itsprad.io/radsec-kro

Learn more and catch more stories from RAD Security: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/rad-security

View all of our Black Hat USA 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegas

Are you interested in telling your story?
https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-story

About the host

Achieving Cybersecurity Velocity: The Role of Culture and Leadership for Operational Excellence | A Conversation with Kim Jones | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Kim Jones, Director, Intuit [@Intuit]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimjones-cism/

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Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

View This Show's Sponsors

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Episode Notes

In the latest episode of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, host Sean Martin explores the importance of achieving velocity in cybersecurity operations with Kim Jones, a seasoned leader with nearly four decades of experience in intelligence, security, and risk.

Jones, who has served in various roles such as Army Intel Officer, CISO, and most recently, in Performance Acceleration at Intuit, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Jones stresses that cultural alignment is crucial for cybersecurity teams to move faster without compromising security. He highlights the importance of leaders setting clear priorities and fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable raising conflicts and collaborating to find solutions. “A good leader is going to push the organization 5 percent beyond what it thinks it can do,” says Jones, emphasizing the necessity of pushing teams beyond their perceived limits while ensuring they work cohesively.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion is Jones' analogy of velocity: “Velocity implies taking that motion in a given appropriate direction,” he explains. For Jones, mere motion is insufficient if it lacks direction. He believes that enterprises must align their resources toward a common goal to achieve true velocity, minimizing internal friction and inefficiencies along the way. Effective leadership, according to Jones, plays a pivotal role in this alignment. He argues that leaders need to create a culture where collaboration and conflict resolution are normalized practices. “Not every leader has to be charismatic, but every leader has to lead and set the tone,” Jones notes, adding that consistent and principled leadership is more impactful than charisma alone. Jones also touches on the real-world repercussions of failing to balance velocity with cultural alignment.

Drawing from his extensive career, he shares that misalignment often leads to burnout and inefficiencies. He underscores the importance of leaders making time for their peers and team members, noting, “Inaction is as reckless as acting without thought.” Jones advises that prioritizing responses and maintaining open communication channels can significantly enhance team effectiveness. For organizations aiming to boost their cybersecurity operations, Jones' insights offer a valuable roadmap. By focusing on cultural alignment, setting clear priorities, and encouraging effective leadership, businesses can achieve the velocity needed to thrive. Jones' approach underscores that achieving velocity isn't about making things move faster in disarray but rather about coordinated and purposeful acceleration toward shared goals.

About the host

A Framework for Evaluating National Cybersecurity Strategies | A Black Hat USA 2024 Conversation with Fred Heiding | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Fred Heiding, Research Fellow, Harvard

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fheiding/

On Twitter | https://twitter.com/fredheiding

On Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@fredheiding

On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fheiding/

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Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

In this Chats on the Road episode as part of the On Location with Sean and Marco series, hosts Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli invite listeners into an engaging dialogue with Fred Heiding, a research fellow in computer science at Harvard. The episode dives into the intricacies of national cybersecurity strategies, exploring the intersection of technology, policy, and economics in safeguarding nations against cyber threats.

Fred opens up about his journey from a technical background to a more policy-focused role at Harvard’s Kennedy School, driving home the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cybersecurity. This sets the stage for a captivating discussion on the collaborative research project he's leading, which aims to evaluate and enhance national cybersecurity strategies worldwide.

Listeners are treated to an insightful narrative on how the project originated from an insightful question Fred posed at a Harvard conference, leading to a fruitful partnership with national security researcher Alex O'Neill and Lachlan Price, a pivotal figure in crafting Australia's renowned cybersecurity strategy. Together, they've been investigating the effectiveness of various national strategies, emphasizing the need for context-specific evaluations.

A major highlight of the episode is the discussion on the inclusion of emerging technologies, particularly AI, in these cybersecurity policies. Fred provides an optimistic update on how even slightly older documents are proactively addressing future-proof strategies against new technological threats. This is paired with a deep dive into the concepts of resilience and the importance of creating detailed, actionable policy documents that can be evaluated for effectiveness over time.

Sean and Marco steer the conversation towards the practical implications of these strategies, questioning how economic factors influence cybersecurity policy and the trade-offs between system security and usability. Fred’s insights into the economic dimensions of cybersecurity, including the balance between investment in protection and the potential costs of cyber attacks, add a valuable perspective to the discussion.

