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• Multifaceted Motivations:Ethical hackers are driven by a blend of curiosity, community spirit, financial incentives, and the desire to do the right thing, highlighting their unique role in cybersecurity.
• Community and Recognition: Belonging to a community and gaining professional recognition are significant motivators, fostering a collaborative and competitive environment.
• Beyond Financial Rewards:While financial rewards from bug bounty programs are substantial, ethical hackers often spend considerable time on hacking activities driven by passion and the need to protect personal and public interests.

Why do individuals choose to become ethical hackers? Despite the negative connotations associated with the term “hacker, “it’s crucial to recognize that ethical hackers are increasingly vital to cybersecurity. Their numbers are on the rise, and understanding their motivations is not just a matter of curiosity, but a key factor if you consider working with, hiring, or even becoming one yourself. What sets ethical hackers apart is their unique ethical approach, distinct from other hackers, which underscores their positive impact on cybersecurity. This ethical approach is a reassuring sign of the industry’s commitment to maintaining security.

Handling Today’s Threatscape at Machine Scale

When you engage with individuals in the hacker community, you’ll discover that the opportunity to earn cash rewards through bug bounty programs is a significant motivator for many. However, it’s not the sole motivator, and perhaps not even the most important. Some people are drawn to ethical hacking for the sheer enjoyment of hacking within legal boundaries. Others are motivated by the desire to test their cyber skills and build a strong resume. Some seek the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a community. This community spirit is a significant part of what motivates ethical hackers, fostering a strong bond among them. Understanding and respecting these diverse motivations is key to appreciating the mindset of ethical hackers.

It is not just about the money.

As in most side jobs, one must have capital for the hustle to work as an investment, a way of creating opportunities to earn an income. Although it may play a significant role in the process, it is not always the clinching factor. The most recent survey with an ethical hacker community revealed that money plays an important role. The pay can indeed be good, as it is shown that a third of all ethical hackers make at least a thousand dollars per month. However, there are many other incentives for becoming an ethical hacker than revenues. In the present scenario, the survey reveals that the community invests 60 percent of its time hacking at least 10 hours a week, 40 percent spends more than 20 hours, and 18 percent over 40 hours. This investment of time proves that ethical hacking is not just about the cash. Due to the talents of ethical hackers, it would be financially wiser for them to work as cyber security analysts.

It starts with curiosity.

In ethical hackers, the initial passion is often associated with a desire to solve a puzzle or understand how things are arranged. For instance, Sebastian Neef, a computer science Ph.D. student in Germany, began hacking at the age of 17 years. He said it was easy, but also, due to curiosity, he desired to determine administrators’ actions when he informed them of system weaknesses. Seeing that some reeled out gratitude and addressed the vulnerability was great.

Belonging to a community has a strong appeal.

Ethical hackers create groups and communities where people communicate and are respected. Those communities are not like friendly football teams, where all the members struggle for one team’s victory but are very cutthroat in their competitions. The majority of the commonly known ethical hacking forums have a leaderboard. It is clear who is leading the rating, and everyone wants to be in this position. Somehow, ethical hackers are very much like everyone else in several ways. These include worrying about the security of the websites and other technologies they interact with daily. However, unlike most users, ethical hackers have the skills and knowledge to try the mentioned issues and guarantee that they are safe. And once you’ve been exposed to the immoralities in the world of technology and understand that you have what it takes to reveal it, it becomes hard not to. This is also one of the things ethical hackers consider while selecting their targets: the security of everyday technology. Apart from the bounty program, they are anxious about their and their friend’s and families’ well-being and cybersecurity.

Most of the time, they are motivated by their feelings of humanity, mainly whenever their efforts help to instigate firmer security standards that check the instances of future invasions. These professionals have the potential to do something that might seem impossible or unlikely to many in the cybersecurity field: Giving hacking a good name. Despite the negative connotations associated with the term “hacker,” many people are drawn to ethical hacking for various reasons beyond financial gain. Understanding these motivations can provide insight into what makes ethical hackers essential to modern cybersecurity.

