Agile Cybersecurity Solutions for Improved Defenses

In the blink of an eye, cyberthreats can change. 

Without continuous monitoring and adaptation to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, it is almost guaranteed that an organization will fall victim to a network intrusion. In other words, a cybersecurity strategy that remains stagnant is an open invitation to adversaries. 

A relatively new philosophy for task management is the Agile workflow management philosophy that syncs well with creating a cybersecurity strategy. This not only keeps your network and its assets safe, but also keeps pace with the latest threats. 

Though adopting a new approach to task management requires a shift in thinking and overall operations, when paired with creating cyber defenses that provide the most protection, the Agile philosophy provides for effective management. 

 

The Agile Work Management Philosophy & Cybersecurity 

Agile is a philosophy used in daily processing activities for increasing the output of any development area by using a faster, more iterative engineering process. From a general standpoint, this methodology for task management allows for rapid course correction, which is great for meeting customer requirements, making the process inherently more tolerant of errors.

In the world of staving off digital adversaries; cybersecurity has changed largely because of how software has expanded exponentially in the last few years. Now, programs are more malleable, allowing for easier customization and giving network administrators more control over our systems and technology.

Hackers thrive on errors. Even though traditional cybersecurity mechanisms like firewalls and antivirus software are effective, they are no longer the go-to for robust cyber defense. These traditional cybersecurity systems are notoriously difficult to configure. One wrong move and gaps are left wide open to an adversary. 

With an Agile approach to cybersecurity that’s well-rounded, staying one step ahead of bad actors becomes proactive. 

 

Agile Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Management 

The infrastructure of security is based on keeping an organization prepared for a security breach, such as: 

• Phishing
• Ransomware
• Jackware
• Remote code execution 

 

Key components of this preparedness are constantly improving critical infrastructure and developing a cybersecurity program that mitigates risk within information technology and operational systems. In addition, effective readiness also involves organizational awareness and processes to manage cybersecurity risk to systems, assets, data, controls, and capabilities.

Core principles of an Agile approach to cybersecurity revolve around building procedures in iterative mode. This means a repeatable time slot runs with scalable software development to give the programs an edge in preventing cyberattacks as the methods evolve. In simpler terms, the Agile methodology in cybersecurity creates a harmonious approach to managing cyber defenses through set schedules and defined processes that are always alive and repeatable. 

With a carefully coordinated and all-inclusive approach, correcting errors in cybersecurity happens more frequently with incremental development. 

 

An Example for Real-World Adaptation of Agility  

Data privacy, data security, and data governance are all important aspects of keeping data safe and handling it within regulations. Though they serve different purposes, each element is critical for supporting a well-rounded and balanced data management strategy.

Standards, laws, and regulations keep changing, so data privacy, security, and governance may need to adapt as well.

When using Agile mechanisms, staying in step with the latest practices or requirements for data privacy, security, or governance becomes streamlined. Implementation also becomes easier for all facets of data management, including: 

• Collection
• Processing
• Storing
• Sharing 
• Disposing

 

As with other elements of an agile cybersecurity strategy, this brings substantial protection from hackers.

 

Implementing Agile Practices with Existing Infrastructure & Our Approach 

When bringing agile cybersecurity solutions to an organization, it is best to start small and gradually adopt the management principles incrementally and iteratively. 

Running agile analysis tools is also something easily integrated into cybersecurity development, as these tools are engaged with compliance and give prompts for developing a stronger infrastructure. 

The biggest challenge tied to the implementation of Agile in security is not technology, but people who are working around it. Adopting a new methodology is no small task and requires organizational buy-in. 

Admittedly, other recommendations for implementing an Agile approach to cybersecurity can be much more complicated and time-consuming. 

However, our team is here to help. 

As seasoned cybersecurity and data privacy professionals who embrace Agile, we offer advisory support to: 

• Study your cyber defenses and management protocols
• Analyze gaps
• Provide recommendations

 

We believe that each organization’s infrastructure requires custom attention to security. 

Our team believes in Agile project management. As we have found, Agile allows our team to work effectively with clients to learn and deliver a prototype, and improve upon it with a continuous feedback loop from our stakeholders. It also helps us to better predict incoming project changes and effectively prioritize work.

Agile management makes life easier for any company dealing with cybersecurity, and its benefits will eventually be felt by mastering the process.

Bring Agile Cybersecurity Solutions to Your Organization

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