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CySYS , SOC , TI

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR SOC TEAM? AS A MANAGER

Introduction

Everyone agrees that there are difficulties in finding qualified people for the SOC environment. As a result of our research, there are some reports published on this subject, and according to these reports, the important causes of the problem are burnout, overwork, and a stressful working environment. When the remote working model, which has become a part of our lives during the pandemic period, cannot be managed correctly, it becomes more and more difficult to recruit high-skilled people, considering that there is a lot of overtime for SOC analysts and Incident Responders.

During the incident response preparation process, you must ensure that your SOC team has sufficient technical knowledge, and you must provide training to close any gaps. In general, when you want to prepare or choose a training program for your SOC team, you should consider the following factors.

Set a GOAL

You need to clearly define what you expect your team to achieve after training. Your goal may be that the team can easily resolve different alerts, decrease SLAs (average response time to threats), increase malware analysis skills, etc. After determining your goal(s), the flow of the training program you will choose/create will be clearer.

It is also important to pay attention to which team you are creating the training for. While offensive-oriented training will be suitable for the red team, it will be better for your blue team to focus on specific areas of the blue team. It would be better if separate teams are involved in different training programs if there are no major budget problems.

Establish a BASELINE

You need a baseline to accurately measure the output of your training. For example, you want to reduce the team’s response time to threats, but if you do not know the average time for today, you cannot understand whether the training is working or not. With an accurate assessment, you need to measure your team’s skills and the level they are at now.

SIMULATIONS

A SOC training program must definitely include simulated cyber-attacks. Thus, the trained analyst detects and analyzes various threats by considering himself in the company’s SOC environment. Thanks to the simulation environment, mistakes to be made do not affect real people and institutions.

Please feel free to contact us via email for more information about Cy SYSTEMS SIMULATIONS support@cysys.io

Update to REALISTIC TRANING

Make sure that the concept and content of the training are relevant to the real-life situations that the team will encounter (alert investigation, log analysis, malware analysis, etc). At the same time, make sure that it is a program that conceptually handles current vulnerabilities such as Exchange RCE, Log4j, Spring4Shell, etc. Otherwise, the training you will purchase/install will not attract the attention of the SOC team and will create different excuses for not completing it.

Please feel free to contact us via email for more information about Cy SYSTEMS TRAININNG PROGRAMMES SIMULATIONS support@cysys.io

One final Thing DOCUMENTATIONS

A SOC member’s job, however technical, can be effective to some extent that he or she can document the incidents well. The created documents will help the SOC team to be on the same page, helping to determine the consistency of the analyzes made as well as the progress of the team. For these reasons, programs that support soft skills, as well as technical skills, should be preferred. For example, you can consider the following courses:

  • Writing a Report on Security Incident
  • How to Prepare a Cyber Crisis Management Plan?
  • How to Create Incident Response Plan?

If you are in the process of evaluating a training program, you can make an easier decision by looking for answers to the questions below.

  • Will this training give my SOC team the confidence to handle different types of threats?
  • Does it cover new threats (Log4j, Dog-Walk, Spring4Shell, Proxy4Shell, etc.)?
  • Will they learn to use the right tools and processes at the right time?
  • Does the training add value to the daily work routine of a SOC member?
  • Does it offer SOC simulation for effective learning?

Please feel free to contact us via form or email support@cysys.io

Blog , CIS , CySYS , TI

How CIS controls effects the organization in the means of security

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face an ever-increasing number of cyber threats that can wreak havoc on their systems, data, and reputation. In response to these challenges, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) has developed a set of best practices known as the CIS Controls. These controls serve as a powerful framework to fortify an organization’s security posture and ensure robust protection against cyber threats. In this blog post, we will explore how CIS Controls positively impact organizations in terms of security.

What are CIS Controls?

The CIS Controls are a prioritized set of actions designed to safeguard against the most prevalent cyber threats. Developed through collaboration between government, industry experts, and the cybersecurity community, these controls are continually updated to stay relevant in the face of emerging threats. They provide a structured and practical approach for organizations to enhance their security infrastructure and defense mechanisms.