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Financial Incentives

While money is not always the primary motivator, the financial rewards from bug bounty programs are significant. These programs offer substantial payouts for discovering and reporting security flaws. According to surveys, about one-third of ethical hackers earn at least $1,000 monthly from such activities, but many devote significant time to hacking beyond financial incentives​​.

Community and Camaraderie

Ethical hacking communities provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie. These groups often share tips, compete in leaderboards, and collaborate on projects. Events like capture-the-flag competitions and bug bounty meetups foster a strong community spirit among ethical hackers​​.

Protecting Personal and Public Interests

Ethical hackers are often responsible for protecting the technologies they use daily and safeguarding their friends and family. Their skills allow them to uncover and report vulnerabilities that could cause harm if malicious actors exploit them​​.

Professional Growth and Recognition

The field of ethical hacking offers autonomy, mastery, and recognition. Ethical hackers can work independently, applying their unique skills to identify weaknesses in systems. This independence and the recognition they receive for their work contribute to their professional satisfaction​​.

Doing the Right Thing

Ultimately, many ethical hackers are motivated to do the right thing. Identifying and reporting security flaws helps organizations strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks, contributing to a safer digital environment. Ethical hackers play a crucial role in cybersecurity by leveraging their skills and motivations to protect systems and data from potential threats. This multifaceted motivation underscores the importance of ethical hacking in today’s increasingly digital world.

FAQ’S

Stepping into a job interview is like opening the door to opportunity. Your introduction is your first impression, your moment to shine. Making it memorable can set the tone for the entire interview. Here is how to deliver an impressive, engaging self-introduction as a cybersecurity analyst, complete with examples to help you capture the spotlight.

Craft a Captivating Elevator Pitch

How to start interviews can be challenging, sometimes daunting, considering all the pressure and nervousness. An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that sparks interest in what you do. You must be wondering about how to start interview. Well, start with a hook that grabs attention, then segue into your professional background. Here is the best introduction example:

Hi, I’m Sarah, a passionate cybersecurity analyst with a knack for safeguarding digital landscapes. In my previous role, I identified and mitigated a critical vulnerability that could have compromised our entire network. I thrive on staying ahead of threats and ensuring robust security for organizations.

Tell a Relatable Story

Storytelling is powerful. It humanizes your experience and makes you more relatable. Share a story that highlights your skills or passions relevant to the job. For example:

“Back in the college, a friend’s personal data was compromised due to a phishing attack. This incident ignited my passion for cybersecurity, leading me to pursue a degree in Information Security. Today, I specialize as a cybersecurity analyst and enjoy developing proactive strategies to protect against cybercrimes.

Highlight Your Unique Selling Points

Identify what sets you apart from other candidates. This could be a specific skill, experience, or perspective you bring. For example,

“My combination of hands-on experience with my cutting-edge security tools and my ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical stakeholders sets me apart. I have led training sessions to improve security awareness company-wide, reducing successful phishing attempts by 30%.”

Show Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit

Employers want to know that you are excited about the role and fit well within their team. Express why you’re drawn to the company and how you align with its value. For example:

“I am particularly excited about this opportunity at your company because of your innovative approach to cybersecurity and your commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats. I admire your proactive stance and look forward to contributing to your mission.

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I once doubted my path, but Fortray guided me with clarity and purpose. Their mentorship gave me confidence and direction for my journey ahead.

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My journey had its challenges, but Fortray supported me at every step. Their guidance gave me clarity, confidence, and the skills to grow and succeed.

Lokeshwar R. Cloud Architect

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Prepare for the Tell Me About Yourself for Freshers Question

This is often the first question asked. Structure your answer to cover your past, present and future. For freshers, focus on your education, any relevant projects, and your enthusiasm for starting your career. For example:

“I recently graduated with a degree in Cybersecurity and completed an internship where I assisted in developing intrusion detection systems. I am eager to apply my knowledge and passion for security to help protect your organization from cyber threats.”

