Tech

How Can Good Hackers Beat Bad Hackers?

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2021

Between 2019 and 2020, the number of successful cybersecurity attacks worldwide has almost doubled from roughly 2,100 to nearly 4,000 data breaches. This has occurred at the same time that the penetration testing (or “Pen Testing”) vertical within the cybersecurity industry has become a multi-billion-dollar market, projected to more than double in size between 2021-2025. With the number of cybercrime incidents rising and with so much at stake in securing our digital information, the question remains, how are successful attacks still rising?

Rapid Digitization Means More Personal Data is Available Online

Twenty years ago, it would have been relatively uncommon for a middle-class home to have more than one computer with internet access, whereas nowadays you would be hard-pressed to find one without an array of technology devices connected to various networks. Because virtually every piece of technology we use in our daily lives is now internet-connected, our personal data is being shared through an increasing number of devices. When those devices and the software and data stored on them is not properly secured, it further adds to the problem of growing cyberattacks.

If a software company hires a cybersecurity consultant to perform Pen Testing services on a new application the company has developed, it may take 2-3 weeks just to get the paperwork in order to conduct the testing, leaving potential vulnerabilities in the software’s data untested and exposed. At the same time, cybersecurity consultants who use scattered software toolkits in their Pen Testing, coupled with human-centric Pen Testing policies, can cost these companies more resources (time and money) in the long run.

Rapid Technological Evolution

Another symptom of rising rates of malicious cyberattacks is the reality that security professionals struggle to match the speed at which our technology, and the data we store in it, evolves. Before IT security professionals can properly secure a new technology that has already been delivered to commercial markets, another newer technology is ready to launch, perpetuating the problem.

Since the onset of COVID-19 last year, more people are using technology to work remotely, adding new challenges for cybersecurity professionals to keep the organizations and people they work with secure. Normally, companies would hire cybersecurity professionals to test their data security, as well as identify, assess, and fill in the gaps found in those defenses. However, the gap between the supply and demand of certified cybersecurity professionals is increasing and there are currently not enough professionals in the industry to perform the amount of testing needed at scale right now.

Beating the Hackers with AI-Backed Pen Testing

The problem of malicious cybersecurity attacks is not linked to a lack of investment in cybersecurity products and services. Rather, the problem arises when these investments are not performing as intended. Every major company and software platform needs cybersecurity testing and we must increase the amount of Pen Testing from certified Pen Testers to help reduce the success of malicious cyber-attacks.

One option is crowdsourcing, where companies bring in a broad amount of hacker expertise from all around the world and test their cybersecurity defense systems. One caution is that this often causes companies to lose control over the process of which defenses are being tested, the methods used in testing, and the frequency of those tests, leaving their data vulnerable to attack.

A second option, one many cybersecurity professionals agree as to the more plausible and advisable one, is to use technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to generate algorithms from the process that your Pen Testers perform, allowing for human hackers and AI to complement each other to perform more testing in less time for less cost.

Using this method, companies can secure Pen Testing within 24 hours, rather than waiting 2-3 weeks to file the paperwork traditionally associated with the process. Within 5-6 days, the results are sent to the company’s software developers with recommendations on how to fix any potential threats that were identified. This process makes the entire testing process much easier, faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective for the client. It also allows software development companies to develop at a more rapid pace without sacrificing security, providing additional value to product end-users.

The endgame of cybersecurity professionals is to have a more secure society, but the only way we can achieve this is by including solutions such as AI-backed Pen Testing, allowing security professionals to conduct more tests, more often, in order to generate more accurate results and identify issues that can be fixed proactively, rather than reactively. In using AI-backed Pen Testing processes, companies can ensure that their business’ and their clients’ data are fully protected and remain secure.

Seemant Sehgal is the Founder & CEO of BreachLock Inc. – the world’s first AI-powered full stack and SaaS-enabled Penetration Testing as a Service. Since 2019 BreachLock has quickly emerged as a market disrupter in the traditionally human dependent Penetration Testing market.

Tech

Clarity in Complexity: Dr. Dave Chatterjee’s Gift for Cyber Communication

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Dr. Dave Chatterjee

By Mj Toledo

A sea of confusing technical terms and threats surround people today. Many feel lost, unsure of how to protect themselves online. A distinguished cybersecurity and technology expert, Dr. Dave Chatterjee is teaching people how. He has practiced information technology management since 2001. In this field, which often bewilders outsiders, he combines academic knowledge with practical insights.

