Skill and Knowledge Crucial for Tackling Advanced Cyberthreats, Affirms Kaspersky’s Amin Hasbini

Amin Hasbini, Head of GReAT (Global Research and Analysis Team) for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) at Kaspersky, provides insights into the realm of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and the evolving threat-security landscape in the context of emerging technologies. The discussion aims to shed light on the strategies and challenges associated with combating sophisticated cyber threats.

The current Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) landscape is characterized by sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks, often orchestrated by well-resourced threat actors, such as nation-state-sponsored groups or advanced cybercriminal organizations. These threats involve prolonged and stealthy attacks with the goal of gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Certainly, addressing advanced persistent threats (APTs) requires a nuanced approach. Conducting modeling studies to identify potential adversaries and leveraging threat intelligence to track their activities are crucial components of a proactive defense strategy. Understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by APT groups can help organizations tailor their defenses to specific threats they may face. This targeted approach enhances the overall cybersecurity posture and readiness to counter sophisticated and persistent adversaries.

Simulating and assessing readiness against the techniques and methods employed by adversaries is a proactive way for organizations to test and strengthen their security posture. This approach involves conducting exercises, such as penetration testing and red teaming, to simulate real-world attack scenarios. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can enhance their overall cybersecurity resilience and better prepare for potential advanced persistent threats (APTs).

Achieving maturity in handling advanced persistent threats (APTs) requires a comprehensive approach that combines external and internal efforts. This includes leveraging market intelligence, collaborating with government entities, and working closely with trusted security vendors. Additionally, fostering a cybersecurity culture within the organization, investing in the development of skills and knowledge, and staying abreast of evolving threat landscapes are crucial elements in building resilience against sophisticated cyber threats like APTs.

Achieving maturity in handling advanced persistent threats (APTs) requires a comprehensive approach that combines external and internal efforts. This includes leveraging market intelligence, collaborating with government entities, and working closely with trusted security vendors. Additionally, fostering a cybersecurity culture within the organization, investing in the development of skills and knowledge, and staying abreast of evolving threat landscapes are crucial elements in building resilience against sophisticated cyber threats like APTs.

Before integrating AI or IoT technologies, organizations should conduct a thorough internal study to identify specific use cases, assess data access requirements, and evaluate potential risks. This process enables the classification of sensitive data and a comprehensive understanding of the impact on the organization, including its business operations, reputation, and client data. Informed decision-making is further facilitated through a risk assessment involving the organization’s risk management department and executives.

Executives play a key role in the risk management process by accepting associated risks. In the event of issues, having a predefined plan of action, clear rules of engagement, and a specialized team becomes crucial. The foundation of this approach lies in conducting a thorough study to understand how technologies like AI will benefit the organization, allowing for a well-informed and strategic implementation.

Smart City technologies, while crucial for urban development, introduce security challenges. Potential risks associated with smart city infrastructure include cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and the compromise of connected devices. To mitigate these dangers, robust cybersecurity measures must be implemented, including encryption of data, continuous monitoring for anomalies, regular software updates, and the establishment of secure communication protocols.

Collaborative efforts between government agencies, technology providers, and cybersecurity experts are essential to create and enforce comprehensive security frameworks for smart city implementations.