InfoSec and Compliance – With 20 years of blogging experience, DISC InfoSec blog is dedicated to providing trusted insights and practical solutions for professionals and organizations navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape. From cutting-edge threats to compliance strategies, this blog is your reliable resource for staying informed and secure. Dive into the content, connect with the community, and elevate your InfoSec expertise!
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification encompasses eight domains that collectively form the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). These domains provide a comprehensive framework for information security professionals. Below is a summarized overview of each domain:
What are the 8 CISSP domains?
CISSP domain
Current weighting (effective 1 May 2021)
Revised weighting (effective 15 April 2024)
1. Security and Risk Management
15%
16%
2. Asset Security
10%
10%
3. Security Architecture and Engineering
13%
13%
4. Communication and Network Security
13%
13%
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
13%
13%
6. Security Assessment and Testing
12%
12%
7. Security Operations
13%
13%
8. Software Development Security
11%
10%
We respectfully disagree with reducing the emphasis on Domain 8. In our view, it deserves equal importance alongside Domain 1.
This domain establishes the foundational principles of information security, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It covers governance, compliance, risk management, and professional ethics, ensuring that security strategies align with organizational goals and legal requirements.
2. Asset Security
Focusing on the protection of organizational assets, this domain addresses the classification, ownership, and handling of information and resources. It ensures that data is appropriately labeled, stored, and protected according to its sensitivity and value.
3. Security Architecture and Engineering
This domain delves into the design and implementation of secure systems. It encompasses security models, engineering processes, and the integration of security controls into hardware, software, and network architectures to mitigate vulnerabilities.
4. Communication and Network Security
Covering the secure design and management of network infrastructures, this domain includes topics such as secure communication channels, network protocols, and the protection of data in transit. It ensures the confidentiality and integrity of information exchanged across networks.
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
IAM focuses on the mechanisms that control user access to information systems. It includes identification, authentication, authorization, and accountability processes to ensure that only authorized individuals can access specific resources.
6. Security Assessment and Testing
This domain emphasizes the evaluation of security controls and processes. It involves conducting assessments, audits, and testing to identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and validate the effectiveness of security measures.
7. Security Operations
Focusing on the day-to-day tasks necessary to maintain and monitor security, this domain includes incident response, disaster recovery, and the management of operational security controls. It ensures the continuous protection of information systems.
8. Software Development Security
This domain addresses the integration of security practices into the software development lifecycle. It covers secure coding principles, threat modeling, and the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities in software applications.
Each domain plays a critical role in building a comprehensive understanding of information security, preparing professionals to effectively protect and manage organizational assets.
The rapid integration of AI agents into enterprise operations is reshaping business landscapes, offering both significant opportunities and introducing new challenges. These autonomous systems are enhancing productivity by automating complex tasks, leading to increased efficiency and innovation across various sectors. However, their deployment necessitates a reevaluation of traditional risk management approaches to address emerging vulnerabilities.
A notable surge in enterprise AI adoption has been observed, with reports indicating a 3,000% increase in AI/ML tool usage. This growth underscores the transformative potential of AI agents in streamlining operations and driving business value. Industries such as finance, manufacturing, and healthcare are at the forefront, leveraging AI for tasks ranging from fraud detection to customer service automation.
Despite the benefits, the proliferation of AI agents has led to heightened cybersecurity concerns. The same technologies that enhance efficiency are also being exploited by malicious actors to scale attacks, as seen with AI-enhanced phishing and data leakage incidents. This duality emphasizes the need for robust security measures and continuous monitoring to safeguard enterprise systems.
The integration of AI agents also brings forth challenges related to data governance and compliance. Ensuring that AI systems adhere to regulatory standards and ethical guidelines is paramount. Organizations must establish clear policies and frameworks to manage data privacy, transparency, and accountability in AI-driven processes.
Furthermore, the rapid development and deployment of AI agents can outpace an organization’s ability to implement adequate security protocols. The use of low-code tools for AI development, while accelerating innovation, may lead to insufficient testing and validation, increasing the risk of deploying agents that do not comply with security policies or regulatory requirements.
To mitigate these risks, enterprises should adopt a comprehensive approach to AI governance. This includes implementing AI Security Posture Management (AISPM) programs that ensure ethical and trusted lifecycles for AI agents. Such programs should encompass data transparency, rigorous testing, and validation processes, as well as clear guidelines for the responsible use of AI technologies.
In conclusion, while AI agents present a significant opportunity for business transformation, they also introduce complex challenges that require careful navigation. Organizations must balance the pursuit of innovation with the imperative of maintaining robust security and compliance frameworks to fully realize the benefits of AI integration.
While 79% of security leaders believe that AI agents will introduce new security and compliance challenges, 80% say AI agents will introduce new security opportunities.
The security of traditional encryption hinges on the computational difficulty of solving prime number-based mathematical problems. These problems are so complex that, with today’s computing power, deciphering encrypted data by brute force—often referred to as “killing it with iron” (KIWI)—is practically impossible. This foundational challenge has kept data secure for decades, relying not on randomness but on insurmountable workload requirements.
However, the landscape is changing rapidly with the emergence of quantum computing. Unlike classical machines, quantum computers are built for solving certain types of problems—like prime factorization—exponentially faster. This means encryption that’s currently unbreakable could soon become vulnerable. The concern isn’t theoretical; malicious actors are already collecting encrypted data, anticipating that future quantum capabilities will allow them to decrypt it later. This “steal now, crack later” approach makes today’s security obsolete in tomorrow’s quantum reality.
As quantum computing advances, the urgency to adopt quantum-safe cryptography increases. Traditional systems need to evolve quickly to defend against this new class of threats. Organizations must prepare now by evaluating whether their current cryptographic infrastructure can withstand quantum-enabled attacks. Failure to act could result in critical exposure when quantum machines become operational at scale.
Adaptability, compliance, and resilience are the new pillars of a secure, future-proof cybersecurity posture. This means not only upgrading encryption standards but also rethinking security architecture to ensure it can evolve with changing technologies. Organizations must consider how quickly and seamlessly they can shift to quantum-safe alternatives without disrupting business operations.
Importantly, the way organizations view cybersecurity must also evolve. Many still treat security as a cost center, a necessary but burdensome investment. With the rise of generative AI and quantum computing, security should instead be seen as a value creator—a foundational component of digital trust, innovation, and competitive advantage. This mindset shift is crucial to justify the investments needed to transition into a quantum-safe future.
