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8th Layer Insights

Cybersecurity First Principles w/Rick Howard

Oct 10, 2023
In this episode, Perry sits down with cybersecurity expert Rick Howard to delve into the concept of 'First Principles' in cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of risk decision-making, threat modeling, and tabletop exercises, as well as the use of Bayes algorithm in cybersecurity risk forecasting. The chapter also highlights the Cybersecurity Canon Project and emphasizes the need for organizations to maximize existing technology before considering new investments.
42:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Prioritizing risk reduction over complete prevention helps create a resilient cybersecurity program by setting materiality and time boundaries.
  • Focusing on chosen strategies and tactics, maximizing existing technology, and continuously refining cybersecurity mindset contribute to a more resilient cybersecurity landscape.

Deep dives

Understanding First Principles in Cybersecurity

First principles in cybersecurity have been a critical yet often overlooked concept. This episode discusses the importance of first principles as a fundamental approach to cybersecurity. Rick Howard, the CSO of N2K, shares insights on how first principles can help create a resilient cybersecurity program. He emphasizes the need to reduce the probability of material impact due to cyber events in the next two to five years. This strategy focuses on risk reduction, rather than complete prevention. By setting boundaries in terms of materiality and time, organizations can prioritize their efforts and allocate resources effectively. Howard also highlights different strategies that align with first principles, such as zero trust, intrusion kill chain prevention, and resilience. He encourages prioritizing the chosen strategy and avoiding distractions from unnecessary technologies or approaches.

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