How to Save Costs and Maximize Value on Cybersecurity Tools
Spending on cybersecurity tools continues to rise, with an estimated spend of $1 Trillion in 2020. Even with the increase of cybersecurity, cybersecurity threats and breaches are on the rise with no end in sight.
With an average of 75 tools per organization, security professionals are more distracted than ever before, not to mention concerns with cybersecurity tools in general (like the recent outage that affected windows operating systems across the world). At the 2022 RSA Conference, Forbes completed a survey sharing 43% of respondents “say their number one challenge in threat detection and remediation is an overabundance of tools.”
How did we get here, though? The marketing hype of many cybersecurity tools promise things like unparalleled threat detection and response or the ability to protect sensitive data. But many times, the promise to solve a distinct problem doesn’t live up to what was shared pre-purchase.
Is that tool really protecting all of your organization’s sensitive data? Or is that other platform indeed going to identify security vulnerabilities? Are all the tools used helping you meet your team’s security objectives? CISOs and boards are getting frustrated, not to mention the security teams that are managing these tools because not all of the cybersecurity tools are doing their promised job.
The solution? Tool Rationalization. According to Forbes, tool rationalization is “when an organization takes a deliberate look at the tools and apps in their arsenal and determines which should be kept, which should be replaced and which should be retired altogether.” But at 75 tools per organization on average, where should cybersecurity professionals begin in this security auditing process?
4 tips for tool rationalization
To help you get started in your cybersecurity tools rationalization process, security teams can begin by using the four tips below:
1. Determine protection and visibility gaps to identify security vulnerabilities
The first step in determining if your cybersecurity tools are the right ones for the job is to conduct an assessment of your environment and analyze network traffic to determine what gaps you have around your visibility and cybersecurity strategy. Additionally, by monitoring and analyzing network traffic, you can help identify vulnerabilities and assess network security. The best way to accomplish this is by hiring an outside firm. There’s value in having a fresh set of eyes from other cybersecurity professionals, with no political or other conflicting considerations, to fully review your environment and give you a clear view of what’s going on with your security infrastructure and teams.
To ensure you get the value you intend, make sure the firm you engage does not have a large product sales team behind them. Otherwise, they may treat this as a pre-sales exercise.
2. Review existing tool capabilities and configurations
After determining gaps and vulnerabilities, it is then crucial to conduct a thorough review of your existing cybersecurity tool capabilities and configurations. This process can reveal underutilized features and misconfigurations that could be costing your company both money and security effectiveness. Start by creating a comprehensive inventory of all your security tools, including those for wireless networks, operating systems, and detection and response mechanisms. Documenting the purpose, key features, and current configurations of each tool is essential. Align your tools with your security requirements and identify any gaps. For instance, you might have a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tool, but if it’s not configured correctly, it might not be providing the protection you need.
The number one problem with most security tool installations is improper configuration. Many cybersecurity tools come with a plethora of features, but often, only the default settings are used, leaving powerful capabilities untapped. Regularly reviewing and updating configurations ensures that they align with best practices and your organization’s evolving needs. This is particularly important in the face of evolving cyber threats, where misconfigured tools can leave significant vulnerabilities. Leveraging the built-in capabilities of your existing tools before investing in new ones can also provide substantial cost savings. For example, a comprehensive endpoint protection platform might include advanced threat detection features that you haven’t activated.
Engaging with vendors for optimal configuration guidance and seeking the expertise of cybersecurity professionals can further enhance the effectiveness of your tools. Regular audits of your tool configurations, conducted by security professionals, are essential to maintaining an effective security posture. These audits assess the effectiveness of your tools, identify any misconfigurations, and recommend necessary adjustments. Properly configured tools offer enhanced protection against security threats and reduce the need for additional investments, making your cybersecurity strategy more efficient and cost-effective.
3. Determine outcomes and improvements with cybersecurity tools
Understanding your team’s security flaws also requires you to know your desired outcomes. Establishing clear goals helps in resolving questions, frustrations, and issues your team may have with the current toolset. Cybersecurity tools should be assessed not only for their technical capabilities but also for how well they help your team achieve their security objectives.
Effective threat management starts with identifying the specific security outcomes you aim to achieve. Whether it’s reducing response times to incidents, improving the detection of threats, or enhancing the security of operating systems, defining these goals provides a benchmark against which to measure the performance of your security tools. Security professionals must consider how each tool contributes to the overall security strategy and whether it addresses the unique challenges posed by evolving security threats. For instance, tools that aid in managing wireless networks and endpoint security should be evaluated on their ability to simplify threat detection and response processes.
The cybersecurity tools your team uses should make your lives and jobs easier, not harder. Even the most advanced security tools are ineffective if they don’t align with your team’s workflows and objectives. Engaging with security professionals to regularly review and refine the use of these tools ensures they are effectively mitigating risks and addressing security threats. Additionally, continuous feedback from your team can highlight areas for improvement, leading to better configuration and utilization of the tools. By focusing on desired outcomes and making iterative improvements, you can enhance your organization’s threat management capabilities and ensure your cybersecurity strategy remains robust and effective.
4. Align policies and processes
Security tools alone are not enough to protect against security threats effectively. It’s essential to have the right policies and procedures in place to support your desired outcomes. You could have a perfectly configured toolset that alerts you to suspicious security events on operating systems and mobile devices, but without the appropriate processes, those alerts are likely to be ineffective. Establishing clear policies for handling escalated alerts, addressing edge cases, and defining responsibilities is crucial to ensuring your security tools are used properly.
A well-defined policy framework helps monitor networks for both external and internal threats, ensuring that every potential security incident is managed efficiently. For instance, clear procedures for how to handle alerts and assign responsibilities can significantly reduce response times and improve threat management. Regularly reviewing and updating these policies and processes ensures they remain aligned with evolving security threats, providing a sustainable approach to maintaining robust security measures. By aligning your policies and processes with your security tools, you create a cohesive strategy that enhances your organization’s ability to detect and respond to threats effectively.
Outcomes-based approach to cyber threats
Cyber Defense Group recommends using an Outcomes-Based Approach when developing the security program that gives you clarity and predictability in a subscription-based model. During these times, your security team must reduce potential risks often seen in misconfigurations and alert fatigue. Download our ebook today (we promise, it’s not just another free cybersecurity tool to add to your ever growing tool stack) to learn more about how to assess where you may be able to reduce your capital expenditures and operational costs.
If you’re looking for more guidance on how to move your cybersecurity program forward, CDG can help. We are shifting the cybersecurity consulting paradigm to address the needs of mid-market, cloud-native or cloud-reliant companies who are experiencing rapid growth. Founded in 2016 by global security expert Lou Rabon, our nimble team draws on decades of experience and diverse technical expertise to deliver a full spectrum of information security advisory and implementation services on a fixed-cost basis. Our right-sized, results-driven approach will help you meet your immediate needs, but also ready you to navigate what’s ahead. Get in touch, and see what results are possible for your organization.