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Achieving Cyber Resilience: Insights From LevelBlue

Dec 3, 2024 | Episode

Cyber resilience refers to an organization’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. Find out how your organization can achieve this on this episode of the SMC Journal.

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Check out Theresa’s 2024 Level Blue Futures report.

Theresa Lanowitz on Cyber Resilience

In the latest episode of the SMC Journal Podcast, host Scott Moore interviews Teresa Lanowitz, a seasoned industry analyst, to delve into the crucial topic of cyber resilience from a software engineering perspective. Lanowitz’s extensive background in software development, product management, and industry analysis uniquely positions her to provide valuable insights into this increasingly vital domain.

Lanowitz began her career as a software developer, holding a top-secret Department of Defense security clearance while working on projects like Paradox for Windows and C++. She later transitioned to product management, notably serving as the original product manager for JBuilder. This hands-on experience with software development equips her with a deep understanding of the challenges involved in creating secure and resilient systems that can withstand cyber threats.

After her tenure in software development, Lanowitz moved into industry analysis with prominent firms like Gartner and Voke. Her focus during this period was on the software development lifecycle, leveraging her previous experience to provide insightful analysis on enhancing cyber resilience. In 2019, she joined AT&T Cybersecurity, where she gained exposure to managed security services, cybersecurity consulting, and threat intelligence—further broadening her understanding of the cybersecurity landscape.

Currently, Lanowitz is with LevelBlue, a joint venture between AT&T and WorldGem Ventures aimed at extending organizations’ security teams strategically. LevelBlue offers a range of services, including managed security services and cybersecurity consulting through its LevelBlue Labs, designed to help organizations predict security investments and mitigate risks effectively.

The Importance of Cyber Resilience

Cyber resilience refers to an organization’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. It encompasses not just the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also the organizational processes and culture that support a robust response to threats. In today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, understanding and implementing cyber resilience is crucial for businesses of all sizes.

he podcast episode centers around Lanowitz’s newly released 2024 LevelBlue Futures report on cyber resilience. This annual thought leadership piece provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of cyber threats and offers guidance on building robust systems capable of enduring such challenges. The report leverages Lanowitz’s extensive knowledge and experience to provide practical recommendations for organizations looking to enhance their security posture.

The Importance of Cyber Resilience

Establishing cyber resilience is essential for several reasons:

  • Protection Against Data Breaches: Organizations face constant threats from hackers aiming to steal sensitive information. A resilient approach helps safeguard data against breaches.
  • Business Continuity: Cyber incidents can disrupt operations. Cyber resilience ensures that businesses can continue functioning even during an attack.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to regulations regarding data protection. Cyber resilience helps organizations meet these requirements and avoid penalties.

A key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of considering operational requirements—such as performance, security, and accessibility—throughout the software development lifecycle. Lanowitz emphasizes that these non-functional requirements are essential for building systems that can withstand cyberattacks while maintaining operational integrity. By integrating principles of cyber resilience into their software engineering practices, organizations can proactively mitigate risks and minimize the impact of cyber incidents.

Key Components of Cyber Resilience

To effectively build cyber resilience, organizations should focus on the following components:

Regular Updates and Patching: Keep all systems and software up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Risk Assessment: Regularly evaluate potential risks and vulnerabilities within the organization’s infrastructure.

Incident Response Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines how to respond to various types of cyber incidents.

Employee Training: Ensure that all employees are trained in cybersecurity best practices and understand their role in maintaining cyber resilience.

Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience

Creating a culture of cyber resilience involves integrating cybersecurity into the organization’s core values. This can be achieved through:

  • Leadership Commitment: Leaders must prioritize cybersecurity and allocate necessary resources.
  • Open Communication: Encourage employees to report suspicious activities without fear of reprisal.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update policies and procedures to adapt to new threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cyber resilience is not just about having the right technology in place; it is about fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes security at every level. By understanding its importance and implementing key components, organizations can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats, ensuring long-term success in an increasingly digital world.

Check out this other SMC Journal episode about DevSecOps.

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