Answer the “Tell me something About Yourself Question.”

This question can be tricky. Choose something unique but relevant to the role, showing a memorable side of you. For example:

“Besides my cybersecurity work, I enjoy participating in Capture the Flag competitions. These challenges keep my skills sharp and allow me to stay updated with the latest hacking techniques and defences, which I bring to my professional role.”

Answering “Why would I be good for this job

Answering “why I would be good for this job” can be tricky. Link your skills and experiences directly to the job requirements. Be specific about how your background makes you an ideal candidate.

“My experience in threat detection and response, combined with my proficiency in security, makes me a strong fit for this role. At my previous job, I led a team to implement a multi-layered security strategy that decreased incidents by 40%. I am confident I can bring this same security excellence to your team.”

Incorporate Non-traditional elements

Using visual aids or digital portfolios can leave a lasting impression. If appropriate, bring a tablet to show off your portfolio or a project that you are particularly proud of. Here is a sample answer:

To give a better sense of my work, I have prepared a brief presentation showcasing a security framework I developed. This framework significantly reduced our vulnerability to ransomware attacks.

Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearse your introduction until it feels natural. Record yourself, practice in front of a mirror, or practice with a friend. Pay attention to your body language, ensuring it conveys confidence and enthusiasm.

Be Genuine

Authenticity is key. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Employers appreciate honesty and genuine connection.

“I am genuinely passionate about cybersecurity and excited about the possibility of contributing to your team. I believe my proactive approach and dedication to continuous learning will be a great addition.”

Mastering your introduction in a job interview is your ticket to making a lasting impression. By crafting a compelling elevator pitch, telling relatable stories, and showcasing your unique selling points, you can motivate your audience from the start. Enthusiasm and authenticity will always set you apart, convincing employers that you are the right fit for their team. So go ahead, perfect your introduction, and step confidently into your next interview. Beware, success is just a great introduction away!

FAQ

1. Understanding Cyber Threats: In writing the piece, Muhammad stresses the need to be as knowledgeable as possible and always ethical when conducting penetration testing.
2. Educating the Next Generation:In line with promoting community engagement and acquiring more skills, Muhammad offers useful tips to aspiring cybersecurity experts to go deeper into the field with positive impacts.

Introduction

In this endless cycle of technologies, where anonymous threats lurk in every virtual corner, some experts protect our digital information from undesired interference. Today we get into the thrilling and quite essential world of penetration testing with an expert who hacks into systems to help.

Today, we are privileged to have Muhammad Waqas ud Din, a Penetration Tester at Fortray, with us. He not only shares his day-to-day experiences but also his journey into this exhilarating career. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he is a valuable asset to any project, and his passion for safeguarding digital systems from breaches is truly inspiring.

Read through as Muhammad demystifies his line of work, which gives insights into the future of cybersecurity and tips for anyone who wishes to pursue the profession.

Questions and Answers

i. Hi Muhammad, how are you doing today? It’s great to have you here to share your experiences with us.

“I’m doing well, thanks! It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about what I love doing.”

ii. For our readers who might not be familiar with the term, could you explain what a Penetration Tester does in simple terms?

“Sure, think of a penetration tester as a professional burglar, but instead of stealing, our job is to find weaknesses in a company’s security before the real bad guys do. We test systems to ensure they’re secure enough to prevent unauthorized access. It’s a bit like being a security consultant constantly trying to outsmart potential threats.”

iii. Well, that sounds really interesting. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to a career in penetration testing?

“Well, I started out as most do in IT, messing around with computers in my teens. I got hooked on the thrill of cracking puzzles and understanding systems deeply, which naturally led me into cybersecurity. Penetration testing felt like a perfect fit—it’s like being a professional hacker who’s actually the good guy.”

iv. What does a typical day look like for you as a Penetration Tester at Fortray?