Quantum computing is the next frontier. Sundar Pichai predicts that within 5 years, quantum will solve problems that classical computers can’t touch.
Feedback: There is an urgent need for quantum-resilient security measures. The post successfully communicates technical risk without diving into complex math, which makes it accessible. My suggestion would be to expand slightly on practical next steps—like adopting post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (e.g., those recommended by NIST), running quantum-readiness assessments, and building awareness across leadership. Adding these elements would enhance the piece’s actionable value while reinforcing the central message.
The shift to quantum-safe standards will take several years, as the standards continue to mature and vendors gradually adopt the new technologies. It’s important to take a flexible approach and be ready to update or replace cryptographic components as needed. Adopting a hybrid strategy—combining classical and quantum-safe algorithms—can help maintain compliance with existing requirements while introducing protection against future quantum threats.
In a recent interview with Help Net Security, Brooke Johnson, Chief Legal Counsel and SVP of HR and Security at Ivanti, emphasized the critical role of legal departments in leading AI governance within organizations. She highlighted that unmanaged use of generative AI (GenAI) tools can introduce significant risks, including data privacy violations, algorithmic bias, and ethical concerns, particularly in sensitive areas like recruitment where flawed training data can lead to discriminatory outcomes.
Johnson advocates for a cross-functional approach to AI governance, involving collaboration among legal, HR, IT, and security teams. This strategy aims to create clear, enforceable policies that enable responsible innovation without stifling progress. At Ivanti, such collaboration has led to the establishment of an AI Governance Council (AIGC), which oversees the safe and ethical use of AI tools by reviewing applications and providing guidance on acceptable use cases.
Recognizing that a significant number of employees use GenAI tools without informing management, Johnson suggests that organizations should proactively assume AI is already in use. Legal teams should lead in defining safe usage parameters and provide practical training to employees, explaining the security implications and reasons behind certain restrictions.
To ensure AI policies are effectively operationalized, Johnson recommends conducting assessments to identify current AI tool usage, developing clear and pragmatic policies, and offering vetted, secure platforms to reduce reliance on unsanctioned alternatives. She stresses that AI governance should be treated as a dynamic process, with policies evolving alongside technological advancements and emerging threats, maintained through ongoing cross-functional collaboration across departments and geographies.
AI hallucinations—instances where AI systems generate incorrect or misleading outputs—pose significant risks to cybersecurity operations. These errors can lead to the identification of non-existent vulnerabilities or misinterpretation of threat intelligence, resulting in unnecessary alerts and overlooked genuine threats. Such misdirections can divert resources from actual issues, creating new vulnerabilities and straining already limited Security Operations Center (SecOps) resources.
A particularly concerning manifestation is “package hallucinations,” where AI models suggest non-existent software packages. Attackers can exploit this by creating malicious packages with these suggested names, a tactic known as “slopsquatting.” Developers, especially those less experienced, might inadvertently incorporate these harmful packages into their systems, introducing significant security risks.
The over-reliance on AI-generated code without thorough verification exacerbates these risks. While senior developers might detect errors promptly, junior developers may lack the necessary skills to audit code effectively, increasing the likelihood of integrating flawed or malicious code into production environments. This dependency on AI outputs without proper validation can compromise system integrity.
AI can also produce fabricated threat intelligence reports. If these are accepted without cross-verification, they can misguide security teams, causing them to focus on non-existent threats while real vulnerabilities remain unaddressed. This misallocation of attention can have severe consequences for organizational security.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend implementing structured trust frameworks around AI systems. This includes using middleware to vet AI inputs and outputs through deterministic checks and domain-specific filters, ensuring AI models operate within defined boundaries aligned with enterprise security needs.
Traceability is another critical component. All AI-generated responses should include metadata detailing source context, model version, prompt structure, and timestamps. This information facilitates faster audits and root cause analyses when inaccuracies occur, enhancing accountability and control over AI outputs.
Furthermore, employing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can ground AI outputs in verified data sources, reducing the likelihood of hallucinations. Incorporating hallucination detection tools during testing phases and defining acceptable risk thresholds before deployment are also essential strategies. By embedding trust, traceability, and control into AI deployment, organizations can balance innovation with accountability, minimizing the operational impact of AI hallucinations.
Many believe that Generative AI Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tools, such as ChatGPT, are insecure because they train on user inputs and can retain data indefinitely. While these concerns are valid, there are ways to mitigate the risks, such as opting out, using enterprise versions, or implementing zero data retention (ZDR) policies. Self-hosting models also has its own challenges, such as cloud misconfigurations that can lead to data breaches.
The key to addressing AI security concerns is to adopt a balanced, risk-based approach that considers security, compliance, privacy, and business needs. It is crucial to avoid overcompensating for SaaS risks by inadvertently turning your organization into a data center company.
Another common myth is that organizations should start their AI program with security tools. While tools can be helpful, they should be implemented after establishing a solid foundation, such as maintaining an asset inventory, classifying data, and managing vendors.
Some organizations believe that once they have an AI governance committee, their work is done. However, this is a misconception. Committees can be helpful if structured correctly, with clear decision authority, an established risk appetite, and hard limits on response times.
If an AI governance committee turns into a debating club and cannot make decisions, it can hinder innovation. To avoid this, consider assigning AI risk management (but not ownership) to a single business unit before establishing a committee.
It is essential to re-evaluate your beliefs about AI governance if they are not serving your organization effectively. Common mistakes companies make in this area will be discussed further in the future.
GenAI is insecure because it trains on user inputs and can retain data indefinitely, posing risks to data privacy and security. To secure GenAI, organizations should adopt a balanced, risk-based approach that incorporates security, compliance, privacy, and business needs (AIMS). This can be achieved through measures such as opting out of data retention, using enterprise versions with enhanced security features, implementing zero data retention policies, or self-hosting models with proper cloud security configurations.
Custom Lambda – query internal risk register or control catalog.
4. System Prompt Example
You are a compliance assistant for the InfoSec GRC team.
You help answer questions about controls, risks, frameworks, and policy alignment.
Always cite your source if available. If unsure, respond with "I need more context."
💡 Sample User Prompts
“Map access control policies to NIST CSF.”
“What evidence do we have for control A.12.1.2?”
“List open compliance tasks from JIRA.”
“Summarize findings from the last SOC 2 audit.”
🧩 What It Does
The Bedrock Agent helps GRC teams and auditors by:
Answering ISO 27001 control questions
“What’s required for A.12.4.1 – Event logging?”
“Do we need an anti-malware policy for A.12.2.1?”
