Operational Security Maintenance

Operational security is a systematic process to keep an organization’s systems and data secure. It’s designed to address emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and security risks. However, organizations need to ensure there is a maintenance process to keep their operational security lifecycle in top shape.

Operational Security Maintenance: An Overview

What does operational security maintenance involve?

Operational security is a lifecycle that runs continuously. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identifies five steps in the lifecycle:

1. Identification of critical information.
2. Analysis of threats. 
3. Analysis of vulnerabilities.
4. Assessment of risks.
5. Application of countermeasures.

Organizations need to implement maintenance protocols to ensure ongoing resilience. Some key maintenance practices for each step include:

Identification of critical information

• Continuous inventory of all operational technology, IT, and IoT assets.
• Ensure policies comply with legal and regulatory standards.
• Regular reviews and updates of what is considered “critical information.”

Analysis of threats

• Ongoing collection of threat intelligence.
• Using automation for threat detection and response.
• Review emerging threats as part of regular security briefings.

Analysis of vulnerabilities

• Systematic vulnerability scanning and assessment cycles.
• Conduct regular patching and updates on software and hardware.
• Follow procedures to offboard departing employees.
• Ensure employees enable MFA and use strong passwords.
• Enforce access controls and manage user privileges.

Assessment of risks

• Prioritize vulnerabilities and threats based on their potential impact.
• Regular security audits to meet industry standards and compliance requirements.

Application of countermeasures

• Collaborate with security vendors and consultants to ensure security policies are implemented.
• Regularly review technical controls, policies, and training.
• Conduct employee training and awareness sessions.

Best practices for long-term operational security maintenance

Here are a few ways to ensure your organization is prepared for long-term operational security maintenance:

• Automate proactively: AI-driven tools can help automate security monitoring. Use SIEM and threat intelligence platforms to manage security incidents. 
• Foster a security culture: Every employee matters in cybersecurity. Train employees to become your first line of defense instead of your weakest link. Leadership buy-in can also make a difference in having a strong security culture.
• Leverage third-party expertise: Cybersecurity is a collaborative effort. Involving security vendors, compliance consultants, and other professionals can boost your maintenance efforts.
• Benchmark against peers: Learn from CTI, industry reports, and security frameworks. It can help determine how to improve your security posture to meet today’s threats.

How is Operational Security Maintenance Especially Relevant Now?

Why is ongoing maintenance essential for organizations?

Since threats are constantly evolving, outdated systems and neglected maintenance can fail to stop bad actors. Regular operational security maintenance ensures organizations can adapt to new threats.

In some industries and geographical locations, you might not have a choice when it comes to operational security maintenance. Many organizations are subject to data privacy regulations and industry standards. Conducting routine maintenance ensures your organization stays compliant.

The cost of failing to maintain operational security can be monumental. Your organization could face disruptions, downtimes, and reputational damage. All of it comes at a financial loss. The investment in operational security maintenance is often worth it in the long run.

How are regulations shaping operational security maintenance?

Regulations compel organizations to ensure security risks are managed effectively. There is a growing demand for organizations to have a mature, proactive security posture. Many regulations will also require documentation to prove that security measures are compliant.

Operational security maintenance helps comply with security frameworks for risk management, continuous monitoring, incident reporting, and technology updates.

Can automation and AI solve today’s security monitoring challenges?

Automation and AI can significantly enhance security monitoring. Traditional methods can’t keep up with the evolving pace of threat actors like AI can. Modern threats, growing data, and digital environments are complex to manage. 

AI-driven threat intelligence tools can help security teams respond to threats faster. It reduces the burden of repetitive tasks and enables security teams to shift their expertise to more challenging assignments. 

The main benefits of automation and AI include:

• Real-time threat detection and response.
• Reduced false positives and alert fatigue.
• Ease of scalability and efficiency.
• Promotes a proactive defense approach.
• Automates routine tasks.
• Addresses skills shortages of cybersecurity professionals.

How Flare Supports Operational Security Maintenance

How does Flare integrate with operational security maintenance?

Flare automatically scans the clear & dark web and prominent threat actor communities 24/7 to discover unknown events, prioritize risks, and deliver actionable intelligence you can use instantly to improve security.

With real-time threat intelligence, your organization can quickly respond to attacks and prevent further damage. Flare is a valuable tool to ensure your OPSEC process identifies relevant threats.

Why is Flare a good choice for threat intelligence?

Flare searches the most hidden places on the internet to find exposed information. The platform looks for stolen credentials, leaked source code, and mentions of your company in dark web forums.

Early warning signs of an impending attack or data exposure can make a huge difference in minimizing or neutralizing the threat. Flare can help pinpoint where your organization might be vulnerable.

What are the key benefits of using Flare for operational security maintenance?

• Eliminate manual processes: Automations can save your team hours. Instead of manually scoring various sources, your organization can have relevant threat intelligence delivered to you.
• Extend data collection: The dark web and illicit threat actor communities are obscure. Flare can search these sources to find leaked information and notify you of any mentions of your organization.
• Upgrade threat intelligence: Flare provides context for each piece of threat intelligence. It enables more accurate risk assessments and proper remediation.
• Formalize operational security maintenance: Ensure your OPSEC process is complete and operational with around-the-clock surveillance.

Operational Security Maintenance and Flare

Flare Academy training provides security practitioners with highly relevant and highly engaging lessons on subjects like threat intelligence, operational security, investigation techniques, and more. Led by expert instructors, these free trainings combine on-demand video lessons with diverse learning tools. Students can also gain access to the Flare Academy Discord Community where they can ask questions, explore advanced topics, and continue their learning journey wherever it leads. 
Find the right option at Flare Academy: sign up for the next training here.