As cybersecurity professionals, we regularly encounter outputs from tools, scores, reports, rankings, risks, and more. How can we effectively sift through this vast amount of data to create value beyond what automation delivers? Let’s explore a few approaches that may help.

Understand the Context of Security Data

There are no hard and fast rules for handling security data because each dataset is unique. However, many similarities and patterns can be observed over time to make interpretations easier. These patterns set up the simplest starting point: is this result expected? If it is expected, the next question might be: is it approved or authorized? For example, even though a user has access to files and can copy them, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can place them in an unauthorized location. This is when knowing the organization’s standards is crucial. Does the activity fall within approved standards? Does this activity meet compliance (e.g., NIST CSF, HIPAA, PCI) expectations? Analysts should compare what is observed against what the standards and policies allow. If an alert shows authorized activity outside of approved standards, it should be noted.

Create an Evaluation Formula for Risk Assessment

Initial measurements against the internal security framework lay the foundation for a smooth and repeatable evaluation. The goal should be to quickly spot a recognized pattern and pivot to a set of questions related to proper appraisal. This approach works across many areas of a cybersecurity program and creates repeatable outputs. Defining risk measurement criteria, for example, helps steer prioritization and outcomes. The first step identifies what category or scenario the data falls into; the second step leverages a repeatable process to proceed. This should always be the goal, but sometimes new conditions must be considered. This is where security practitioners must trust their gut.

Trust Your Gut in Risk Detection

New risks, alerts, or factors will always arise. Measuring against existing policies or procedures may not perfectly align with these. Earlier templates and workflows should provide guidance, but ultimately, interpretation can be flexible. When something feels wrong, it may be worth a second opinion. After repeated analysis of risks, alerts, reports, and more, an instinct will develop. It may be difficult to pinpoint the exact concerns, requiring a second set of eyes to confirm or disregard. Understanding where that resource will come from ahead of time is important. In larger departments, another team member should assist. For companies with limited internal resources, CTInfoSec offers retainer solutions.

Document the Results for Continuous Improvement

The final step is to document the results. This may mean updating standards or playbooks and may involve training. Organizations should continue to enhance their practices as new information presents itself.

Conclusion

These four steps will help your team understand the risks in front of you and clearly define and articulate your next steps in risk detection and remediation. Contact us today for expert guidance. We are here to help.