Cybersecurity is not a product—it’s a practice. For those new to the world of cybersecurity, it’s easy to assume that simply purchasing firewalls, antivirus software, or other security tools is enough.
However, as David Barton, CTO of Overwatch at High Wire Networks, explains in the Cybersecurity Simplified podcast with Suzanna Song, true cybersecurity goes far beyond products. It’s an ongoing discipline driven by people, processes, and technology.
This article explores why a security-first mindset is essential, how the evolving threat landscape demands continuous monitoring, and why partnering with managed security service providers (MSSPs) is becoming a strategic necessity for businesses.
The Misconception: Cybersecurity as a Product
Many business leaders believe that purchasing cybersecurity products—such as firewalls, antivirus software, or content filtering tools—makes their organizations secure. However, David Barton quickly dispels this myth.
“Cybersecurity is not a product—it’s a practice,” Barton emphasizes.
While tools are essential, they are merely components of a broader security strategy. Real cybersecurity lies in how these tools are used, managed, and monitored.
Simply having security products without an ongoing practice of monitoring and managing them leaves organizations vulnerable.
What Is Cybersecurity?
At its core, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting digital assets—including sensitive business data, customer information, and proprietary systems—from unauthorized access, attacks, and theft.
Barton explains that the bad actors, or “the bad guys,” are constantly seeking ways to exploit vulnerabilities. Thus, cybersecurity requires a layered, defense-in-depth approach that combines:
- Technology: Firewalls, endpoint detection and response (EDR), intrusion detection systems (IDS), etc.
- Processes: Incident response plans, vulnerability assessments, and patch management.
- People: Skilled professionals who continuously monitor, detect, and respond to threats.
The Evolving Threat Landscape
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making a static, product-only defense inadequate. Traditional perimeter-based security once considered effective is no longer enough.
In the past, network perimeters were the primary defense mechanism for organizations. The idea was to create a fortress-like boundary around the internal network using tools such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and antivirus software. This approach worked relatively well when most company data, applications, and users were inside the network.
However, with the rise of cloud computing, remote work, and mobile devices, the traditional perimeter became less effective.
Data is no longer confined within internal networks—it moves between cloud services, third-party vendors, and remote employees, making it much harder to control through perimeter-based security alone.
Today, organizations rely on zero trust architecture (ZTA) and identity-based access controls rather than solely depending on the perimeter. The focus has shifted from protecting the network’s boundaries to securing data, endpoints, and identities, regardless of location.
The Failure of Perimeter-Only Defense
Perimeter-only defense is no longer effective because modern cyberattacks frequently bypass it through various tactics, such as:
- Exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities: Attackers target known security flaws in outdated or poorly maintained software, allowing them to bypass firewalls and intrusion prevention systems.
- Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals use social engineering to trick employees into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments. This creates a backdoor, giving attackers access to internal systems, bypassing perimeter defenses entirely.
- Third-party vendor compromises: Many organizations rely on external vendors and cloud services. If a vendor is compromised, attackers can gain access to the organization’s network without ever breaching the perimeter.
Since attackers can bypass traditional defenses, organizations need continuous monitoring and management of their security environments. This involves:
- Real-time threat detection: Identifying suspicious activity before it escalates.
- Incident response: Quickly containing and mitigating breaches.
- Behavior analytics: Identifying abnormal user or network behavior that may indicate a compromise.
Relying solely on perimeter defenses is outdated and risky. A layered security approach with continuous monitoring, incident response, and proactive threat management is essential to defend against modern cyber threats.
Cybersecurity as a Methodical Practice
To effectively defend against evolving threats, businesses need to treat cybersecurity as a repeatable, methodical practice. Barton uses two key action verbs to describe this practice:
- Monitoring: Real-time tracking of systems and networks for suspicious activity.
- Managing: Proactive adjustments, updates, and responses to emerging threats.
Why Repeatable Processes Matter
Cybersecurity isn’t about setting up a firewall and forgetting about it. It requires continuous improvement:
- Regular security assessments to identify new vulnerabilities.
- Incident response drills to test and refine defense mechanisms.
- Ongoing employee training to mitigate human errors that lead to breaches.
Cybersecurity Framework
Barton points to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as one of the most effective.
The NIST framework helps organizations:
- Identify critical assets and vulnerabilities.
- Protect data through controls and safeguards.
- Detect threats through real-time monitoring.
- Respond to incidents with pre-defined plans.
- Recover with improved resilience.
Standards like NIST provide a structured roadmap for building a robust cybersecurity program, moving away from a reliance on individual tools.
The Human Element: A Critical Factor
Human error remains one of the biggest cybersecurity risks. Despite having advanced security tools, many organizations still fall victim to breaches due to user mistakes.
The Threat of Uninformed Users
- Clicking on phishing links.
- Downloading malicious attachments.
- Falling for social engineering scams.
Educating and Empowering Employees
Effective cybersecurity requires employee education and awareness. Barton stresses the importance of:
- Regular security training on recognizing phishing and social engineering attacks.
- Encouraging a “zero-trust” mindset, where employees are cautious with unexpected messages or requests.
- Reinforcing safe practices, such as verifying emails and avoiding suspicious downloads.
The Value of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)
Building a robust internal security team is a resource-intensive and there is a growing trend of outsourcing Cybersecurity to trusted MSSPs.
Benefits of MSSPs
- 24/7 Monitoring and Response: MSSPs provide round-the-clock threat detection and incident response, reducing the risk of undetected breaches.
- Access to Expertise: With the current shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, MSSPs fill the talent gap.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Maintaining an in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) is costly. MSSPs offer enterprise-grade security at a fraction of the cost.
- Up-to-Date Tools and Practices: MSSPs utilize the latest technologies and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Choosing the Right MSSP
Businesses should thoroughly evaluate potential MSSP partners by asking:
- Are they onshore or offshore?
- What tools and technologies do they use?
- Do they offer customized solutions aligned with your business needs?
- What is their incident response process?
- Do they provide proof of concept (PoC) trials?
Cybersecurity Is a Business Problem, Not Just an IT Issue
One of the most significant takeaways from the podcast is that cybersecurity is a business problem, not just a technical challenge. There is a need for:
- Executive buy-in: Leadership needs to understand the importance of cybersecurity and allocate sufficient resources.
- Strategic alignment: Cybersecurity strategies should align with business objectives.
- Risk management: Companies must proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Cybersecurity is not a one-time investment—it’s an ongoing practice that demands continuous monitoring, improvement, and adaptability.
Relying solely on perimeter defenses or standalone products leaves organizations exposed to today’s ever-evolving threats. True resilience comes from a defense-in-depth strategy that combines layered security practices, robust frameworks like NIST, and continuous user education.
Partnering with MSSPs can also bridge talent gaps and strengthen defenses with expert oversight.
For those new to cybersecurity, I recommend checking out the article Cybersecurity for Beginners to build the basics. If you’re curious about the hacker mindset, don’t miss How Hackers Think: Understanding the Attacker’s Mindset.
Are you a Cybersecurity expert? I do love to hear your insights—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s continue to grow and strengthen the cybersecurity community together!