Key considerations for adopting a platform approach to cybersecurity

Introduction

The cybersecurity platform conversation is top of mind for many organizations today. However, the debate around choosing best-of-breed products versus using a unified platform has been ongoing for decades.

The Problem with Point Products

As organizations grow more complex and the threat landscape changes, using an array of point products to manage risk results in technology overlap and unwanted blind spots. This outdated approach to security also exacerbates the ongoing cybersecurity talent shortage, creating more work for security and IT teams.

The Need for a Consolidated Approach

The reality is that these unique challenges will only intensify as new threats emerge and businesses continue to evolve. That’s why enterprises must choose a consolidated, platform-centric approach to effectively protect their digital assets. Simplifying security is imperative for organizations of all sizes across all industries, and the first place to start is for teams to streamline the products they use and consolidate vendors where possible.

Is There Still a Role for Point Products?

As organizations increasingly embrace a platform approach to cybersecurity, it raises the question of why we still have point products and whether they’re beneficial to a risk management strategy.

The answer lies in the ever-changing nature of cybersecurity and infrastructure. Because the threat landscape is constantly evolving, the industry will always need to create fresh defenses, which results in new point products. As infrastructure continually evolves to meet the shifting needs of every business—such as supporting a hybrid workforce or moving additional applications to the cloud—new point products will still be necessary to address novel risks and opportunities. As certain point products become stable or commoditized over time, they can and should easily become part of a functional cybersecurity platform.

A Cybersecurity Platform Requires True Interoperability

While it’s sensible to combine multiple commonly used components into a single platform to simplify operations and integrate critical functions, there must be deep interoperability between these elements for the products to function as a true platform. At a minimum, everything must run on a common operating system. It’s not sufficient to simply bundle technologies that are designed to operate as standalone solutions. Without a common operational foundation, true interoperability can’t be achieved.

False Advertising: Be Cautious of “Platforms” with Bolted-On Components

In the rush to push a platform to market, many companies will acquire point products from other, smaller vendors. Instead of taking the time to fully integrate the functions and operations of the acquired products into a unified solution, they bolt these acquisitions onto other offerings, call it a “platform,” and then take it to market. At best, this is false advertising. At worst, unsuspecting security and IT teams end up investing countless resources in a “platform” that doesn’t deliver what it claims, which leaves their business open to unnecessary risk and likely doesn’t create any efficiencies for their daily operations.

Embark on Your Platform Journey

Every company would like to reduce operational costs while enhancing its security posture. A cybersecurity platform approach can achieve this by truly integrating point products, reducing overhead, and enabling native automation across multiple technologies. Some companies will choose to exclusively deploy functional platforms, while others may elect to use platform suites or dual-source certain offerings.

Critical Components of a Strong Cybersecurity Platform

When evaluating cybersecurity platform offerings, remember that not all platforms are the same. Many vendor solutions that are labeled as platforms are composed of distinct products that run on different operating systems, have varied data structures, and use disparate management consoles.

It’s vital to look under the hood of the cybersecurity platforms you’re considering. A true cybersecurity platform should be backed by a single operating system, have a unified agent, use a single management console, rely on one data lake, use open APIs, and integrate easily with third-party products.

Choose the Right Cybersecurity Platform for Your Organization

Whether you’re already using a cybersecurity platform or are just beginning your journey into the platform era, choose your vendors wisely. Are the operating system and functional components of the platform you’re considering truly integrated, or will you be shifting the complexity of your existing point product collection to a different form factor? The path you select will significantly impact your organization’s overall security and daily operations, both today and in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing a platform approach to cybersecurity is crucial for organizations to simplify their security posture, reduce operational costs, and effectively protect their digital assets. By choosing the right cybersecurity platform, organizations can streamline their product usage, consolidate vendors, and simplify their operations. It’s essential to look beyond the surface and evaluate the critical components of a strong cybersecurity platform, ensuring that the chosen platform is truly integrated and meets the organization’s unique needs.

FAQs

Q: Why is a platform approach to cybersecurity important?

A: A platform approach to cybersecurity simplifies security, reduces operational costs, and enhances the overall security posture of an organization.

Q: What is the difference between a platform and a collection of point products?

A: A platform is a unified solution that integrates multiple products and technologies to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity solution. A collection of point products, on the other hand, is a group of separate products that may not be integrated or may not provide a cohesive security solution.

Q: What are the critical components of a strong cybersecurity platform?

A: The critical components of a strong cybersecurity platform include a single operating system, unified agent, single management console, single data lake, open APIs, and easy integration with third-party products.

Q: How do I choose the right cybersecurity platform for my organization?

A: To choose the right cybersecurity platform, look beyond the surface and evaluate the critical components of a strong cybersecurity platform. Ensure that the chosen platform is truly integrated and meets the organization’s unique needs. Also, consider the reputation of the vendor, customer support, and scalability of the platform.