Mapping controls to internal policies or procedures
“Map A.13.2.1 to our remote access policy.”
Fetching evidence from internal systems
Via Lambda/API to JIRA, Confluence, or SharePoint.
Generating readiness assessments
Agent uses a questionnaire format to determine compliance status by engaging the user.
Creating audit-ready reports
Summarizes what controls are implemented, partially implemented, or missing.
🔗 Agent Architecture
Components:
Foundation Model: Claude 3 on Bedrock (contextual QA and reasoning)
Knowledge Base:
ISO 27001 control descriptions
Your org’s InfoSec policies (in S3)
Control mappings (CSV or JSON in S3)
Action Group / Lambda:
Integrate with ticketing (JIRA)
Evidence retrieval
Risk register querying
🗂️ Example Interaction
User: “What controls address vendor management in ISO 27001?”
A.15.1.1 requires information security policy for supplier relationships.
A.15.2.2 requires monitoring and review of supplier services.
Our ‘Third-Party Risk Management Policy’ maps to these controls. Would you like to see the last vendor assessment from JIRA?”
🧠 Bonus: Prompt for the Agent
You are an ISO 27001 compliance analyst. Your task is to help the GRC team interpret ISO controls, map them to our internal documents, and assist with evidence collection for audits. Be accurate and concise. If a control is not implemented, offer suggestions.
What are the benefits of using AI agent in GRC field
The use of AI agents in the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) field can provide several benefits, including:
Automated Monitoring and Reporting: AI agents can continuously monitor various data sources, such as financial records, operational logs, and regulatory updates, to identify potential risks and compliance issues. This automated monitoring can help organizations stay up-to-date with changing regulations and promptly address any non-compliance or risk areas.
Risk Analysis and Prediction: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may indicate potential risks. By leveraging machine learning techniques, AI agents can predict future risks based on historical data and current trends, enabling organizations to take proactive measures to mitigate or prevent those risks.
Compliance Management: AI agents can assist in interpreting and understanding complex regulatory requirements, ensuring that organizations remain compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. They can also automate compliance processes, such as policy management, control testing, and reporting, reducing the risk of human error and increasing efficiency.
Fraud Detection: AI algorithms can analyze transaction data, user behavior, and other relevant information to identify anomalies or patterns that may indicate fraudulent activities. This can help organizations detect and respond to fraud more quickly, minimizing financial losses and reputational damage.
Continuous Improvement: AI agents can learn from the data they analyze and the actions taken by human experts, enabling them to continuously refine their models and improve their decision-making capabilities over time. This allows organizations to benefit from a constantly evolving and adapting GRC framework.
Scalability and Efficiency: AI agents can process and analyze large volumes of data much faster and more efficiently than humans, enabling organizations to scale their GRC efforts without significantly increasing costs or resources.
Centralized GRC Management: AI agents can provide a centralized platform for managing and integrating various GRC processes, enabling better collaboration, data sharing, and decision-making across different departments and functions within an organization.
While AI agents can provide significant benefits in the GRC field, it is important to note that they should be used in combination with human expertise and oversight. AI should not be viewed as a complete replacement for human decision-making but rather as a powerful tool to augment and enhance GRC processes.
What are the benefits of using AI agent in document management field
The use of AI agents in the document management field can provide several benefits, including:
Automated document classification and categorization: AI agents can analyze the content of documents and automatically classify them based on predefined rules or machine learning models, making it easier to organize and retrieve relevant information.
Intelligent search and retrieval: AI agents can improve search capabilities by understanding the context and semantics of documents, enabling more accurate and relevant search results.
Extraction of key information: AI agents can be trained to extract specific types of information from documents, such as dates, names, addresses, or key phrases, which can be useful for various business processes or analytics.
Data entry automation: AI agents can be employed to automatically extract data from documents and populate fields in databases or other systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.
Intelligent document routing and workflow management: AI agents can analyze the content of documents and automatically route them to the appropriate individuals or departments based on predefined rules or workflows, streamlining business processes.
Compliance and risk management: AI agents can be trained to identify sensitive or confidential information in documents and apply appropriate access controls or redaction measures, helping organizations comply with regulations and mitigate risks.
Intelligent document summarization: AI agents can automatically generate summaries or abstracts of lengthy documents, saving time and effort for users who need to quickly understand the key points.
Automatic language translation: AI agents can translate documents from one language to another, facilitating cross-language communication and collaboration.
Improved user experience: AI agents can provide intelligent suggestions, contextual guidance, or virtual assistance to users, enhancing their experience with document management systems.
Overall, the integration of AI agents in document management can lead to increased efficiency, improved accuracy, better organization, enhanced security, and more effective utilization of information resources within an organization.
What are the benefits of using AI agent in merger and acquisition field
The use of AI agents in the merger and acquisition (M&A) field can provide several benefits, including:
Due diligence acceleration: AI agents can help streamline the due diligence process by rapidly analyzing large volumes of data, such as financial statements, contracts, and legal documents. This can help identify potential risks or opportunities more efficiently, saving time and resources.
Target identification: AI algorithms can be trained to identify potential acquisition targets based on specific criteria, such as financial performance, market positioning, and strategic fit. This can help companies identify attractive targets more effectively and make informed decisions.
Valuation analysis: AI agents can assist in valuing target companies by analyzing various financial and operational data points, as well as market trends and industry benchmarks. This can help companies make more accurate valuations and negotiate better deals.
Integration planning: AI can be used to analyze the compatibility of systems, processes, and cultures between the acquiring and target companies. This can help identify potential integration challenges and develop strategies to address them, facilitating a smoother transition after the merger or acquisition.
Synergy identification: AI algorithms can help identify potential synergies and cost-saving opportunities by analyzing data from both companies and identifying areas of overlap or complementarity. This can help maximize the value creation potential of the deal.
Regulatory compliance: AI agents can assist in ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and laws during the M&A process by analyzing legal documents, contracts, and other relevant data.
Predictive modeling: AI can be used to develop predictive models that estimate the potential outcomes and risks associated with a particular M&A transaction. This can help companies make more informed decisions and better manage risks.
It’s important to note that while AI agents can provide valuable insights and support, human expertise and decision-making remain crucial in the M&A process. AI should be used as a complementary tool to augment and enhance the capabilities of M&A professionals, rather than as a complete replacement.
