Introduction

Cybersecurity isn’t just about preventing attacks; it’s about  ensuring systems can withstand the unexpected. An anomaly deviates from how a system is supposed to work—whether it’s a glitch in the design, an unintended user action, or something that just doesn’t fit within the usual processes. Anomalies can pop up for various reasons, and in this article, we’ll look at some recent incidents that have affected both people and industries alike, exploring how we can manage them within the scope of cybersecurity.

Cancelled Flights and System Failures

Recent security breaches at CrowdStrike and Microsoft  clearly show how vulnerable software supply chains can be. When flight control systems and passenger support networks went down, it wasn’t just an inconvenience for one company or industry—it was a problem that disrupted the lives of countless individuals. These incidents emphasize the urgent need for organizations to tighten their supply chain security and implement  solid patching strategies to protect against emerging threats.

Breaking Down the Incidents

The breaches at CrowdStrike and Microsoft involved unauthorized access to sensitive data and code repositories. These events highlight the dangers of compromised supply chains—cybercriminals can exploit weaknesses in third-party software to infiltrate target systems. This is a critical reminder of vigilance in managing software dependencies.

Why Supply Chain Security Matters

In industries like healthcare, where medical and laboratory IoT devices are prevalent, supply chains can be incredibly complex, involving numerous vendors and subcontractors. A single weak link can put the entire system at risk. To counter these risks, organizations need to enforce strict supply chain security measures, including:

• Incident Response Planning: Developing comprehensive plans to quickly and effectively address  security breaches.

• Vendor Vetting: Carefully evaluating suppliers to ensure they follow strong security practices.

• Secure Procurement: Obtaining software and libraries from trusted sources, avoiding counterfeit or unauthorized products.

• Regular Audits: Continuously auditing supply chain partners to spot and fix vulnerabilities. Using Automated Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools within CI/CD pipelines can greatly speed up the response to detected anomalies.

The Crucial Role of Patching

Applying updates to software and firmware is vital for addressing known vulnerabilities. If not patched,  malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or disrupt operations. To protect against these threats, organizations should:

• Automate Patching: Use automated tools to streamline patching and minimize human error.

• Monitor Vulnerabilities: Stay updated on emerging threats and vulnerabilities that could impact their systems.

• Prioritize Patching: Focus on patching the most critical vulnerabilities based on risk and potential impact.

• Thorough Testing: Test patches in a controlled environment before deployment to avoid introducing new problems. Dedicated testing streams might be a smart move for critical customers.

Testing: A Key Step in Patching

Testing is a vital part of the patching process. It should be done in a controlled environment, like a test or staging area, to avoid disrupting production systems. Involving stakeholders—system administrators, security experts, and end-users—in the testing process helps to identify all potential issues. This ensures that patches are effective and don’t cause unintended problems. Key aspects include:

• Security Testing: Identifying any new vulnerabilities that a patch might introduce.

• Regression Testing: Ensuring  patched software doesn’t interfere with other system components.

• Critical Function Testing: Focusing on  essential functions to the device’s operation.

Guarding Against Threats: Europe’s CyberSecurity Shield

As cyber threats continue to rise, Europe’s CyberSecurity Shield initiative, launched in 2021, plays a crucial role. This collaborative network of Security Operations Centers (SOCs) aims to enhance cross-border cooperation, improve threat intelligence sharing, and create a more resilient cybersecurity environment.

The Shield’s Mission

The main goals of Europe’s CyberSecurity Shield include:

• Diverse Threat Response: Addressing threats from both state-sponsored actors and organized cybercriminal groups.

• Collective Defense: Coordinating responses to cyberattacks by pooling the expertise and resources of participating SOCs.

• Capacity Building: Providing training and support to SOCs to ensure they have the skills and tools needed to combat modern cyber threats.

• Adapting to New Threats: Continuously evolving to counter emerging threats like ransomware, supply chain attacks, and targeting of critical infrastructure.

The Human Element in Cybersecurity

While technology is crucial, the human element remains the cornerstone of any cybersecurity strategy.  Most attacks detected by SOCs aren’t advanced or sophisticated; rather, they’re simple attacks carried out in high volume. SOCs that rely on a traditional 3-tier support model may be outpaced by specialized teams of experts supported by automated detection systems. To maintain high levels of cybersecurity resilience, organizations should ensure that at least 10% of their cybersecurity specialists’ work time is dedicated to continuous learning through training, certifications, and specialized courses.

Securing the Product Development Life Cycle

To safeguard products and services, the CyberSecurity Shield underscores the importance of integrating cybersecurity into the Product Development Life Cycle (PDLC). A well-structured Secure Product Development Framework (SPDF) helps incorporate security considerations throughout the design, development, deployment, and operation phases.

Why a Strong PDLC Matters

A robust PDLC is  essential in industries like life sciences, where secure medical and laboratory IoT devices are critical. A comprehensive PDLC should include the following:

• Regular Security Assessments: Conducting security assessments throughout the development process.

• Security by Design: Incorporating security from the start of the development process.

• Threat Modeling: Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities early in the development cycle.

• Secure Coding Practices: Following secure coding standards and guidelines.

Sharing Knowledge and Experiences

At events like the recent CYBERSEC CEE EXPO & FORUM in Kraków, cybersecurity experts, business leaders, and policymakers gather to share knowledge and discuss the challenges of today’s cybersecurity landscape. Poland’s growing role in cybersecurity, particularly during its upcoming EU presidency, was a key focus, with Polish CSIRTs reporting a 150% year-on-year increase in incidents. Discussions at such events often highlight the importance of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning in Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems, which are increasingly vital for detecting and mitigating security incidents.

Conclusion

By fostering collaboration, sharing intelligence, and promoting secure development practices, Europe’s CyberSecurity Shield is playing a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The recent incidents involving CrowdStrike and Microsoft serve as a reminder of the importance of supply chain security and effective patching strategies. By adopting best practices in Secure Product Development, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks, safeguarding the sensitive data and functionality of critical systems, life-saving medical devices, and laboratory IoT devices.

We invite you to join the discussion on cybersecurity in industries like manufacturing, life sciences, and smart IoT medical equipment. Let’s explore the root causes of incidents, how they can disrupt our lives, and effective methods for building a  solid defense against such threats.

Note: This article provides a general overview. For more specific advice, consult industry experts like A4BEE.