How do you identify emerging cybersecurity threats in your audits?

1 Scan the threat landscape

One of the first steps to identify emerging cybersecurity threats is to scan the threat landscape and monitor the latest trends, techniques, and tools used by malicious actors. You can use various sources of information, such as security blogs, podcasts, newsletters, reports, forums, and social media, to keep yourself updated on the current and emerging threats, as well as the best practices and recommendations to counter them. You can also leverage threat intelligence platforms and services that provide curated and actionable insights into the threat actors, their motivations, capabilities, and tactics.

2 Analyze your data

Another important step to identify emerging cybersecurity threats is to analyze your data and look for any anomalies, patterns, or indicators of compromise. You can use various tools and methods, such as log analysis, network traffic analysis, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and incident response, to collect and examine your data and identify any signs of malicious activity or potential breaches. You can also use data analytics and machine learning to enhance your analysis and detection capabilities, as well as to generate alerts and reports.

3 Assess your risks

The next step to identify emerging cybersecurity threats is to assess your risks and prioritize them based on their impact and likelihood. You can use various frameworks and standards, such as NIST, ISO, or COBIT, to guide your risk assessment and management process, as well as to align your security objectives and controls with your business goals and requirements. You can also use risk matrices, heat maps, or dashboards to visualize and communicate your risks and their mitigation strategies.

4 Update your controls

The final step to identify emerging cybersecurity threats is to update your controls and policies to address the new or emerging risks and vulnerabilities. You can use various techniques and tools, such as patch management, configuration management, encryption, authentication, backup, firewall, antivirus, and endpoint protection, to enhance your security posture and resilience. You can also use security awareness and training programs to educate your staff and stakeholders on the latest threats and how to prevent or respond to them.

5 Review and improve

Identifying emerging cybersecurity threats is not a one-time activity, but a continuous and iterative process that requires constant review and improvement. You should regularly evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your security audits and controls, as well as the performance and compliance of your systems and networks. You should also seek feedback and input from your internal and external stakeholders, such as customers, vendors, regulators, and auditors, to identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement. You should also document and report your findings and recommendations, as well as implement and monitor your action plans.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?