“Day-to-day, it’s quite varied, which I love. I might start by scanning systems for vulnerabilities, and then I’ll move on to trying out different attack strategies on test environments. Lots of coffee, lots of collaboration with the team, and always something new to learn.”

v. What are the most common vulnerabilities you encounter in your penetration tests, and how do you address them?

“You’d be surprised how often it’s the basics that get overlooked—poor password policies, outdated software, misconfigured networks. My job is to find and fix these before someone with bad intentions does.”

vi. What are your go-to tools and techniques for penetration testing, and why do you prefer them?

“I’m big on Kali Linux; it’s packed with tools for any scenario. And I rely a lot on automated scripts I’ve tweaked over the years. The key is not just using the tools but knowing why you’re using them.”

vii. How do you stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats?

“Cybersecurity is a cat-and-mouse game. Hackers evolve, and so must we. I keep up through continuous training, webinars, and honestly, a lot of reading. You can’t slack off in this field.”

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I once doubted my path, but Fortray guided me with clarity and purpose. Their mentorship gave me confidence and direction for my journey ahead.

Marco Baffetti Data Analyst

My journey had its challenges, but Fortray supported me at every step. Their guidance gave me clarity, confidence, and the skills to grow and succeed.

Lokeshwar R. Cloud Architect

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viii. Can you describe one of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on? What made it challenging and how did you overcome those challenges?

“Once had a project where nothing seemed out of place, but intuition said otherwise. Turned out, there was a deeply embedded malware nobody had caught. It was a tough nut to crack, but super satisfying when we finally did.”

ix. What trends are you currently seeing in the field of cybersecurity, particularly in penetration testing?

“The rise of AI in cybersecurity is fascinating. It’s like having a new kind of guardian angel, but it also opens new doors for vulnerabilities. Staying ahead of that curve is exciting.”

x. What skills do you think are crucial for someone entering the field of penetration testing today?

“For newcomers, get solid with networking basics and scripting. And never stop being curious—ask ‘why’ a lot. It’s not just about breaking in but understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ it can be broken.”

xi. How do you navigate the ethical considerations inherent in penetration testing?

“It’s simple for me: do no harm. We have the skills to cause chaos but choosing to protect and serve is what makes us professionals. It’s a responsibility I take seriously.”

xii. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Penetration Tester?

“Dive into the community. Join forums, attend conferences, and participate in hackathons. Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about exchanging knowledge.”

xiii. Penetration testing can be intense. How do you manage work-life balance in such a high-stakes field?

“It’s crucial to unplug. I make time for my hobbies, play some guitar, hit the gym. Helps keep my mind sharp and stress levels in check.”

xiv. What are your professional goals for the next few years? How does Fortray support your career development?

“I’m looking at specializing further into IoT security. Fortray supports this with training and opportunities to lead new projects. It’s an exciting time to advance.”

Wrapping Up!

All in all, as the interaction with Muhammad Waqas ud Din comes to an end, one’s appreciation of penetration testing’s place in the field of cybersecurity increases significantly. Since cybercrime is more recurrent—research shows that cyber-attacks have become more than 50% each year—Muhammad is among the targeted personnel facing several daily threats. Muhammad’s depth of knowledge and passion not only point out the difficulty and ethical dilemmas of the profession but also emphasize how important it is to be updated in a fast-track area of development. This shows an everlasting thirst for learning coupled with community work, which is quite prophetic for anyone who dreams of a cybersecurity career.

All in all, pondering today’s discussion, it can be stated that the role of cybersecurity specialists is becoming increasingly vital. With the continuous incorporation of digital communication systems into society, there is always an iron that protects us while in digital compounds. We also thank Muhammad for providing eminent information and his continued work to strengthen online structures. If anyone wants to follow Muhammad’s path, then two things are quite clear: remain curious, follow ethics, and be active with the cybersecurity community. In any case, it is important to familiarize oneself with the difficulties and the means of protection within the IT field if one intends to work within this quickly growing sector or if one’s objective is to increase one’s own safety within the digital world.

