Hurricanes and Cybersecurity: The Importance of Detect and React

Having recently moved with my family to Florida, I am now experiencing my first hurricane season. Just days ago, Hurricane Helene left a tragic toll of 235 lives lost, a number that could rise further as rescue operations continue. North Carolina was hit hardest, with 117 fatalities so far. Now, with Hurricane Milton—a powerful Category 5 storm—expected to arrive, I am reminded of the crucial role that detection and preparation play in mitigating disaster.

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards central Florida, threatening cities like St. Pete, Clearwater, Tampa, and Orlando, residents are preparing for the storm’s impact. These storms cause extensive damage, but imagine if we lacked early detection systems. If hurricanes struck without warning, entire communities, caught off guard, would suffer catastrophic losses. Such preparation efforts are critical and make all the difference in saving lives and reducing damage.

But how does this connect to cybersecurity? Just as communities need forewarning of hurricanes, organizations need early warning systems for digital threats. The same way technology has evolved to track hurricanes, it has advanced to detect cyber threats outside the corporate perimeter. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 74% of incidents have a human component, including the use of stolen credentials and social engineering tactics. This underscores the need for advanced tools like Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), which provides essential visibility and timely alerts on threats affecting businesses.

The BTTng platform excels in this area, offering a suite of tools that detect and monitor various threats. BTTng utilizes a powerful combination of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and CTI capabilities to collect information from over 300 sources, including surface web, deep web, and dark web. It helps organizations proactively identify threats such as actors selling methods to compromise their financial systems, leaked credentials, phishing campaigns, and exposed vulnerabilities. BTTng is equipped to track over 120 million threat actors daily, ensuring businesses are informed about the most pertinent threats to their operations.

Furthermore, BTTng is tailored to focus on threats directly impacting the business. For instance, it can detect and alert companies about threat actors selling or demonstrating how to exploit their e-commerce or financial applications. It also monitors credential leaks, a significant threat vector. Additionally, BTTng enables the identification of social media profiles involved in phishing campaigns or individuals spreading fake information. This proactive intelligence is crucial for companies to safeguard their digital environments and prevent potential breaches.

Detecting threats is only part of the battle. It’s also essential to have a response strategy. Just as states like Florida have evacuation and recovery plans, companies need a SOC or MDR, internal or external, to handle detected incidents effectively. Quick reaction minimizes the impact of cyber threats, just as hurricane preparedness saves lives.

Efficient detection and response processes are vital in both hurricane season and the corporate world. Just as evacuation protocols are critical for the safety of residents, the BTTng platform ensures that businesses are ready to face today’s cyber threats with minimal impact. Being prepared and proactive makes all the difference.

If you’re interested in learning more about BTTng, feel free to contact me. We are available to provide a complimentary demonstration and Proof of Value, with no cost or commitment.