The Impact of CIS Controls on Organizational Security

  1. Comprehensive Risk Management: CIS Controls offer a comprehensive approach to risk management. By identifying and prioritizing security measures, organizations can allocate resources efficiently, focusing on critical areas that are most susceptible to attacks. This enables them to be proactive in their defense strategy and effectively respond to security incidents.
  2. Minimize Vulnerabilities: CIS Controls provide a systematic way of assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities within an organization’s network and systems. Regular vulnerability assessments, patch management, and secure configurations help minimize the attack surface, making it significantly harder for threat actors to exploit weaknesses.
  3. Improved Incident Response: The CIS Controls include guidelines for establishing an effective incident response plan. By implementing this framework, organizations can detect and respond to security incidents promptly, reducing the time it takes to contain and mitigate the impact of an attack. Swift incident response minimizes potential damage and prevents data breaches from spiraling out of control.
  4. Enhanced Employee Awareness: CIS Controls emphasize the importance of cybersecurity awareness training for employees. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity education cultivate a security-conscious culture. Employees become better equipped to recognize and report potential threats, thus acting as a first line of defense against social engineering and phishing attacks.
  5. Compliance and Governance: Adhering to CIS Controls can help organizations meet various regulatory compliance requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By aligning with these controls, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a secure environment for sensitive data and gain the trust of customers and partners.
  6. Third-party Risk Management: The CIS Controls emphasize the importance of assessing the security practices of third-party vendors and partners. With many security breaches originating from third-party vulnerabilities, adopting these controls enables organizations to minimize the risks associated with outsourcing critical functions.
  7. Continuous Improvement: CIS Controls promote a cyclical approach to cybersecurity, encouraging organizations to continuously review and improve their security practices. By regularly updating and adapting to emerging threats, organizations can stay ahead of cybercriminals and maintain a robust security posture over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CIS Controls play a pivotal role in enhancing an organization’s security by providing a structured and prioritized approach to cybersecurity. These controls enable organizations to identify vulnerabilities, respond effectively to incidents, and cultivate a security-focused culture. By aligning with the CIS Controls, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks, safeguard their assets, and build trust with stakeholders. Embracing these best practices is essential in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable digital landscape.

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Blog , CySYS

First Post – Why With Us

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, where digital technologies pervade every aspect of our lives, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. The ever-evolving threat landscape requires a proactive and collaborative approach to safeguard our data, systems, and privacy. This is where the power of partnerships comes into play. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of cybersecurity partnerships and how they can effectively combat cyber threats to create a safer digital environment for individuals, organizations, and nations.

  1. The Changing Face of Cyber Threats:
    The rapid advancements in technology have not only brought convenience and innovation but have also opened the door to sophisticated cyber threats. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, cybercriminals are constantly refining their techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The scale and complexity of these threats necessitate a unified response, requiring organizations and governments to collaborate and share expertise.
  2. Collaboration: The Key to Cyber Resilience:
    Cybersecurity partnerships involve collaboration between different stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, academia, and even individuals. By pooling resources, knowledge, and intelligence, these partnerships create a robust defense against cyber threats. Information sharing, joint research initiatives, and coordinated incident response mechanisms strengthen the collective ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks effectively.
  3. Public-Private Partnerships:
    Public-private partnerships are particularly vital in combating cyber threats. The private sector possesses valuable insights into emerging cyber threats and holds expertise in developing innovative security solutions. On the other hand, government entities have the regulatory and enforcement powers necessary to protect critical infrastructure and establish cybersecurity frameworks. Collaboration between these two sectors ensures a holistic approach to cybersecurity, leveraging the strengths of both.
  4. International Cooperation:
    Cyber threats transcend borders, making international cooperation crucial for effective cybersecurity. Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing the need for collaboration to tackle transnational cybercrime, state-sponsored attacks, and global cyber espionage. International partnerships facilitate information exchange, joint investigations, and diplomatic efforts to deter malicious actors. Cybersecurity alliances and agreements foster trust and enhance the collective ability to respond to cyber threats on a global scale.
  5. Building a Culture of Security:
    Cybersecurity partnerships not only focus on technical aspects but also promote a culture of security. By raising awareness, educating individuals, and fostering responsible digital behavior, partnerships help create a more resilient society. Collaboration between industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations can empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and contribute to a safer cyberspace.

Conclusion:
In an era defined by digital connectivity, cybersecurity partnerships are fundamental to address the evolving cyber threat landscape effectively. By fostering collaboration, information sharing, and joint initiatives, these partnerships strengthen the collective defense against cybercriminals and state-sponsored attackers. Whether through public-private collaborations or international alliances, the power of partnerships lies in their ability to create a culture of security and resilience. Embracing the collaborative spirit is essential for safeguarding our digital lives and ensuring a safer future for all.