All of us should be more careful as to concerns of cybersecurity as the world becomes more engrossed in the online one. Accepting the knowledge that comes with Muhammad might help to realize which steps we need to take in order to protect ourselves together with engaging and helping build the fundamentals of a safer cyber world. Considering joining Muhammad’s line of work and becoming an expert penetration tester? Call Fortray today to enroll now!

FAQ’S

1. Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, involves simulating cyberattacks to uncover and address vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.
2. This guide walks you through the pen testing and introduces essential tools to enhance your cybersecurity skills.
3. Regular penetration testing ensures continuous security by identifying new vulnerabilities as systems evolve.

Do you know how hackers penetrate any security systems? Or how can we prevent them? That is where ethical penetration testing, or pen testing, becomes important. Consider it an elaborate robbery in which you earn the position of a protagonist, helping to locate and expunge security shortcomings before the villains exploit them.

What if you could forecast cyber threats and prevent them from occurring? It would be like being the one who can protect the system from attacks. This mini guide is designed to enable you to experience the fabulous world of ethical hacking.

Essential Penetration Projects

FortiGate: This project involves configuring FortiGate Firewalls, focusing on virtual domains and next-generation features. Engineers will work on complex, real-world scenarios, enhancing their skills in advanced network security and firewall management.

Cisco ASA: This project focuses on configuring and understanding Cisco ASA firewalls and addressing real-world scenarios. Engineers will gain practical experience in securing networks, managing firewall settings, and responding to security threats.

Cisco Real Devices Challenges Lab: This project configures a comprehensive hands-on lab using real Cisco devices from scratch. It covers all essential routing and switching concepts, providing engineers with practical experience in network setup and management.

Asset and Inventory Management: Resolve a configuration anomaly for a fictional organization, enabling efficient log monitoring and analysis within the Splunk platform to optimize operational performance, enhance security posture, and streamline issue resolution processes.

Penetration testing, commonly abbreviated to pen testing or ethical hacking, is like having a digital detective detect weaknesses like a detective before the criminals do. What if you can discover some shortcomings of an organization’s computer systems, network, or web applications, which attackers can exploit? This guide shall act as your navigation tool, giving you a detailed step-by-step guide on the thrilling yet professional ethical hacking process and how to outsmart hackers. Ready to be the next great hero in cyber security?

The Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Define the Scope and Goals:

First and foremost, one should establish the nature and goals of the test. This may include the systems to be tested, the testing techniques to be adopted, and the testing time. Both the tester and the organization should choose the scope.

Step 2: Obtain Permission:

Penetration testing is dangerous because it indicates someone is trying to break into the system. For this reason, one must secure consent to carry out the penetration test from the organization’s owner.

Step 3: Reconnaissance:

This initial stage involves gathering as much data as the tester can about the target. These factors could include IP address, domain information, network services, and points of entry.

Step 4: Scanning:

The tester tries to understand the system’s behavior based on the defined path in this phase. This could include enumeration, where one tries to discover open ports, learn about the system’s activity, and plot how one is likely to attack the system.

Step 5 Gaining Access:

This phase revolves around how attackers can leverage the weakness established during this phase to enter the system. This could refer to processing SQL injections, cross-site scripting, or system vulnerabilities.

Step 6 Maintaining Access:

The second stage of the testing is when the tester attempts to extend the access achieved to copy the threat persistently. This could mean extending the privileges given, gathering more information, or expanding the presence in the system.

Step 7 Analysis and Reporting:

Finally, after the test, the tester should contemplate the results obtained during the test and prepare the test report. The report must describe the weaknesses identified, the data entered, and the time span the tester took to get to the system. It should also include suggestions on how to minimize the noted risks.

Step 8: Remediation

Once the vulnerabilities have been identified and reported, the next step is to patch these vulnerabilities. This could involve updating software to the latest versions, fixing coding errors, changing configuration settings, or improving security policies.

Step 9: Retesting

After the vulnerabilities have been patched, it’s important to retest the system to ensure that they have been adequately fixed and that no new vulnerabilities have been introduced during the remediation process.

