CISO Strategy & Planning
Top Stories
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Conference Coverage
23 Jul 2026
Black Hat 2026: Key news, takeaways and security trends
This is your guide to the breaking news, trending topics and more at Black Hat USA 2026, from Dark Reading, Cybersecurity Dive and TechTarget Cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
17 Apr 2026
RSAC 2026 Conference: Key news and industry analysis
Check out SearchSecurity's RSAC 2026 guide for reports on notable presentations and breaking news at the world's biggest infosec event. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2023
Microsoft, Fortra get court order to disrupt Cobalt Strike
Microsoft, Fortra and the Health Information Sharing and Analysis center announced they obtained a court order in an effort to curb malicious Cobalt Strike use. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Apr 2023
Defining policy vs. standard vs. procedure vs. control
Infosec pros may have -- incorrectly -- heard the terms 'standard' and 'policy' used interchangeably. Examine the differences among a policy, standard, procedure and technical control. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2023
Microsoft launches AI-powered Security Copilot
Microsoft Security Copilot is an AI assistant for infosec professionals that combines OpenAI's GPT-4 technology with the software giant's own cybersecurity-trained model. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
GoDaddy's response to 'multi-year' breach criticized
GoDaddy took nearly three months to disclose that attackers breached the company in a multi-year campaign, and customers are still in the dark about the details of the attack. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
social media policy
A social media policy is a corporate code of conduct that provides guidelines for employees who post content on the internet either as part of their job or as a private person. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
What cybersecurity consolidation means for enterprises
Experts predict cybersecurity consolidation will increase in the months and years ahead. Security leaders should consider what that means for their purchasing strategies. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Jan 2023
6 cybersecurity buzzwords to know in 2023
Enterprise Strategy Group research indicates many organizations will increase cybersecurity spending in 2023, and with that comes an evolving set of vendor buzzwords to sort out. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2023
Vulnerable software, low incident reporting raises risks
Beneath the buzz around tech innovations at CES were discussions about cybersecurity and how to prevent the next generation of tech from being just as vulnerable as the last. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
11 cybersecurity predictions for 2023
Analysts and experts have looked into their crystal balls and made their cybersecurity predictions for 2023. Is your organization prepared if these predictions come true? Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2022
After the CISO role: Navigating what comes next
Former chief information security officers may have numerous career options available but no clear path forward. Here's how to navigate life after the CISO role. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2022
As a new CISO, the first 100 days on the job are critical
As a chief information security officer, you won't get a second chance to make a first impression. Learn how a CISO's first 100 days lay the foundation for a successful tenure. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Nov 2022
How to maintain security with an understaffed security team
Unsurprisingly, many companies function without a complete security team. Security tasks often fall to others in the organization. Here's some advice for stand-in security members. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2022
Reality check: CISO compensation packages run the gamut
A capable security executive is invaluable -- a fact organizations increasingly recognize. CISOs' salaries are generally trending up, but the range in compensation is wide. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Nov 2022
3 best professional certifications for CISOs and aspiring CISOs
While one doesn't necessarily need professional cybersecurity certifications to become a CISO, they don't hurt. Explore the best certifications for CISOs and aspiring CISOs. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2022
How to build a shadow IT policy to reduce risks, with template
With a shadow IT policy in place, organizations reduce security risks from unapproved applications and services that employees introduce independently. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Oct 2022
How Sheltered Harbor helps banks navigate cyber-recovery
Banks must be able to recover quickly from a cyber attack -- a difficult task, given the volume and sophistication of attacks. The not-for-profit Sheltered Harbor aims to help. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2022
Google launches new supply chain security offerings
Securing the software supply chain, especially open source libraries, was a major theme behind the new products released at the Google Cloud Next '22 conference. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Biden issues cybersecurity guidance for software vendors
The guidance is an extension of President Biden's cybersecurity executive order from 2021 and includes new requirements for software deployed in federal agencies. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2022
How to connect cyber-risk and climate risk strategies
Every business faces two global systemic risks: cybersecurity and climate change. Learn how to integrate these two areas of risk management for greater business resilience. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Sep 2022
5 ways to improve your cloud security posture
With more applications deployed to multiple clouds, organizations must shore up their security posture, and cloud security posture management is designed to help. Find out why. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2022
7 CISO succession planning best practices
Nothing is certain except death, taxes and CISO turnover. Learn how to prepare for the inevitable and future-proof your security program with a succession plan. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
Cybersecurity budget breakdown and best practices
Once budget is secured, CISOs must figure out where it should be allocated -- as well as how to justify the costs. Get the lowdown on a cybersecurity budget breakdown here. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2022
PCI DSS v4.0 is coming, here's how to prepare to comply
Organizations need to start laying the groundwork to reap the benefits of the forthcoming PCI DSS v4.0 specification. Creating a team to focus on the upgrade is one good step. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2022
5 reasons to integrate ESG and cybersecurity
Every business faces global systemic risks, yet most have failed to integrate cybersecurity with ESG programs. Here are five reasons why integration makes good business sense. Continue Reading
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Podcast
17 Aug 2022
Risk & Repeat: Black Hat 2022 recap
This Risk & Repeat podcast episode discusses the Black Hat 2022 conference in Las Vegas and the notable sessions, major themes and hot topics from the show. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2022
How to ensure a secure metaverse in your organization
Before deploying your company's metaverse, follow these practices -- including inventorying vulnerabilities and developing T&Cs -- to proactively address metaverse security issues. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2022
For cyber insurance, some technology leads to higher premiums
Though cyber insurance demand is exceeding supply and companies might receive less coverage with higher premiums, experts say there are ways enterprises can reduce risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
What is Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC)?
The Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) protocol is one leg of the tripod of internet protocols that support email authentication methods. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2022
Chris Krebs: It's still too hard to work with the government
Former CISA Director Chris Krebs offered multiple areas of improvement to the U.S. government's cyber readiness during a Black Hat 2022 keynote. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2022
Cybersecurity lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic
Cybersecurity lessons companies learn from the COVID-19 pandemic include having work-from-home preparations and developing disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2022
4 criteria to measure cybersecurity goal success
Measuring the success of cybersecurity goals is challenging because they are components of larger goals and often probabilistic rather than deterministic. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2022
How to write a cybersecurity job posting
Is your organization struggling to find cybersecurity talent? Your job descriptions could be the problem. Learn how to write a good cybersecurity job posting. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2022
How to find your niche in cybersecurity
It's difficult to navigate a career in cybersecurity, especially with all the varying roles. A veteran CISO offers advice on how to find your niche in the security industry. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
Negotiating a golden parachute clause in a CISO contract
If a CISO becomes the company scapegoat after a security incident, a strong golden parachute clause can mean the difference between a soft landing and a hard crash. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2022
Hertzbleed disclosure raises questions for Intel
Hertzbleed, a family of new side-channel attacks, was first reported to Intel in the third quarter of 2021, and it's unclear why it was kept under embargo for so long. Continue Reading
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Podcast
16 Jun 2022
Risk & Repeat: Recapping RSA Conference 2022
This Risk & Repeat episode discusses RSA Conference 2022 and major themes, such as the evolving ransomware landscape and the government's strategy to address nation-state threats. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Jun 2022
Top cloud security takeaways from RSA 2022
Key cloud security takeaways from RSA 2022 include the need to shore up cloud application security, consolidate tools and mitigate cybersecurity skills shortages, according to ESG. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2022
CISA director promotes collaboration and trust at RSAC 2022
Jen Easterly said there's growing momentum for stronger collaboration and communication between government agencies like CISA and private-sector cybersecurity companies. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
Microsoft details zero-trust transition, challenges
Over the past three years, Microsoft has moved to a zero-trust framework. Security engineers outlined the transition and its challenges during a session at RSA Conference 2022. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
DNI Avril Haines: Cybersecurity is getting harder
During her RSA Conference 2022 keynote, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence discussed the increase in cyber threats, from nation-state attacks to commercial hacking tools. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
CISA calls out security misconfigurations, common mistakes
Poor security practices and misconfigured controls are allowing threat actors to compromise enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2022
Google cloud misconfiguration poses risk to customers
Cloud security vendor Mitiga discovered 'dangerous functionality' in the Google Cloud Platform that could allow attackers to compromise virtual machines. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2022
Unethical vulnerability disclosures 'a disgrace to our field'
The cybersecurity field needs more people who use their powers for good, the lead author of Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker's Handbook, Sixth Edition says. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2022
Zimperium acquired by Liberty Strategic Capital for $525M
Zimperium is the latest cybersecurity investment for Liberty Strategic Capital, a private equity firm founded by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2022
Why CISOs need to understand the business
While CISOs need technical skills, business skills help them push their team's agenda and get the support and funding they need to protect their company. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2022
How to put cybersecurity sustainability into practice
Cybersecurity sustainability practices involve mitigating cyber-risk without burning out people -- or burning through resources. Explore what that looks like on the ground. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
F-Secure splits in two as WithSecure launches
The Finnish security vendor's enterprise business sets off on its own as a new brand called WithSecure, while F-Secure will continue to operate the consumer side of the business. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2022
Biden signs law on reporting critical infrastructure cyber attacks
President Joe Biden signed a law that requires critical infrastructure entities to report cyber attacks within 72 hours and report ransom payments in 24 hours. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2022
3 benefits of sustainable cybersecurity in the enterprise
Sustainable cybersecurity means taking the long view on cyber-risk mitigation. Explore the technical, financial, societal and reputational wins it can net for the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2022
Infosec news cycles: How quickly do they fade?
