Rethinking Cybersecurity with Zero-Trust: Why Access Control Is Not Enough

As cyberthreats become increasingly sophisticated, the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies has never been more critical for organizations to remain resilient. Deployment and maintenance of these strategies for our customers is part and parcel of what we do at CDW Canada. Our recent study, Cybersecurity in Focus 2024: Trends, Threats and Strategies, explores the pervasive implementation of zero-trust strategies as a cornerstone for cybersecurity and its often overlooked elements that are key for a robust security practice.

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Prioritizing cybersecurity in today’s threat landscape

This year’s study found that IT budgets have decreased from our 2023 study by more than 50 percent in Canada across industries. Despite this decline, the proportion of IT budgets dedicated to cybersecurity has risen. This indicates a keen awareness among Canadian organizations that cybersecurity must remain a priority to reduce potential negative impacts on their business despite an overarching de-prioritization. ??

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In response, the adoption of zero-trust strategies has become unignorable. Zero-trust is based on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” ensuring that every user, device and network flow is authenticated and authorized before granting access to resources. This strategy extends beyond simple access controls to include threat detection and response.

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Shifting from reactive to proactive threat response

Traditionally, organizations have relied on reactive strategies—responding to threats only after they have breached their network. According to our study, there is a notable lag in continuous security monitoring, with less than one-third (29%) of organizations implementing necessary policies. This gap could leave significant vulnerabilities in cybersecurity defences.

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Given the rising sophistication of cyberattacks, a shift toward proactive defence is imperative. Proactive strategies enable organizations to stay ahead of threats, preventing breaches before they cause significant damage, rather than having to mitigate them afterward.

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The critical role of threat detection and response in zero-trust strategies

In the zero-trust security model, the continuing importance of threat detection and response cannot be overstated. These strategies identify and mitigate threats that bypass initial defences, such as insider threats or phishing attacks. Neglecting threat detection and response can lead to an increased risk of successful compromise going undetected. Organizations focusing solely on zero-trust access risk a false sense of security, potentially putting their long-term goals of protecting sensitive data and maintaining a secure environment in jeopardy. Comprehensive threat detection and response ensures that security measures are effective and resilient, safeguarding against both external and internal threats.

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Implementing comprehensive security standards and frameworks

To fortify their cybersecurity defences, organizations must prioritize advanced detection and response within their zero-trust security model. Here are five essential steps to consider:

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·?????? Comprehensive understanding of the zero-trust security model: Acknowledge the importance of detecting and responding to various threats, including insider threats, advanced phishing attacks and diverse cyberthreats.?

·?????? Advanced detection technologies: Implement technologies such as next-generation firewalls, security information and event management systems and user and entity behaviour analytics to detect security breaches.

·?????? Well-defined response plan: Develop a robust incident response plan, conduct thorough investigations and implement measures to prevent future incidents.

·?????? Regular monitoring and updates: Regularly monitor and update security measures to stay abreast of emerging threats and evolving technologies, ensuring continuous adaptability.

·?????? Frequent security policy reviews: Ensure security policies are frequently reviewed and updated to remain relevant with changes in IT infrastructure, business operations and the evolving threat landscape.

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Maximizing zero-trust strategy with third-party expertise

In today’s threat landscape, implementing a zero-trust strategy effectively demands more than just internal vigilance—it requires the deep expertise and advanced capabilities of third parties. At CDW Canada, our experts play a pivotal role in both the deployment of zero-trust strategies and their maintenance. Our tailored approach allows businesses to safeguard sensitive information while freeing up time and resources to focus on other important day-to-day operations.?

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To learn more about how threat detection and response are pivotal aspects of cybersecurity strategies, find the full report below: cdw.ca/cybersecuritytrends.