About Brent Huston

I am the CEO of MicroSolved, Inc. and a security evangelist. I have spent the last 20+ years working to make the Internet safer for everyone on a global scale. I believe the Internet has the capability to contribute to the next great leap for mankind, and I want to help make that happen!

3 Daily Habits for Information Security Practitioners to Stay Updated

  1. Stay Informed with Industry News:
    • Why? The cybersecurity landscape is ever-evolving. New threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors emerge daily.
    • How?
      • Subscribe to cybersecurity news websites and blogs like KrebsOnSecurity, The Hacker News, or Dark Reading.
      • Join forums and online communities like Reddit’s r/netsec or Stack Exchange’s Information Security.
      • Set up Google Alerts for specific cybersecurity keywords to get real-time updates.
  2. Engage in Continuous Learning:
    • Why? Technologies and tools in the cybersecurity domain are constantly advancing. To remain effective, professionals must keep up with the latest techniques and methodologies.
    • How?
      • Dedicate time each day to learn something new, whether it’s a new programming language, a cybersecurity tool, or a security protocol.
      • Enroll in online courses or webinars. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary offer many courses tailored for cybersecurity professionals.
      • Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges or cybersecurity simulations to hone your skills in a practical environment.
  3. Network with Peers:
    • Why? Networking helps share knowledge, learn about real-world challenges, and understand best practices from experienced professionals.
    • How?
      • Attend local or virtual cybersecurity meetups, conferences, and seminars.
      • Join professional organizations such as (ISC)², ISACA, or the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA).
      • Engage in discussions on LinkedIn groups or Twitter threads related to cybersecurity.

Remember, the field of information security is vast and dynamic. By integrating these habits into your daily routine, you’ll be better equipped to stay ahead of the curve and safeguard your organization’s digital assets.

 

* Just to let you know, we used some AI tools to gather the information for this article, and we polished it up with Grammarly to make sure it reads just right!

 

Brent’s Interview About His Most Recent Book

 

Introduction

In today’s digital age, the importance of cyber-security cannot be overstated. With threats evolving at an unprecedented rate, organizations need to be proactive in their approach to safeguarding their assets. “We Need To Talk: 52 Weeks To Better Cyber-Security” by L. Brent Huston offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the complex world of cyber-security. We sat down with the author to delve deeper into the inspiration, content, and significance of this book.

Interview

Q1: What inspired you to write “We Need To Talk: 52 Weeks To Better Cyber-Security”?

A1: As a virtual CISO and 30+ year security practitioner, I know how important it is to keep the security team engaged with one another, encourage open discussions, and do continual learning. I wrote the book to give security teams a good basis for these discussions every week for a year. Covering the basics and letting the team discuss sticking points and areas for improvement has led my clients to identify some interesting trends and rapidly mature their security programs. I think, literally, “We Need To Talk”. We need it as practitioners, individuals, teams, and organizations. This is a stressful, detail-oriented, rapid-change business, and talking helps nearly everyone involved.

Q2: Why did you feel it was essential to provide such a comprehensive view of cyber-security?

A2: So much of what we do is complex and touches multiple areas of our organization that we must bring the basics to each. I picked the topics for discussion in the book to address the high-level, technical, and procedural controls that almost every organization needs. I threw in some of the more tenacious topics I’ve encountered in my career and a few curve balls that have bitten us over the years. Information security and risk management are broad-spectrum careers, and we need a broad spectrum of topics to help security teams be successful.

Q3: Can you elaborate on how the structure of the book facilitates this year-long journey?

A3: This is a great question. The book idealizes a weekly security team meeting where the team discusses one of the topics and why it is relevant and then works through a series of questions to help them hone and refine their security program. The book includes a topic for each week, appropriate background information about that topic, and a set of questions for discussion by the team. As I piloted the book with my clients, it became clear that these were ultra-powerful discussions and led to some amazing insights. I knew then that I had to write and put the book out there to benefit security teams and practitioners.

Q4: How did leveraging AI tools shape the content and structure of the book?