Google Trends spikes, on average, lasted a few weeks for major infosec news events like SolarWinds, Log4Shell and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2022
Google to acquire Mandiant for $5.4B
Google's acquisition announcement came less than a year after Mandiant and FireEye split. FireEye was sold to Symphony Technology Group last fall for $1.2 billion. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
How to manage imposter syndrome in cybersecurity
The imposter syndrome phenomenon is readily apparent in cybersecurity. Learn how to manage it, along with mishaps to avoid during the job hunt and other career advice. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2022
DHS forms first-ever Cyber Safety Review Board
The new initiative is one in a string of many by the Biden administration to push public and private collaboration in addressing cyber threats such as Log4j vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2022
Top cybersecurity leadership challenges and how to solve them
Security isn't always a top business priority. This creates challenges for the cybersecurity managers and teams that hope to integrate security into their company's agenda. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2022
Include defensive security in your cybersecurity strategy
Is your company's cybersecurity strategy comprehensive enough to protect against an expanding threat landscape? Learn how developing defensive security strategies can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jan 2022
Is quantum computing ready to disrupt cybersecurity?
Quantum computing isn't here yet, but now is the time for companies to start considering how it may affect their business -- both negatively and positively -- in the next decade. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Dec 2021
Editor's picks: Top cybersecurity articles of 2021
As we call it a wrap on 2021, SearchSecurity looks at the top articles from the last 12 months and their sweeping trends, including ransomware, career planning and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2021
Top infosec best practices, challenges and pain points
Weak infosec practices can have irrevocable consequences. Read up on infosec best practices and challenges, as well as the importance of cybersecurity controls and risk management. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2021
5 IT security policy best practices
As businesses and technologies grow and evolve, it's important IT security policies do, too. Follow these five best practices to ensure policies are fresh and relevant. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Oct 2021
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the U.S. government agency that oversees the nation's securities industry. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2021
5 cybersecurity personality traits for a successful career
In this excerpt of 'Confident Cyber Security,' author Jessica Barker outlines five cybersecurity personality traits employers look for in job candidates. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2021
How to start a career in cybersecurity from the human side
Discover how the co-founder of an infosec consultancy and author of 'Confident Cyber Security' started her career and became a leader in the human nature side of security. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2021
Enterprises ask Washington to step up cyber collaboration
During CISA's National Cybersecurity Summit, critical infrastructure companies said they need better information on cyberthreats from the federal government. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
Cyber insurance premiums, costs skyrocket as attacks surge
As cyber attacks and losses have increased, so has demand for cyber insurance. But now premiums are reflecting a harsh new reality. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2021
How to prepare for the CIPP/US exam
The co-authors of a CIPP/US study guide offer advice on the IAPP certification, including career benefits, how to prepare and how the U.S. exam differs from other regions' exams. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2021
Cybersecurity leaders back law for critical infrastructure
In the wake of cyberattacks like Colonial Pipeline, U.S. senators want a national law requiring critical infrastructure companies to report cybersecurity incidents to CISA. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2021
Experts debate XDR market maturity and outlook
Is extended detection response still all buzz and no bite? Experts disagree on whether XDR qualifies as a legitimate market yet or still has a ways to go. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2021
Tenable acquires cloud security startup Accurics for $160M
The acquisition will be Tenable's first expansion into securing infrastructure as code, as it makes a push to identify and fix flaws in cloud-native software. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
Private sectors pledge big for cyberdefense
Tech giants have invested billions to address cybersecurity threats such as supply chain security and attacks on critical infrastructures. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2021
DHS unveils second round of new pipeline security requirements
New requirements from DHS for oil and gas pipeline operators include the implementation of 'specific mitigation measures' against cyberthreats, specifically ransomware attacks. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2021
SentinelOne IPO raises $1.2 billion, beating estimates
the endpoint security vendor has gone public in one of the largest IPOs in the cybersecurity industry. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2021
CISA taps Bugcrowd for federal vulnerability disclosure program
The new program follows a CISA directive from September that requires executive branch agencies to create and publish vulnerability disclosure policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jun 2021
Hackers vs. lawyers: Security research stifled in key situations
The age-old debate between sharing information or covering legal liability is a growing issue in everything from bug bounties to disclosing ransomware attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jun 2021
5 steps to secure the hybrid workforce as offices reopen
Companies must now face the security challenges of overseeing a hybrid workforce as employees return to the office. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2021
FireEye and Mandiant part ways in $1.2B deal
FireEye products and Mandiant incident response services will split into two entities under the pending acquisition of FireEye by Symphony Technology Group. Continue Reading
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Podcast
01 Jun 2021
Risk & Repeat: Security startups and trends from RSAC 2021
Analyst Carla Roncato of Enterprise Strategy Group weighs in on RSA Conference and the security startups featured during the show's Innovation Sandbox competition. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2021
MDM vs. MAM: What are the key differences?