About Dr. Dave Chatterjee

The tech figure authored “Cybersecurity Readiness: A Holistic and High-Performance Approach,” which Sage published and readers praise for its thorough and accessible take on cybersecurity preparation.

Additionally, respected publications like USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan Management Review have recognized his work.

“Communicating complex cybersecurity concepts clearly and effectively is essential,” Dr. Dave Chatterjee explains. “I aim to connect technical know-how with practical understanding, making sure important cybersecurity messages reach and impact all stakeholders, from executives to information technology (IT) staff.”

Dr. Dave Chatterjee has received numerous accolades throughout his career. These include the Outstanding Executive Master of Business Administration Professor of the Year award. He has also been named a University of Georgia (UGA) Outstanding Teaching Faculty Honoree.

Before the pandemic, Dr. Dave Chatterjee launched his Technology Roundtable. It features distinguished business leaders, award-winning chief information officers, and other renowned thought leaders. The roundtable covered topics such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, data quality, and cybersecurity.

Aside from his professional pursuits, he is also passionate about youth development. He also engages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, offering professional development workshops to K-12 students on topics ranging from making the most of collegiate experiences to safe and responsible use of technology. He also provides summer research opportunities for outstanding high school students, mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Decoding Cybersecurity for All

Dr. Dave Chatterjee believes effective cybersecurity involves people as much as technology. He stresses creating an organization’s security-aware culture, starting with clear, straightforward communication.

“Cybersecurity affects every part of an organization,” Dr. Dave Chatterjee states. “We create a shared sense of responsibility and preparedness by explaining complex ideas in relatable ways.”

This philosophy is evident in his roles, including his position as an adjunct associate professor at Duke University and his past work as a professor at The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. His skill in explaining technical concepts has made him a popular speaker and advisor across many industries.

The Power of Clear Communication in Cybersecurity

Clear communication in cybersecurity is non-negotiable. As cyber threats become more complex, explaining security concepts clearly and concisely helps organizations better protect themselves.

“Clear communication forms the foundation of a strong cybersecurity strategy,” Dr. Dave Chatterjee emphasizes. “It allows cybersecurity professionals to work with other departments, identify and reduce potential risks, respond well to incidents, and follow regulations and standards.”

This matters especially now, as cybersecurity has become a top priority for company boards. With experts expecting global cybercrime costs to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, clear explanations of cyber risks and protection strategies help leaders make informed decisions.

Bridging Technology and Human Understanding

Dr. Dave Chatterjee does more than explain technical ideas. He promotes a better grasp of how people factor into cybersecurity, knowing that even the best security systems can fail due to human error or lack of awareness.

His Cybersecurity Readiness Podcast Series has over 70 episodes and listeners in 105 countries. It offers thought-provoking, jargon-free discussions on improving cybersecurity. These discussions cover strategies for individuals, organizations, and nations. This effort shows his advocacy for making cybersecurity knowledge available worldwide.

“The podcast series creates a community where experts, leaders, and practitioners discuss cybersecurity challenges and opportunities,” he notes. “These conversations help build a more informed and resilient digital ecosystem.”

Making Cybersecurity Less Intimidating

With new technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing bringing new challenges and possibilities to cybersecurity, concise communication becomes even more critical.

The tech professional continues to adapt his work in this area. A recent USA Today article, “Dave Chatterjee Drops the Cybersecurity Jargon, Encouraging Proactiveness Rather than Reactiveness,” highlights his ongoing effort to make cybersecurity accessible and actionable for everyone.

“The future of cybersecurity depends on our ability to communicate well across all levels of society,” he concludes. “Promoting a shared understanding of cyber risks and best practices creates a more resilient digital world for everyone.”

The battle for digital security requires more than just advanced technology. It demands clear communication. Dr. Dave Chatterjee’s talent for translating cybersecurity concepts into accessible language turns technical knowledge into practical action.

Undeniably, Dr. Dave Chatterjee’s gift for clarity will remain invaluable, helping create a more secure digital future for everyone.