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I once doubted my path, but Fortray guided me with clarity and purpose. Their mentorship gave me confidence and direction for my journey ahead.

Marco Baffetti Data Analyst

My journey had its challenges, but Fortray supported me at every step. Their guidance gave me clarity, confidence, and the skills to grow and succeed.

Lokeshwar R. Cloud Architect

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Types of Penetration Tests

Network Services Test:This type of test targets the weaknesses in your network’s server and host environment. It can be carried out from inside or outside the working network.

Web Application Test:This test is more specific to web application vulnerabilities. It entails testing the components of the web application, including the source code, the database, and the servers.

Client-Side Test: This test is directed to the client environment and tends to check the security of client software, such as browsers and document readers.

Wireless Network Test:This test covers your organization’s wireless networks. It entails checking how susceptible the WLAN is to security threats.

Social Engineering Test: Unlike many tools, this test concentrates on the human factor in an organization. It involves checking your employees’ understanding of social engineering and their ability to respond to simulations.

Also, penetration testing should be carried out periodically to ensure no new vulnerabilities are introduced as the network is extended. However, adhering to the updated cybersecurity threats and trends is crucial to guaranteeing your holistic and efficient testing approaches.

FAQ

• Leveraging advanced technologies like Generative AI and outcome-driven metrics is crucial for improving cybersecurity strategies and boardroom confidence.
• Emphasizing a human-centric approach, including security behavior programs and identity-first security, enhances organizational resilience and reduces risks.

Generative AI (GenAI), unsecure employee behavior, third-party risks, continuous threat exposure, boardroom communication gaps and identity-first approaches to security are the driving forces behind the top cybersecurity trends for 2024, according to Cybersecurity Experts at Fortray.

GenAI, a significant force in the cybersecurity landscape, is occupying a considerable portion of security leaders’ attention. It presents both a challenge to manage and an opportunity to harness its capabilities to enhance security at an operational level. As Mazhar Minhas, CEO of Fortray, points out, despite GenAI’s inescapable force, leaders must not overlook other external factors outside their control this year.

Security leaders will respond to the combined impact of these forces by adopting a range of practices, technical capabilities, and structural reforms within their security programs in 2024 to improve organizational resilience and the cybersecurity function’s performance.

Six Leading Trends

The following six trends will have a broad impact across these areas:

Trend 1: Generative AI – Short-term Skepticism, Longer-Term Hope

Security leaders need to brace themselves for the rapid evolution of GenAI. The emergence of large language model (LLM) applications like ChatGPT and Gemini is just the beginning of its disruptive journey. Amidst the promises of productivity increases, skills gap reductions, and other new benefits for cybersecurity, Experts advise using GenAI through proactive collaboration with business stakeholders to lay the foundations for its ethical, safe, and secure use.

It’s important to recognize that this is only the beginning of GenAI’s evolution, with many of the demos we’ve seen in security operations and application security showing real promise. There’s solid long-term hope for the technology, but we’re more likely to experience prompt fatigue than two-digit productivity growth. Things will improve, so encourage experiments and manage expectations, especially outside the security team.

Trend 2: Cybersecurity Outcome-Driven Metrics: Bridging Boardroom Communication Gap

The frequency and negative impact of cybersecurity incidents on organizations continue to rise, undermining the confidence of the board and executives in their cybersecurity strategies. Outcome-driven metrics (ODMs) are increasingly being adopted to enable stakeholders to draw a straight line between cybersecurity investment and the delivered protection levels it generates. 

ODMs are central to creating a defensible cybersecurity investment strategy. They reflect agreed protection levels with powerful properties in simple language that is explainable to non-IT executives. This provides a credible and defensible expression of risk appetite that supports direct investment to change protection levels.

Trend 3: Security Behavior and Culture Programs Gain Increasing Traction to Reduce Human Risks

Security leaders recognize that shifting focus from increasing awareness to fostering behavioral change will help reduce cybersecurity risks. By 2027, 50% of large enterprise CISOs will have adopted human-centric security design practices to minimize cybersecurity-induced friction and maximize control adoption. Security behavior and culture programs (SBCPs) encapsulate an enterprise-wide approach to minimizing cybersecurity incidents associated with employee behavior.

