Are you considering transitioning to a single cybersecurity platform? Recent cases like the Cloudstrike incident—and the chaos that came with it—illustrate some potential risks associated with it. The truth is, no matter how hard a company tries to build a cybersecurity platform, there will always be associated risks that will cost them and their users more than just monetary losses, such as privacy invasion or lost trust, to name just a few. In this blog, we’ll explore why cybersecurity platforms are riskier than you might think and what their main downsides are when it comes to business processes, categories, specific functionalities, or use cases.
Understanding Cybersecurity Platforms
Cybersecurity platforms are like all-in-one security guards for an organization’s data, users, and network. They ensure and enforce defensive strategies that manage the activities on the organization’s network while performing configuration updates.
Why Consolidation Makes Sense in Certain Scenarios
Today, more and more companies are adopting a cybersecurity platform to upgrade from scattered, vulnerable security efforts to a more streamlined, powerful defense system. These platforms allow for easier access, reducing the complexity of prior security operations while improving overall levels.
For example, using a cybersecurity platform can reduce confusion and improve efficiency by incorporating crucial tools like firewalls, VPNs, and more into one simple package. This means less management and less probability of things going wrong. Moreover, they are designed as established products, which means they are built and integrated to work together, minimizing maintenance time.
The Benefits of an All-in-One Platform
Switching to a unified cybersecurity platform has some benefits in certain scenarios. Here’s a quick rundown of why they could be useful:
The Power of One for All
By bringing together essential tools like firewalls and anti-virus systems for better protection, customers gain easier access and certain point solutions that can be offered for free from the platform. Customers can also get an invoice and one support phone number.
Easy Integration of Key Tools
A single platform means managing one system instead of five providers at the same time. For example, endpoint security will theoretically work better if one system integrates different platforms, such as anti-malware, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and web filtering. This means fewer costs, increased performance, and easier management.
The Cons of Unified Security Platforms
While it can be tempting to choose a one-size-fits-all security platform–especially when endpoint security is on the line – easier doesn’t always mean better. It’s important to look closely at the drawbacks of using a single vendor for all your security vulnerability needs. Let’s explore what are the cons of having an all-in-one cybersecurity platform:
- Incompatibility between Security Domains
Network security and endpoint security are two completely different technologies. Network security keeps the data on your network safe, while endpoint security protects the individual devices that connect to your network. Combining them usually won’t give you the best of both worlds, as you might get diminishing versions of one or the other, so keep an eye out for the capabilities of your security platform options. - Understanding Cloud Security Missteps
Mixing different cloud security vulnerability services, like container security and Kubernetes, doesn’t automatically make things safer. In reality, it can make your system more vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches and create more opportunities for hackers to exploit. Custom tools for specific security challenges are way better than general ones that try to do everything. Each cloud security problem needs a tool designed just for it. - Jack of All Trades, Risk to All
Solutions that promise to handle every type of security—network, endpoint, cloud—might seem tempting, but they often fall short. It’s better to entrust your data and system security to masters in specific areas than those average in many. - Understand Vendors' Dual Perspectives
As vendors integrate data into a cybersecurity platform, they strive to centralize control by creating unified platforms that manage the end-user experience across applications. Remember to carefully weigh the trade-offs involved in choosing between specialized and centralized services versus comprehensive solutions. It’s better to go for two or more organizations that you know do things efficiently than end up with a subpar integrated system. - Questioning Industry Maturity
The cybersecurity world is still finding its footing. Given the sector’s ongoing specialization and fragmentation, remember to be cautious instead of putting all your resources, energy, and time into a single platform. - The Critical Role of Open Platforms
Demand platforms that offer flexibility in integration—technologically and commercially–should be and remain open. These systems allow for adaptation and growth while avoiding the common error of restrictive technology environments. Operating between two or more platforms is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity capabilities while ensuring optimal resource allocation. - Be Aware of the Potential Cybersecurity Platformization Costs
Starting with one platform might initially seem beneficial to your organization due to the simplification of operations and potential cost reductions. However, in the long run, this can lead to higher expenses, and you might end up stuck without options, especially if the industry decides to move in a different direction.
When Cybersecurity Platformization Gets Too Complicated: The CrowdStrike Incident
To summarize the incident, the “System” process, the most important process in Windows OS, crashed due to a bug in the CrowdStrike ELAM driver csagent.sys, meaning that every Windows Operating System was dependent on a sole cybersecurity platform. This resulted in an error message known as the blue screen of death and an inability to boot the affected computers.
The CrowdStrike incident shows that even experts can make mistakes and compromise worldwide networks. This example serves as a wake-up call for testing cybersecurity tools that are all integrated into a single platform, especially when they affect core parts of our systems, like ELAM Drivers.
That’s why eliminating panic patching and providing high-fidelity alerts are essential security technology solutions your organization must implement to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited on your server. You’ll also know which alerts should be prioritized for expected behavior deviations and protect your systems against unexpected bugs, crashes, and errors.
Don’t Let Cybersecurity Platformization Be a Problem with Virsec
While all-in-one platforms could include greater ease of use and efficiency in some specific cases, they usually come at the price of inadequate security measures or gaps in protection. A partner like Virsec can help you integrate high-fidelity alerts and robust ransomware protection with your operational systems. Enhance your data privacy protocols today for seamless compliance and security. Get the efficiency and quality you deserve with Virsec. Discover more here.
FAQs
1. What are the main risks associated with using a single cybersecurity platform?
Using a single cybersecurity platform can lead to incompatibility between security domains, increased vulnerability due to cloud security missteps, and a lack of specialization that might compromise overall security. Relying on one platform may also result in higher long-term costs and potential vendor lock-in.
2. Why might a unified cybersecurity platform fall short in protecting an organization?
A unified platform often tries to cover multiple security domains (e.g., network, endpoint, cloud), but may not excel in any specific area. This “jack of all trades” approach can leave organizations vulnerable, as these platforms may lack the depth of protection offered by specialized tools designed for specific security challenges.
3. How did the CrowdStrike incident highlight the risks of cybersecurity platformization?
The CrowdStrike incident exposed the dangers of depending on a single cybersecurity platform. A bug in the CrowdStrike ELAM driver led to widespread system crashes, demonstrating how vulnerabilities in one integrated platform can have catastrophic effects across an organization’s entire infrastructure.
4. What should organizations consider when evaluating cybersecurity platforms?
Organizations should assess whether the platform offers flexibility in integration, supports specific security needs, and avoids restrictive technology environments. It’s also crucial to weigh the trade-offs between specialized versus comprehensive solutions to ensure optimal protection and resource allocation.
5. How can organizations avoid the pitfalls of cybersecurity platformization?
To avoid these pitfalls, organizations should opt for open platforms that allow for integration with other specialized tools, ensure continuous testing and monitoring, and consider using multiple vendors to cover different aspects of security comprehensively rather than relying on a single all-in-one solution.