Mobile workers are productive and even essential to business success. But IT has to protect corporate apps and data -- as well as worker privacy -- via MDM, MAM or both. Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 May 2021
Risk & Repeat: Recapping RSA Conference 2021
Election security, nation-state threats and supply chain attacks were major topics at this year's RSA Conference, which was held as a virtual event. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2021
RSA Conference 2021: 3 hot cybersecurity trends explained
In a lightning round session at RSA Conference, ESG analysts discussed three of the hottest topics in cybersecurity in 2021: zero trust, XDR and SASE. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2021
Cisco shares lessons learned in zero-trust deployment
The networking giant explained at RSA Conference 2021 how it was able to deploy a company-wide zero trust model in less than six months, and what it learned along the way. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2021
Cyber Defense Matrix makes sense of chaotic security market
The Cyber Defense Matrix aims to help CISOs make strategic, informed security investments that weigh cyber risk mitigation in the context of business constraints and goals. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
Biden signs executive order to modernize cyberdefenses
Following several high-profile attacks on the federal government, the new executive order seeks to eliminate outdated security practices and improve supply chain security. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
Funding is key to strengthening national cybersecurity
In the wake of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, national cybersecurity experts make the case for additional funding during a Senate hearing. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2021
6 ways to spur cybersecurity board engagement
New research suggests corporate boards are paying closer attention to cybersecurity, but experts say progress is still modest and slow. Continue Reading
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Quiz
14 Apr 2021
Sample CCISO exam questions on security project management
This excerpt of 'CCISO Certified Chief Information Security Officer All-In-One Exam Guide' explains security project management fundamentals and provides practice CCISO exam questions. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2021
CCISO exam guide authors discuss the changing CISO role
Learn more about EC-Council's Certified CISO exam and how the certification helps CISOs at any organization manage successful infosec programs and a changing threat landscape. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
Cyber insurance company CNA discloses cyber attack
Though the nature of the cyber attack is unclear, CNA confirmed the attack caused a network disruption and affected systems such as corporate email and the company's website. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2021
McAfee sells off enterprise business for $4 billion
Less than six months after its IPO, McAfee has agreed to sell its enterprise business to private equity firm Symphony Technology Group and refocus on consumer cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2021
How to achieve security observability in complex environments
Security observability is a novel approach to incident detection that goes beyond traditional monitoring. Read on to learn if this emerging strategy is right for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2021
SolarWinds fallout has enterprise CISOs on edge
As investigators uncover more about the massive SolarWinds hack, enterprise CISOs' concerns about digital supply chain security grow. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2021
4 tips for aligning security with business objectives
Today's most effective CISOs develop cybersecurity strategies that fit their organizations' risk appetites and support business growth. Learn how they do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2021
Use business email compromise training to mitigate risk
Effective BEC training can prevent scams designed to exploit the brain's automatic responses. It starts by teaching employees to slow down and make the unconscious conscious. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2021
5 cybersecurity vendors to watch in 2021
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and economic setbacks, 2020 was another big year for investments in cybersecurity vendors. Here are five startups that stood out from the crowd. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2021
2021 IT priorities require security considerations
AI, IoT and 5G are among the top IT priorities for CIOs and CTOs in 2021. Is your team prepared to address each tech's security needs? Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jan 2021
The human firewall's role in a cybersecurity strategy
The human firewall is a crucial element of a long-term, holistic security initiative. Explore how human firewalls can protect your enterprise against attacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2021
Juggle a multi-cloud security strategy with these 3 steps
Enterprise security best practices must account for changes in cloud landscapes. Learn how to overcome such challenges and bolster multi-cloud security with technology and policy. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Dec 2020
Editor's picks: Top cybersecurity articles of 2020
As the year no one could have predicted comes to a close, SearchSecurity takes a 30,000-foot view of the cybersecurity trends and challenges that defined the last 12 months. Continue Reading
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Podcast
18 Dec 2020
Risk & Repeat: SolarWinds backdoor shakes infosec industry
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast discusses the latest developments around the devastating SolarWinds backdoor attacks, which impacted several U.S. government agencies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2020
6 remote workforce cybersecurity strategies for 2021
Remote worker data security has quickly evolved into a top concern for IT security. Here are six strategies to ensure remote workforce cybersecurity in 2021. Continue Reading
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Podcast
20 Nov 2020
Risk & Repeat: Christopher Krebs out as CISA director
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast discusses President Trump's firing of CISA Director Christopher Krebs, which was a controversial move in the infosec community. Continue Reading