The Trends Are In: Cisco’s 2018 Cybersecurity Report

Recently, Cisco published the 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report providing analysis and insights on the latest security trends and threats across the industry. John N. Stewart, Cisco’s Senior Vice President, Chief Security and Trust Officer captured the highlights in his latest blog, but I wanted to reiterate a few of the key points.

It’s no surprise that the research shows that attackers are becoming more sophisticated in their methods and more adept at concealing their activity. Any gaps in security create significant risk and vulnerabilities. But, with continuous awareness, and the right products, solutions, and ongoing security services, organizations can both improve their security posture and qualify for insurance that will reduce their cyber risk.

At Cisco, security is a top priority and we invest heavily in developing effective security and services that are simple, open, and automated. One area is an industry-first integrated solution designed to manage cyber risk associated with ransomware and other malware-related threats. It’s comprised of cyber evaluations, holistic security technologies, secure devices, security services and enhanced cyber insurance coverage that all work together to strengthen a customer’s security posture.

Another way to strengthen your defense is to learn from others. Many companies have taken major steps to be well-prepared for an inevitable attack and it’s worth taking a look at some of their best practices as highlighted in Cisco’s 2018 Security Capabilities Benchmark Study, also featured in the 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report. Several thousand Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and security industry leaders from 26 countries shared their perceptions of how prepared they are to defend against attacks and the leading practices they employ and recommend.

Last but certainly not least is data protection and privacy – a cornerstone for any holistic cybersecurity program. Cisco’s 2018 Privacy Maturity Benchmark Study, a companion study created in conjunction with the Security Capabilities Benchmark, outlines the importance of having sound privacy processes and policies, and the potential financial benefits and opportunities derived from a mature privacy practice.

The security landscape is constantly changing, but our commitment to risk mitigation for our customers is constant. We’re with you every step of the way.