The five pillars of information security form the foundation for designing and evaluating security policies, systems, and processes. In a world driven by AI, the pillars of information security remain essential…
1. Confidentiality
Definition: Ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorized to access it. Goal: Prevent unauthorized disclosure of data. Controls & Examples:
Encryption (e.g., AES for data at rest or TLS for data in transit)
Definition: Assuring the accuracy and completeness of data and system configurations. Goal: Prevent unauthorized modification or destruction of information. Controls & Examples:
Hashing (e.g., SHA-256 to verify file integrity)
Digital signatures
Audit logs
File integrity monitoring systems
3. Availability
Definition: Ensuring that information and systems are accessible to authorized users when needed. Goal: Minimize downtime and ensure reliable access to critical systems. Controls & Examples:
Redundant systems and failover clusters
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Denial-of-service (DoS) protection
Regular patching and maintenance
4. Authenticity
Definition: Verifying that users, systems, and data are genuine. Goal: Ensure that communications and data originate from a trusted source. Controls & Examples:
Digital certificates and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Two-factor authentication
Biometric verification
Secure protocols like SSH, HTTPS
5. Non-repudiation
Definition: Ensuring that a party in a communication cannot deny the authenticity of their signature or the sending of a message. Goal: Provide proof of origin and integrity to avoid disputes. Controls & Examples:
Digital signatures with timestamps
Immutable audit logs
Secure email with signing and logging
Blockchain-based verification in advanced systems
Together, these five pillars help protect the confidentiality, accuracy, reliability, authenticity, and accountability of information systems and are essential for any organization’s risk management strategy.
As AI systems become increasingly integrated into critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and defense, their unpredictable and opaque behavior introduces significant risks to society. Traditional safety protocols may not be sufficient to manage the potential threats posed by highly advanced AI, especially those capable of causing existential harm. To address this, researchers propose Guillotine, a hypervisor-based architecture designed to securely sandbox powerful AI models.
Guillotine leverages established virtualization techniques but also introduces fundamentally new isolation strategies tailored for AI with existential-risk potential. Unlike typical software, such AI may attempt to analyze and subvert the very systems meant to contain them. This requires a deep co-design of hypervisor software with the underlying hardware—CPU, memory, network interfaces, and storage—to prevent side-channel leaks and eliminate avenues for reflective exploitation.
Beyond technical isolation, Guillotine incorporates physical fail-safes inspired by systems in nuclear power plants and aviation. These include hardware-level disconnection mechanisms and even radical approaches like data center flooding to forcibly shut down or destroy rogue AI. These physical controls offer a final layer of defense should digital barriers fail.
The underlying concern is that many current AI safety frameworks rely on policy rather than technical enforcement. As AI becomes more capable, it may learn to bypass or manipulate these soft controls. Guillotine directly confronts this problem by embedding enforcement into the architecture itself—creating systems that can’t be talked out of enforcing the rules.
In essence, Guillotine represents a shift from trust-based AI safety toward hardened, tamper-resistant infrastructure. It acknowledges that if AI is to be trusted with mission-critical roles—or if it poses existential threats—we must engineer control systems with the same rigor and physical safeguards used in other high-risk industries.
Coinbase‘s recent data breach, estimated to cost between $180 million and $400 million, wasn’t caused by a technological failure, but rather by a sophisticated social engineering attack. Cybercriminals bribed offshore support agents to obtain sensitive customer data, including personally identifiable information (PII), government IDs, bank details, and account information.
This highlights a critical breakdown in Coinbase‘s internal security, specifically in access control and oversight of its contractors. No cryptocurrency was stolen directly, but the exposure of such sensitive data poses significant risks to affected customers, including identity theft and financial fraud. The financial repercussions for Coinbase are substantial, encompassing remediation costs and customer reimbursements. The incident raises serious questions about the security practices within the cryptocurrency industry and whether the term “innovation” appropriately describes practices that expose users to such significant risks.
Impact and Fallout
While no cryptocurrency was stolen, the breach exposed sensitive customer information, such as names, bank account numbers, and routing numbers . This exposure poses risks of identity theft and fraud. Coinbase has estimated potential costs for cleanup and customer reimbursements to be between $180 million and $400 million. The breach has also led to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential legal challenges .
Broader Implications
This incident highlights a critical issue in the crypto industry: the reliance on human factors and inadequate security training. Despite advanced technological safeguards, human error remains a significant vulnerability. The breach was not due to a failure in technology but rather a breakdown in trust, access control, and oversight. It raises questions about the industry’s approach to security and whether current practices are sufficient to protect users .
Moving Forward
The Coinbase breach serves as a wake-up call for the crypto industry to reevaluate its security protocols, particularly concerning employee training and access controls. It underscores the need for robust security measures that address not only technological vulnerabilities but also human factors. As the industry continues to evolve, prioritizing comprehensive security strategies will be essential to maintain user trust and ensure the integrity of crypto platforms.
The scale of the breach and its potential long-term consequences for customers and the reputation of Coinbase are considerable, prompting discussions about necessary improvements in security protocols and regulatory oversight within the cryptocurrency space.
Here are some countermeasures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
To prevent future breaches like the recent Coinbase incident, a multi-pronged approach is necessary, focusing on both technological and human factors. Here’s a breakdown of potential countermeasures:
Enhanced Security Measures:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement robust MFA across all systems and accounts, making it mandatory for all employees and contractors. This adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access accounts, even if they obtain credentials.
Zero Trust Security Model: Adopt a zero-trust architecture, assuming no user or device is inherently trustworthy. This involves verifying every access request, regardless of origin, using continuous authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct frequent and thorough security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. These assessments should cover all systems, applications, and infrastructure components.
Employee Training and Awareness Programs: Implement comprehensive security awareness training programs for all employees and contractors. This should cover topics like phishing scams, social engineering tactics, and safe password practices. Regular refresher courses are essential to maintain vigilance.
Access Control and Privileged Access Management (PAM): Implement strict access control policies, limiting access to sensitive data and systems based on the principle of least privilege. Use PAM solutions to manage and monitor privileged accounts, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical systems.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Deploy DLP tools to monitor and prevent sensitive data from leaving the organization’s control. This includes monitoring data transfers, email communications, and cloud storage access.
Blockchain-Based Security Solutions: Explore the use of blockchain technology to enhance security. This could involve using blockchain for identity verification, secure data storage, and tamper-proof audit trails.
Threat Intelligence and Monitoring: Leverage threat intelligence feeds and security information and event management (SIEM) systems to proactively identify and respond to potential threats. This allows for early detection of suspicious activity and enables timely intervention.
Improved Contractor Management:
Background Checks and Vetting: Conduct thorough background checks and vetting processes for all contractors, particularly those with access to sensitive data. This should include verifying their identity, credentials, and past employment history.