Organizations using SBCPs have experienced better employee adoption of security controls, reducing unsecured behavior and increasing speed and agility. This leads to a more effective use of cybersecurity resources as employees become competent at making independent cyber risk decisions.

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• Launch a rewarding career in Cyber Security

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Here’s what learners are saying regarding our programs:

I once doubted my path, but Fortray guided me with clarity and purpose. Their mentorship gave me confidence and direction for my journey ahead.

Marco Baffetti Data Analyst

My journey had its challenges, but Fortray supported me at every step. Their guidance gave me clarity, confidence, and the skills to grow and succeed.

Lokeshwar R. Cloud Architect

Not sure what you’re looking for?

View Related Programs

Trend 4: Resilience-Driven, Resource-Efficient Third-Party Cybersecurity Risk Management

The inevitability of third parties experiencing cybersecurity incidents pressures security leaders to focus more on resilience-oriented investments and move away from front-loaded due diligence activities.  Security leaders enhance risk management of third-party services and establish mutually beneficial relationships with important external partners to ensure their most valuable assets are continuously safeguarded.

Organizations must start by strengthening contingency plans for third-party engagements that pose the highest cybersecurity risk. They need to create third-party-specific incident playbooks, conduct tabletop exercises, and define a clear offboarding strategy that involves, for example, timely revocation of access and data destruction.

Trend 5: Continuous Threat, Exposure Management Programs, Gain Momentum

Continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) is a pragmatic and systemic approach organizations can use to continually evaluate the accessibility, exposure, and exploitability of digital and physical assets. Aligning assessment and remediation scopes with threat vectors or business projects rather than an infrastructure component highlights vulnerabilities and unpatched threats.

By 2026, organizations prioritizing their security investments based on a CTEM program will realize a two-thirds reduction in breaches. Security leaders must emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of hybrid digital environments. This will enable early identification and optimal prioritization of vulnerabilities, thereby helping to maintain a hardened organizational attack surface.

Trend 6: Extending the Role of Identity & Access Management (IAM) to Improve Cybersecurity Outcomes

As more organization’s move to an identity-first approach to security, the focus shifts from network security and other traditional controls to IAM, making it critical to cybersecurity and business outcomes. While Experts see an increased role for IAM in security programs, practices must evolve to focus more on fundamental hygiene and hardening of systems to improve resilience.

Security leaders focus on strengthening and leveraging their identity fabric and identity threat detection and response to ensure that IAM capabilities are best positioned to support the breadth of the overall security program.

Conclusion

The year 2024 presents some unique cybersecurity challenges with new technologies’ growth and threats’ constant evolution. Generative AI, unsecure employee behavior, third-party risks, continuous threat exposure, and boardroom communication gaps are now considered paramount trends shaping the industry. Even Fortray’s experts, including its CEO Mazhar Minhas, admit that it is in a ‘fast data’ and real-time paradigm necessary to sustain the organization in today’s hyper-competitiveness. Thus, generative AI has the potential to be disruptive and offer immense value when used properly and with adherence to high standards of ethical conduct. This outcome-based result will go a long way in collapsing this security investment-output gap in a way that boardrooms can always have their back fully covered as they commit resources to cybersecurity. The message is that focusing on security behavior and culture programs can achieve significant risk reductions relating to people and create a more security-aware workforce.

Third-party risk management, unceasing threat exposure, and identity security approaches are important for strengthening an organization’s shields. Overall, using the given approaches allows security leaders to establish solid and flexible security frameworks that meet the complex requirements of contemporary cybersecurity. Finally, emphasis should be placed on applying new technologies in security contexts while keeping a person at the center of attention. In this way, organizations can improve their preparedness levels, safeguard their resources and accomplish better cybersecurity operations in today’s dynamic digital environments.

FAQ’S