In the world of cybersecurity, one thing is certain: no system is immune to vulnerabilities and bugs. Even security software, designed to protect your organization, can have its flaws. But before you start to panic, consider this: the presence of these bugs is not unique to any single security provider. In fact, if you were to investigate the history of major security vendors, you would discover that they too have encountered similar problems. This is why security experts have long advocated for a layered security approach, often compared to the layers of an onion. The essence of this approach is that a breach in one layer of your security solution does not automatically lead to the compromise of your entire enterprise.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), there is no way to completely protect your organization against cyber threats. Adopting a layered defense provides more opportunities to detect threats and stop them before they cause actual harm.
A common concern we often hear is zero-day exploits. What exactly is a zero-day exploit? Based on information from Fortinet a zero-day exploit is a security risk in software or hardware that is not publicly known and of which the vendor is unaware.
While these exploits do occur, they are typically used in highly targeted attacks. Once such an attack is detected, security vendors swiftly respond by providing patches to close the vulnerability. In most cases, attacks against security vendors happen not because of zero-day vulnerabilities but rather because existing vulnerabilities were left unpatched. IT teams can struggle to keep up with the constant influx of security patches for all the different systems in their care.
This is precisely why 11:11 offers managed security products. We understand that our customers may not have the time to continuously assess vulnerabilities, devise patching strategies, and execute them. Our managed solutions offer a distinct advantage in the ongoing battle against malicious actors.
Beyond just keeping firewall rules current, we also ensure that firewall firmware is up to date. Many attacks are successful not because of a zero-day vulnerability but because patches for known exploits have been available for weeks, months, or even years and have not been implemented. Without a dedicated security operator to apply these patches, security systems remain vulnerable.
It is important to note that regardless of which vendor’s security products are chosen, the same types of security risks will persist. Security, by nature, is a challenging endeavor. There is no magic security vendor that can guarantee a bug-free experience because all software has its flaws. Instead, the key is to partner with a cybersecurity provider, like 11:11 Systems, that can help your organization construct a layered defensive strategy. With this layered approach, your company can remain resilient, ensuring that a single exploit does not lead to a catastrophic breach.
At 11:11 Systems, we unequivocally agree with this layered security philosophy, and that is why we offer a portfolio of Managed Security Services. Each of these products plays a specific role in providing overlapping and layered security for organizations of all sizes.
- Managed Firewall – This service focuses on safeguarding your network perimeter, creating a robust first line of defense against external threats.
- Continuous Risk Scanning – allows for quick and easy visibility into all your assets, supporting a robust vulnerability management program based on your unique needs.
- Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) – The Endpoint Detection and Response service ensures that your endpoints, such as computers and devices, are fortified against attacks.
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR) – Going beyond monitoring endpoints MDR integrates EDR and SIEM which provides a more comprehensive (layered) approach to cybersecurity as it looks at your entire IT infrastructure.
- Managed SIEM – This service is responsible for scrutinizing the logs generated by the previous three services, along with any other relevant data sources, to identify anomalous activities that may signal a security breach.
While the world of security software may never be perfect, with the right layered approach, your organization can significantly reduce risk and bolster its cyber defenses. At 11:11 Systems, we are committed to helping you navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. We can provide the expertise and services you need to stay ahead of threats and protect your valuable assets.