Contractual Obligations: Clearly define security responsibilities and liabilities in contracts with contractors. Include clauses outlining penalties for data breaches and non-compliance with security policies.
Regular Monitoring and Oversight: Implement robust monitoring and oversight mechanisms to track contractor activity and ensure compliance with security protocols. This could involve regular audits, access reviews, and performance evaluations.
Secure Communication Channels: Ensure that all communication with contractors is conducted through secure channels, such as encrypted email and messaging systems.
Regulatory Compliance:
Adherence to Data Protection Regulations: Strictly adhere to relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect customer data.
By implementing these countermeasures, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing similar breaches and protect sensitive customer data.
Managing AI Risks: A Strategic Imperative – responsibility and disruption must coexist
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming sectors across the board—from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and logistics. While its potential to drive innovation and efficiency is clear, AI also introduces complex risks that can impact fairness, transparency, security, and compliance. To ensure these technologies are used responsibly, organizations must implement structured governance mechanisms to manage AI-related risks proactively.
Understanding the Key Risks
Unchecked AI systems can lead to serious problems. Biases embedded in training data can produce discriminatory outcomes. Many models function as opaque “black boxes,” making their decisions difficult to explain or audit. Security threats like adversarial attacks and data poisoning also pose real dangers. Additionally, with evolving regulations like the EU AI Act, non-compliance could result in significant penalties and reputational harm. Perhaps most critically, failure to demonstrate transparency and accountability can erode public trust, undermining long-term adoption and success.
ISO/IEC 42001: A Framework for Responsible AI
To address these challenges, ISO/IEC 42001—the first international AI management system standard—offers a structured, auditable framework. Published in 2023, it helps organizations govern AI responsibly, much like ISO 27001 does for information security. It supports a risk-based approach that accounts for ethical, legal, and societal expectations.
Key Components of ISO/IEC 42001
Contextual Risk Assessment: Tailors risk management to the organization’s specific environment, mission, and stakeholders.
Defined Governance Roles: Assigns clear responsibilities for managing AI systems.
Life Cycle Risk Management: Addresses AI risks across development, deployment, and ongoing monitoring.
Ethics and Transparency: Encourages fairness, explainability, and human oversight.
Continuous Improvement: Promotes regular reviews and updates to stay aligned with technological and regulatory changes.
Benefits of Certification
Pursuing ISO 42001 certification helps organizations preempt security, operational, and legal risks. It also enhances credibility with customers, partners, and regulators by demonstrating a commitment to responsible AI. Moreover, as regulations tighten, ISO 42001 provides a compliance-ready foundation. The standard is scalable, making it practical for both startups and large enterprises, and it can offer a competitive edge during audits, procurement processes, and stakeholder evaluations.
Practical Steps to Get Started
To begin implementing ISO 42001:
Inventory your existing AI systems and assess their risk profiles.
Identify governance and policy gaps against the standard’s requirements.
Develop policies focused on fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Train teams on responsible AI practices and ethical considerations.
Final Recommendation
AI is no longer optional—it’s embedded in modern business. But its power demands responsibility. Adopting ISO/IEC 42001 enables organizations to build AI systems that are secure, ethical, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Managing AI risk effectively isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building systems people can trust.
Planning AI compliance within the next 12–24 months reflects:
The time needed to inventory AI use, assess risk, and integrate policies
The emerging maturity of frameworks like ISO 42001, NIST AI RMF, and others
The expectation that vendors will demand AI assurance from partners by 2026
Companies not planning to do anything (the 6%) are likely in less regulated sectors or unaware of the pace of change. But even that 6% will feel pressure from insurers, regulators, and B2B customers.
Here are the Top 7 GenAI Security Practices that organizations should adopt to protect their data, users, and reputation when deploying generative AI tools:
1. Data Input Sanitization
Why: Prevent leakage of sensitive or confidential data into prompts.
How: Strip personally identifiable information (PII), secrets, and proprietary info before sending input to GenAI models.
2. Model Output Filtering
Why: Avoid toxic, biased, or misleading content from being released to end users.
How: Use automated post-processing filters and human review where necessary to validate output.
3. Access Controls & Authentication
Why: Prevent unauthorized use of GenAI systems, especially those integrated with sensitive internal data.
How: Enforce least privilege access, strong authentication (MFA), and audit logs for traceability.
4. Prompt Injection Defense
Why: Attackers can manipulate model behavior through cleverly crafted prompts.
How: Sanitize user input, use system-level guardrails, and test for injection vulnerabilities during development.
5. Data Provenance & Logging
Why: Maintain accountability for both input and output for auditing, compliance, and incident response.
How: Log inputs, model configurations, and outputs with timestamps and user attribution.
6. Secure Model Hosting & APIs
Why: Prevent model theft, abuse, or tampering via insecure infrastructure.
How: Use secure APIs (HTTPS, rate limiting), encrypt models at rest/in transit, and monitor for anomalies.
7. Regular Testing and Red-Teaming
Why: Proactively identify weaknesses before adversaries exploit them.
How: Conduct adversarial testing, red-teaming exercises, and use third-party GenAI security assessment tools.
As cyber threats become more frequent and complex, many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) find themselves unable to afford a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Enter the Virtual CISO (vCISO)—a flexible, cost-effective solution that’s rapidly gaining traction. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), offering vCISO services isn’t just a smart move—it’s a major business opportunity.
Why vCISO Services Are Gaining Ground
With cybersecurity becoming a top priority across industries, demand for expert guidance is soaring. Many MSPs have started offering partial vCISO services—helping with compliance or risk assessments. But those who provide comprehensive vCISO offerings, including security strategy, policy development, board-level reporting, and incident management, are reaping higher revenues and deeper client trust.
The CISO’s Critical Role
A traditional CISO wears many hats: managing cyber risk, setting security strategies, ensuring compliance, and overseeing incident response and vendor risk. They also liaise with leadership, align IT with business goals, and handle regulatory requirements like GDPR and HIPAA. With experienced CISOs in short supply and expensive to hire, vCISOs are filling the gap—especially for SMBs.
Why MSPs Are Perfectly Positioned
Most SMBs don’t have a dedicated internal cybersecurity leader. That’s where MSPs and MSSPs come in. Offering vCISO services allows them to tap into recurring revenue streams, enter new markets, and deepen client relationships. By going beyond reactive services and offering proactive, executive-level security guidance, MSPs can differentiate themselves in a crowded field.
