A change in cybersecurity strategy

Security is an essential part of maintaining any IT network.  Cybersecurity specialists work hard to keep up (or play catch up) with the countless, relentless attacks from determined and creative hackers.

A recent Wall Street Journal article on this topic was referenced at a recent meeting with the National Convergence Technology Center’s (CTC) Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT).  The article explored Symantec’s recent decision to shift its business focus away from its famous anti-virus software that keeps the threats out and towards products and tools that assume most threats will get in.  Such is the state of the cyber-security business, which again underscores the ongoing need for network security experts.

More highlights from that article:

• Cybersecurity is a $70 billion industry.
• Symantec estimates its anti-virus software (which accounts for 40% of its revenue) now catches only 45% of cyberattacks.
• The shift seems to be from one of “protect” to one of “detect and respond.”  That is, spot the hackers once they’re inside and minimize the damage.
• Hackers from Iran breached a handful of energy companies and banks, which is notable because those industries have the best private-sector defenses.