The episode promises to inspire listeners with Fred’s forward-thinking approach and the practical applications of his research. As Fred previews his upcoming presentation at Black Hat, excitement builds for those interested in the detailed findings and innovative strategies he will share.

Tune in to this episode for a thought-provoking exploration of national cybersecurity strategies, enriched by Fred Heiding’s expert insights and the dynamic interaction between the hosts and their guest. Whether you're a policymaker, technologist, or cybersecurity enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways and a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

Be sure to follow our Coverage Journey and subscribe to our podcasts!

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Contributors to A Multilateral Framework for Evaluating National Cybersecurity Strategies (BlackHat Session):

Fred Heiding | Research Fellow, Harvard

Alex O'Neill | Independet

Lachlan Price | Research Assistant, Harvard

Eric Rosenbach | Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard

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This Episode’s Sponsors

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/levelblue266f6c

Coro: https://itspm.ag/coronet-30de

SquareX: https://itspm.ag/sqrx-l91

Britive: https://itspm.ag/britive-3fa6

AppDome: https://itspm.ag/appdome-neuv

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Follow our Black Hat USA 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegas

On YouTube: 📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllRo9DcHmre_45ha-ru7cZMQ

Be sure to share and subscribe!

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Resources

A Multilateral Framework for Evaluating National Cybersecurity Strategies: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/briefings/schedule/#a-multilateral-framework-for-evaluating-national-cybersecurity-strategies-40879

Learn more about Black Hat USA 2024: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/

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About the host

Behind the Scenes at Black Hat USA 2024: An Exclusive Pre-Event Conversation | A Black Hat USA 2024 Conversation with Steve Wylie | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Steve Wylie, Vice President, Cybersecurity Market at Informa Tech [@InformaTechHQ] and General Manager at Black Hat [@BlackHatEvents]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/swylie650/

On Twitter | https://twitter.com/swylie650

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Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

Vroom Vroom! The Black Hat Tradition with Sean and Marco

It's that time of year again, and Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli are kicking things off with their customary banter on the road to Black Hat USA 2024. This time, there's no need to "vroom vroom" their way to Las Vegas as they'll be flying there instead. But no matter how they get there, it's all about reaching the grand event that is Black Hat.

A Decade of ITSP Magazine and Black Hat

Marco highlights a significant milestone for their publication: ITSP Magazine is celebrating its 10th anniversary, a journey that began alongside the Black Hat conference. Steve Wylie, who has also been with Black Hat since 2014, shares this sentiment of growth and reflection.

What to Expect at Black Hat USA 2024

Steve Wylie provides a comprehensive overview of what attendees can expect this year. As always, the event will bring the heat—literally, with Las Vegas temperatures scaling up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. But beyond the weather, the Black Hat event itself will feature a multitude of new expansions.

Key Highlights

Expanded Content Program: Black Hat is adopting a three-day format instead of its usual two, adding a day packed with additional activities and events.
More Networking Opportunities: Attendees can look forward to broadening their professional circles with a variety of planned and unplanned networking events, including the Meetup Lounge and Track Chair Meet and Greets.
Day Zero Program: Designed especially for newcomers, this pre-event briefing will help attendees make the most out of their experience.
Innovative Summits: New summits, including an AI Summit, Innovators and Investors Summit, Industrial Controls Summit, and Cyber Insurance Summit, will target both technical and managerial audiences.

Deep Dives and Panel Discussions

Steve reveals a notable deviation from tradition: this year's keynote will be a panel discussion focused on defending democracy in an election year, featuring top cybersecurity leaders from the U.S., the EU, and the UK. This will be an essential kickoff, reflecting on the year’s heavy election schedule and the growing influence of AI.

Fireside Chat with Moxie Marlinspike

Another unique addition is a fireside chat with Moxie Marlinspike, founder of Signal, moderated by Jeff Moss. This discussion will delve into privacy concerns and the ever-important balance between privacy and security in today's technological landscape.