Delivering Full vCISO Services: What It Takes
To truly deliver on the vCISO promise, providers must cover end-to-end services—from risk assessments and strategy setting to business continuity planning and compliance. A solid starting point is a thorough risk assessment that informs a strategic cybersecurity roadmap aligned with business priorities and budget constraints.
It’s About Action, Not Just Advice
A vCISO isn’t just a strategist—they’re also responsible for guiding implementation. This includes deploying controls like MFA and EDR tools, conducting vulnerability scans, and ensuring backups and disaster recovery plans are robust. Data protection, archiving, and secure disposal are also critical to safeguarding digital assets.
Educating and Enabling Everyone
Cybersecurity is a team sport. That’s why training and awareness programs are key vCISO responsibilities. From employee phishing simulations to executive-level briefings, vCISOs ensure everyone understands their role in protecting the business. Meanwhile, increasing compliance demands—from clients and regulators alike—make vCISO support in this area invaluable.
Planning for the Worst: Incident & Vendor Risk Management
Every business will face a cyber incident eventually. A strong incident response plan is essential, as is regular practice via tabletop exercises. Additionally, third-party vendors represent growing attack vectors. vCISOs are tasked with managing this risk, ensuring vendors follow strict access and authentication protocols.
Scale Smart with Automation
With the rise of automation and the widespread emergence of agentic AI, are you prepared to navigate this disruption responsibly? Providing all these services can be daunting—especially for smaller providers. That’s where platforms like Cynomi come in. By automating time-consuming tasks like assessments, policy creation, and compliance mapping, Cynomi enables MSPs and MSSPs to scale their vCISO services without hiring more staff. It’s a game-changer for those ready to go all-in on vCISO.
Conclusion: Delivering full vCISO services isn’t easy—but the payoff is big. With the right approach and tools, MSPs and MSSPs can offer high-value, scalable cybersecurity leadership to clients who desperately need it. For those ready to lead the charge, the time to act is now.
The report highlighted that over 50,000 ISO/IEC 27001 certificates were issued globally, with significant contributions from the top countries mentioned above.
Growth Rate:
The annual growth rate of certifications has been approximately 10-15% in recent years, indicating a strong trend towards adopting information security standards.
Resources for Detailed Data
ISO Survey: This annual report provides comprehensive statistics on ISO certifications by country and standard.
Market Reports: Various market analysis reports offer insights into certification trends and forecasts.
Compliance Guides: Websites like ISMS.online provide jurisdiction-specific guides detailing compliance and certification statistics.
The landscape of ISO/IEC 27001 certifications is dynamic, with significant growth observed globally. For the most accurate and detailed historical data, consulting the ISO Survey and specific market reports will be beneficial. If you have a particular country in mind or need more specific data, feel free to ask! 😊
ISO/IEC 27001 Certification Trends in Asia
ISO’s annual surveys show that information-security management (ISO/IEC 27001) certification in Asia has grown strongly over the past decade, led by China, Japan and India. For example, China’s count rose from 8,356 certificates in 2019 (scribd.com) to 26,301 in 2022 (scribd.com) (driven by rapid uptake in large enterprises and government sectors), before dropping to 4,108 in 2023 (when China’s accreditation body did not report data) (oxebridge.com). Japan’s figures were more moderate: 5,245 in 2019, 6,987 in 2022 (scribd.com), and 5,599 in 202 (scribd.com). India’s counts have steadily climbed as well (2,309 in 2019 (scribd.com) to 2,969 in 2022 (scribd.com) and 3,877 in 2023 (scribd.com). Other Asian countries show similar upward trends: for instance, Indonesia grew from 274 certs in 2019 (scribd.com) to 783 in 2023 (scribd.com).
Country
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
China
8,356
12,403
18,446
26,301
4,108
Japan
5,245
5,645
6,587
6,987
5,599
India
2,309
2,226
2,775
2,969
3,877
Indonesia
274
542
702
822
783
Others (Asia)
…
…
…
…
…
Table: Number of ISO/IEC 27001 certified organizations by country (Asia), year-end totals from ISO surveys (scribd.comscribd.comscribd.com). (China’s 2023 data is low due to missing report (oxebridge.com.)
Top Asian Countries
China: Historically the largest ISO/IEC 27001 market in Asia. Its certificate count surged through 2019–22 (scribd.comscribd.com) before the 2023 reporting gap.
Japan: Consistently the #2 in Asia. Japan had 5,245 certs in 2019 and ~6,987 by 2022 (scribd.com), dipping to 5,599 in 2023 (scribd.com).
India: The #3 Asian country. India grew from 2,309 (2019) (scribd.com) to 2,969 (2022) (scribd.com) and 3,877 (2023) (scribd.com). This reflects strong uptake in IT and financial services.
Others: Other notable countries include Indonesia (grew from 274 certs in 2019 to 783 in 2023 (scribd.comscribd.com), Malaysia and Singapore (each a few hundred certs), South Korea (hundreds to low-thousands), Taiwan (700+ certs by 2019) and several Middle Eastern nations (e.g. UAE, Saudi Arabia) that have adopted ISO 27001 in financial/government sectors.
These leading Asian countries typically mirror global trends, but regional factors matter: the huge 2022 jump in China likely reflects aggressive national cybersecurity initiatives. Conversely, the 2023 data distortion underscores how participation (reporting) can affect totals (oxebridge.com).
Sector Adoption
Across Asia, key industries driving ISO/IEC 27001 adoption are those with high information security needs. Market analyses note that IT/telecommunications, banking/finance (BFSI), healthcare and manufacturing are the biggest ISO 27001 markets. In practice, many Asian tech firms, financial institutions and government agencies (plus critical manufacturing exporters) have pursued ISO 27001 to meet regulatory and customer demands. For example, Asia’s financial regulators often encourage ISO 27001 for banks, and major telecom/IT companies in China, India and Japan routinely certify to it. This sectoral demand underpins the regional growth shown above businessresearchinsights.com.
Overall, the ISO data shows a clear upward trend for Asia’s top countries, with China historically leading and countries like India and Japan steadily catching up. The only major recent anomaly was China’s 2023 drop (an ISO survey artifact (oxebridge.com). The chart and table above summarize the year‑by‑year growth for these key countries, highlighting the continued expansion of ISO/IEC 27001 in Asia.
Sources: ISO Annual Survey reports and industry analyses (data as of 2019–2023). The ISO Survey notes that China’s 2023 data were incomplete
Continual improvement doesn’t necessarily entail significant expenses. Many enhancements can be achieved through regular internal audits, management reviews, and staff engagement. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can maintain an ISMS that effectively addresses current and emerging information security risks, ensuring resilience and compliance with ISO 27001 standards.
