{"id":5422,"date":"2019-10-23T16:10:08","date_gmt":"2019-10-23T15:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cybersmart.com\/?p=5422"},"modified":"2021-10-01T10:47:07","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T10:47:07","slug":"proactive-it-security-compliance-vs-reactive-cybersecurity-firefighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cybersmart.com\/blog\/proactive-it-security-compliance-vs-reactive-cybersecurity-firefighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Proactive IT Security Compliance vs Reactive cybersecurity firefighting"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to cybersecurity, MSSPs traditionally provide two standard services: proactive or reactive. Some businesses prefer the reactive approach and require a fix for security issues only when they arise. For other businesses, horizon scanning and taking a more proactive approach fits their risk appetite and lets them stay one step ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being an MSSP, you have a responsibility to guide clients to the best approach for their business and one that matches their risk appetite. In this blog post, we look at the reasons why proactive compliance is better for businesses than a reactive approach when assessing cybersecurity firefighting.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Reactive vs. Proactive Approach<\/b><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>reactive approach<\/b> towards security embraces the philosophy of wait until the security perimeter is breached then acting to fix it. An MSSP is typically responsible for cleaning up the mess after the security incident using this approach; one that might work with other services, but with cybersecurity, may have business crippling impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a security incident has occurred, the damage has already been done. The loss of data and extended downtime of any systems has already caused financial, reputational or other losses to the client. Add on the cost in time and effort to \u2018fix\u2019 and the potential impacts, coupled with the loss of productivity or revenue do not make happy reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>proactive approach<\/b>, on the other hand, is about anticipatory prevention measures and rapid notification that drives responsiveness. In this approach, the MSSP is responsible for assisting the client address the potential security risks before they can become problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cyber attacks do not sleep, and the proactive approach to cybersecurity defensive measures is the best approach to leave little to no room for attackers to exploit the system. The earlier a problem area or attack vector is identified, the easier it is to fix or to close the door to a potential breach. A proactive approach is a great way to ensure clients\u2019 infrastructure is protected 24\/7. It requires continuous engagement with clients and involves the design and deployment of preemptive strategies, tools and techniques with an awareness of threat intelligence to prevent security issues from becoming a concern.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drawbacks of Reactive Cybersecurity<\/b><\/h2>\n

The reactive approach may save cost for clients initially, but in the long run, it increases the risks of:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n