Arsenal and the NOC: Fan Favorites Return

Sean and Steve both tip their hats to recurring features such as Arsenal, which showcases cutting-edge tools developed by the cybersecurity community, and the NOC, where attendees can witness real-time network management and protection.

Wrapping Up

As Sean and Marco prepare to experience another electrifying Black Hat, they remind readers and listeners alike to subscribe to ITSP Magazine for exclusive coverage and insights. Whether you're able to attend in person or follow along remotely, Black Hat USA 2024 promises to be a crucial event for anyone in the cybersecurity field.

Be sure to follow our Coverage Journey and subscribe to our podcasts!

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This Episode’s Sponsors

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/levelblue266f6c

Coro: https://itspm.ag/coronet-30de

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Britive: https://itspm.ag/britive-3fa6

AppDome: https://itspm.ag/appdome-neuv

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Resources

Learn more about Black Hat USA 2024: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/

The list of keynotes can be found on this page: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/keynotes.html

Direct links to keynotes:

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To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcast

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About the host

Sevco Sets a New Standard for Vulnerability Risk Prioritization with the Launch of New Exposure Management Capabilities | 7 Minutes on ITSPmagazine | A Sevco Brand Story with J.J. Guy Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Last month, Sevco unveiled new capabilities in the Sevco platform to help manage and remediate risks for a new asset class – software vulnerabilities (think CVEs) and environmental vulnerabilities (think missing security tools, EOL systems, and IT hygiene issues). Sevco’s exposure management capabilities centralize known and surface previously unknown vulnerabilities in one place, prioritize the most critical issues across the environment (based on technical severity and nearly unlimited business context derived from Sevco’s asset intelligence), automate the remediation to fix priority issues and validate that remediation efforts are completed. With the help of these new capabilities in the Sevco platform, CISOs gain quantifiable insights to manage remediation programs, highlighting where efforts are working and where they aren't.

Why does this matter: The systems that typically track and report CVEs, don’t report on vulnerabilities in categories such as cloud, identity, system misconfigurations, and more. Those have to be uncovered from data found within different (typically siloed) tools. This visibility issue has caused CISOs to drown in vulnerabilities without the ability to identify the ones that present the highest risk to an organization. With asset intelligence as the foundation, the Sevco platform’s exposure management capabilities help CISOs and security teams solve this challenge by proactively prioritizing, automating, and validating the remediation of all types of exposures, including software and environmental vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Sevco platform validates the successful completion of vulnerability remediation when it’s observed on the asset itself, not just when a ticket is closed. This enables Sevco to highlight actionable metrics that allow CISOs to see what’s working and what’s not working in their remediation programs and break down cross-department silos that can cause visibility issues in the first place.

How does it work: Sevco's approach to vulnerability prioritization differs from existing tools because the Sevco platform integrates with existing security tools to aggregate, correlate, and deduplicate the data in those sources to surface important context and assess the risk and business impact for each asset. With this knowledge, Sevco can automatically detect and proactively alert an organization’s security team to vulnerabilities in their environment, including software vulnerabilities (CVEs), missing or misconfigured security controls (security gaps), and IT hygiene issues (unpatched devices and shadow IT). Additionally, Sevco helps to prioritize the CVEs, missing endpoint agents, and other IT hygiene vulnerabilities so our customers are always working on the highest risk issues first based on their specific business needs. Sevco's remediation management workflow helps to reduce risk dramatically with automation, key integrations that allow for collaboration and visibility across IT and security teams, and validation that remediation happened -- no matter the ticket status. Additionally, Sevco provides reports on remediation metrics that arm CISOs with the knowledge needed to understand the utilization of specific IT and security teams.

Learn more about Sevco: https://itspm.ag/sevco250d8e

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

Guest: J.J. Guy, CEO and Co-Founder, Sevco

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjguy/

On Twitter | https://x.com/jjguy?lang=en

Resources

State of the Cybersecurity Attack Surface (June 2024 Report): https://itspm.ag/sevco-l9bl

Learn more and catch more stories from Sevco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/sevco

View all of our OWASP AppSec Global Lisbon 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-2024-lisbon-application-security-event-coverage-in-portugal

Learn more about 7 Minutes on ITSPmagazine Short Brand Story Podcasts: https://www.itspmagazine.com/purchase-programs

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