At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.
Here’s how we help:
Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing
Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.
ISO 27001 certification validates that your ISMS meets recognized security standards and builds trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting information.
Google recently announced a significant advancement in its fight against online scams, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. This initiative involves deploying AI-driven countermeasures across its major platforms: Chrome, Search, and Android. The aim is to proactively identify and neutralize scam attempts before they reach users.
Enhanced Scam Detection: The AI algorithms analyze various data points, including website content, email headers, and user behavior patterns, to identify potential scams with greater accuracy. This goes beyond simple keyword matching, delving into the nuances of deceptive tactics.
Proactive Warnings: Users are alerted to potentially harmful websites or emails before they interact with them. These warnings are context-aware, providing clear and concise explanations of why a particular site or message is flagged as suspicious.
Improved Phishing Protection: AI helps refine phishing detection by identifying subtle patterns and linguistic cues often used by scammers to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
Cross-Platform Integration: The AI-powered security measures are seamlessly integrated across Google‘s ecosystem, providing a unified defense against scams regardless of the platform being used.
Significance of this Development:
This initiative signifies a crucial step in the ongoing battle against cybercrime. AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making traditional methods of detection less effective. Google‘s proactive approach using AI is a promising development that could significantly reduce the success rate of these attacks and protect users from financial and personal harm. The cross-platform integration ensures a holistic approach, maximizing the effectiveness of the countermeasures.
Looking Ahead:
While Google‘s initiative is a significant step forward, the fight against AI-powered scams is an ongoing arms race. Cybercriminals constantly adapt their techniques, requiring continuous innovation and improvement in security measures. The future likely involves further refinements of AI algorithms and potentially the integration of other advanced technologies to stay ahead of evolving threats.
This news highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the crucial role of AI in both perpetrating and preventing cyber threats.
🌟 Today, let’s dive into the world of ISO 27001, a crucial standard for anyone or any organization interested in information security. If you’re looking to protect your organization’s data, this is the gold standard you need to know about!
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It was first published in October 2005 and has been updated, with the latest version released in 2022.
Why is it Important?
Risk Management: Helps organizations identify and manage risks to their information.
Compliance: Assists in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
Trust: Builds confidence with clients and stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to information security.
Key Components
Establishing an ISMS: Setting up a framework to manage sensitive information.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating and improving security measures.
Employee Training: Ensuring everyone in the organization understands their role in maintaining security.
Who Should Consider ISO 27001?
Any organization that handles sensitive information, from small businesses to large corporations, can benefit from ISO 27001. It’s especially relevant for sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology.
In a nutshell, ISO 27001 is all about safeguarding and protecting your information assets and ensuring that your organization is prepared for any security challenges that may arise. So, if you’re serious about protecting your data, this standard is definitely worth considering!
Got any questions about implementing ISO 27001 or how it can benefit your organization? Let’s chat!
Your Quick Guide to ISO 27001 Implementation Steps
Hey there! If you’re diving into the world of information security, you’ve probably heard of ISO 27001. It’s a big deal for organizations looking to protect their data. So, let’s break down the implementation steps in a casual way, shall we?
1. Get Management Buy-In
First things first, you need the support of your top management. This is crucial for securing resources and commitment.
2. Define the Scope
Next, outline what your Information Security Management System (ISMS) will cover. This helps in focusing your efforts.
3. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Identify potential risks to your information assets. This step is all about understanding what you need to protect.
4. Develop a Risk Treatment Plan
Once you know the risks, create a plan to address them. This could involve implementing new controls or improving existing ones.
5. Set Up Policies and Procedures
Document your security policies and procedures. This ensures everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
6. Implement Controls
Put your risk treatment plan into action by implementing the necessary controls. This is where the rubber meets the road!
7. Train Your Team
Make sure everyone is on the same page. Conduct training sessions to educate your staff about the new policies and procedures.
8. Monitor and Review
Regularly check how well your ISMS is performing. This includes monitoring controls and reviewing policies.
9. Conduct Internal Audits
Schedule audits to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 standards. This helps identify areas for improvement.
10. Management Review
Hold a management review meeting to discuss the audit findings and overall performance of the ISMS.
11. Continuous Improvement
ISO 27001 is all about continuous improvement. Use the insights gained from audits and reviews to enhance your ISMS.
12. Certification
Finally, if you’re aiming for certification, prepare for an external audit. This is the final step to officially becoming ISO 27001 certified!
And there you have it! A quick and easy guide to implementing ISO 27001. Remember, it’s all about protecting your information and continuously improving your processes based on information security risks which align with your business objectives . Got any questions or need more details on a specific step? Just let us know!
Continual improvement doesn’t necessarily entail significant expenses. Many enhancements can be achieved through regular internal audits, management reviews, and staff engagement. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can maintain an ISMS that effectively addresses current and emerging information security risks, ensuring resilience and compliance with ISO 27001 standards.
At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.
Here’s how we help:
Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing
Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.
ISO 27001 certification validates that your ISMS meets recognized security standards and builds trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting information.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.
Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.
Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.
DISC’s guide on implementing ISO 27001 using generative AI highlights how AI technologies can streamline the establishment and maintenance of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). By leveraging AI tools, organizations can automate various aspects of the ISO 27001 implementation process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
AI-powered platforms like DISC InfoSec ISO27k Chatbot serve as intelligent knowledge bases, providing instant answers to queries related to ISO 27001 requirements, control implementations, and documentation. These tools assist in drafting necessary documents such as the Risk assessment and Statement of Applicability, and offer guidance on implementing Annex A controls. Additionally, AI can may facilitate training and awareness programs by generating tailored educational materials, ensuring that all employees are informed about information security practices.
The integration of AI into ISO 27001 implementation not only accelerates the process but also reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring a more robust and compliant ISMS. By automating routine tasks and providing expert guidance, AI enables organizations to focus on strategic decision-making and continuous improvement in their information security management.
Hey I’m the digital assistance of DISC InfoSec for ISO 27k implementation.
I will try to answer your question. If I don’t know the answer, I will connect you with one my support agents.
Please click the link below to type your query regarding ISO 27001 (ISMS) implementation
Continual improvement doesn’t necessarily entail significant expenses. Many enhancements can be achieved through regular internal audits, management reviews, and staff engagement. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can maintain an ISMS that effectively addresses current and emerging information security risks, ensuring resilience and compliance with ISO 27001 standards.
At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.
Here’s how we help:
Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing
Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.
ISO 27001 certification validates that your ISMS meets recognized security standards and builds trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting information.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.
Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.
Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.
1. Understanding Objective-Based Penetration Testing Objective-based penetration testing focuses on assessing an organization’s security by simulating real-world attack scenarios with specific goals in mind. Unlike traditional methods that might broadly scan for vulnerabilities, this approach targets particular objectives, such as accessing sensitive data or compromising critical systems, providing a more realistic evaluation of security posture.
2. The Importance of Realistic Threat Simulation By emulating tactics used by actual threat actors, objective-based tests reveal how well an organization’s defenses can withstand targeted attacks. This method uncovers not just technical vulnerabilities but also weaknesses in processes and human factors, offering a comprehensive view of potential security gaps.
3. Enhancing Incident Response Preparedness These targeted assessments help organizations evaluate and improve their incident response strategies. By observing how teams react to simulated breaches, companies can identify deficiencies in their response plans and training, leading to more effective real-world reactions to security incidents.
4. Aligning Security Measures with Business Objectives Objective-based testing ensures that security evaluations are aligned with the organization’s specific goals and risk appetite. This alignment allows for more relevant and actionable insights, enabling businesses to prioritize security investments that protect their most critical assets.
5. Identifying Hidden Vulnerabilities This approach is particularly effective at uncovering complex vulnerabilities that might be missed by standard testing methods. By focusing on achieving specific objectives, testers can identify intricate attack paths and chained exploits that pose significant risks.
6. Supporting Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Objective-based penetration testing can aid in meeting various compliance standards by demonstrating a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating security risks. It provides documented evidence of security assessments tailored to the organization’s unique environment and threats.
7. Strengthening Overall Security Posture By adopting objective-based penetration testing, organizations can gain deeper insights into their security strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge enables them to implement targeted improvements, enhance their resilience against cyber threats, and better protect their critical assets.
They’re the quiet ones—the ones that will silently gut your continuity strategy while leadership watches the wrong fire.
1️⃣ Shadow SaaS Is Out of Control Business units are adopting tools without IT oversight—no security, no backups, no DR. It works… until it doesn’t. Then it becomes your problem.
2️⃣ RTOs Are Fiction, Not Strategy “30 hours” looks good—until the CEO demands answers three hours in. If your recovery needs a miracle, it’s not a plan. It’s a pending failure.
3️⃣ Resilience Theater Is Everywhere Policies? Written. Boxes? Checked. But when the real incident hits, no one knows what to do. You’ve got documentation, not readiness.
4️⃣ Hidden Dependencies Will Break You APIs, scripts, microservices—no SLAs, no visibility, no accountability. They fail quietly. Business halts. And no one saw it coming.
5️⃣ Continuity Teams Have Quiet Quit Resilience professionals are exhausted, underfunded, and unheard. Their silence isn’t safety—it’s burnout. And it’s dangerous.
🔶 Resilience doesn’t fail loudly. It erodes quietly. CISOs and leadership teams: It’s time to stop watching the wrong fire.
Coming off the back of RSA and I’m a little disheartened by some of the posts I’m seeing from startup founders about the countless meetings they’ve had with CISOs representing the fortune 500.
I get it. Landing an f500 customer does wonders for your brand, growth, funding, etc. But you do realize there is life beyond the f500 right? Or does your arrogance prevent you from acknowledging the thousands of companies, and CISOs within, who don’t have a glamour brand attached to their name?
If anything, those companies and CISOs are the ones who need you most. They are the ones operating with tight budgets, small teams, less resources, and huge levels of vulnerability. They need partners, and are turning to the startup ecosystem more and more in the hope of finding innovative tools that reduce their need for resources, and who cares more about building a long relationship vs a transaction.
Not taking anything away from the vendors whose products are attractive to the biggest brands on the planet. And certainly not taking anything away from the CISOs in f500 companies. But don’t neglect the greater CISO community. Treat everyone the same. Because once you’ve depleted your f500 targets, these are the CISOs you will turn to for continued growth.
Getting a “yes” from a Fortune 500 may sound like a dream for a startup—but it can quickly become a curse. Long contract negotiations, increased insurance requirements, premature scaling, and the need to support complex legacy environments can drain your team and resources. You’ll face challenges you weren’t prepared for and may alienate smaller customers who don’t relate to enterprise-scale use cases.
1. Purpose and Scope: The concept of business continuity in management systems focuses on preparing organizations to respond effectively to disruptions. Its primary goal is to ensure that essential business functions can continue during and after incidents such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures. Business continuity planning is an integral part of an organization’s broader risk management and security posture.
2. Integration with Management Systems: Business continuity must be embedded into the overall management system, aligning with standards like ISO 22301. This integration ensures that continuity planning, implementation, and testing are not isolated activities but coordinated with information security, quality management, and operational strategies. It emphasizes a risk-based approach and continuous improvement.
3. Key Components: A robust business continuity framework includes a business impact analysis (BIA), risk assessment, recovery strategies, and response plans. These elements help identify critical processes, assess vulnerabilities, and define acceptable downtime and recovery objectives. Regular training, awareness programs, and incident response drills support readiness and resilience.
4. Communication and Leadership Commitment: Effective business continuity management depends on top-level commitment and clear communication channels. Leadership must allocate resources, define roles, and ensure all employees understand their responsibilities during a crisis. Internal and external communication strategies are also essential to maintain trust and manage stakeholder expectations.
5. Testing and Continuous Improvement: To ensure resilience, organizations must regularly test and review their business continuity plans. Simulations, audits, and after-action reviews help identify gaps and improve preparedness. Lessons learned from real incidents or exercises should feed into an ongoing cycle of improvement, reinforcing the organization’s ability to adapt and recover quickly.
BS EN ISO 22301 is the international standard which specifies the requirements for a business continuity management system (BCMS). It helps you to identify potential threats to your business and build the capacity to deal with unforeseen events.
It enables an organization to have a more effective response and a quicker recovery, thereby reducing any impact on people, products and the organization’s bottom line.
What are the benefits of BS EN ISO 22301 – Business continuity management systems?
BS EN ISO 22301 empowers organizations to put in place a business continuity management system. By implementing its principles and guidelines in your organization, your business can benefit from:
Reduced frequency and impact of disruptions
Ability to return to “business as usual” as swiftly as possible
Cost savings on reducing the impact of disruptions
Confidence that your plans are robust and ensures you are resilient and well-placed to deal with change