A4: I used several AI tools to help generate the content of the book. It was written programmatically, in that I wrote some programming to leverage an AI backend to generate the questions and background information for each topic. I then adjusted the code and moderated the output until I got the book I wanted. It took a while, but it was fantastic when completed. I wanted to experiment with writing with AI tools, and since I knew the book I wanted to create had a specific format and content, it seemed like a good experiment. Ultimately, I learned much about working with AI and using Grammarly for editing and self-publishing. I have been absolutely thrilled with the response to the book and how the experiment turned out. In fact, it gave birth to another project that I am just beginning and will pave the way for some exciting new breakthroughs in how to work with AI tools in the coming years.

Q5: What is the one core message or lesson from your book that you’d like security teams to take away?

A5: The one takeaway I would have them consider is that discussion among the security team can really help a lot of the team members and the organization at large. We need to talk more about the work we do, both inside our teams and to the other teams we work with across the enterprise. The more we discuss, the more likely we can support each other and find the best solutions to our common problems and issues. Implementing the strategies, tactics, and insights we discover along the way might just be the change we need to make information security more effective, easier to manage, and even more fun!

Summary

L. Brent Huston’s “We Need To Talk: 52 Weeks To Better Cyber-Security” is more than just a book; it’s a roadmap for security teams to navigate the intricate maze of cyber-security. Through structured discussions, the book aims to foster collaboration, understanding, and growth among security professionals. With the unique blend of AI-generated content and Huston’s vast experience, this book promises to be an invaluable resource for those in the field.

 

* Just to let you know, we used some AI tools to gather the information for this article, and we polished it up with Grammarly to make sure it reads just right!

 

3 Essential Tips for Enhancing Site-to-Site VPN Security

 

Site-to-site VPNs are a crucial tool for securing communication between different network locations. To ensure the utmost security for your VPN connections, consider implementing these three key suggestions:

1. Select Strong Secrets or Secure Certificates

The foundation of any secure site-to-site VPN is the authentication mechanism. Opt for strong pre-shared keys or secure digital certificates when configuring your VPN. Using weak passwords or keys can leave your VPN vulnerable to attacks. Remember, a strong password should be lengthy, complex, and incorporate a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Alternatively, employing secure certificates provides an added layer of protection as they are difficult to intercept or guess.

2. Implement Modern, Peer-Reviewed Cryptography

Ensure that your site-to-site VPN employs modern encryption protocols have been rigorously reviewed by the security community. Protocols like IKEv2/IPsec are popular choices that offer robust encryption and authentication mechanisms. Peer-reviewed cryptography guarantees that the algorithms have undergone extensive scrutiny and are less likely to contain vulnerabilities or backdoors. Currently, AES is the suggested cryptographic mechanism for most VPNs. DES and 3DES should be eliminated wherever possible.

3. Create Proper Firewall Rules or ACLs

Managing traffic over your VPN connection is essential for maintaining a secure network environment. Utilize firewall rules or Access Control Lists (ACLs) to carefully regulate data flow between connected sites. You can prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches by explicitly defining what types of traffic are permitted and denied. Regularly review and update these rules to adapt to changing security requirements.

In Conclusion

Enhancing your site-to-site VPN’s security involves strong authentication, robust encryption, and intelligent traffic management. By selecting strong secrets or certificates, implementing modern cryptography, and creating well-defined firewall rules, you can significantly bolster the security of your VPN connections. Securing your network is an ongoing process, so staying updated on the latest security practices and adapting your configurations is essential.

Implement these tips today to build a resilient and secure site-to-site VPN that safeguards sensitive data and ensures seamless communication between your network locations.

 

* Just to let you know, we used some AI tools to gather the information for this article, and we polished it up with Grammarly to make sure it reads just right!

 

Managing Risks Associated with Model Manipulation and Attacks in Generative AI Tools

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), one area that has garnered significant attention is the security risks associated with model manipulation and attacks. As organizations increasingly adopt generative AI tools, understanding and mitigating these risks becomes paramount.

1. Adversarial Attacks:

Example: Consider a facial recognition system. An attacker can subtly alter an image, making it unrecognizable to the AI model but still recognizable to the human eye. This can lead to unauthorized access or false rejections.

Mitigation Strategies:

Robust Model Training: Incorporate adversarial examples in the training data to make the model more resilient.
Real-time Monitoring: Implement continuous monitoring to detect and respond to unusual patterns.

2. Model Stealing:

Example: A competitor might create queries to a proprietary model hosted online and use the responses to recreate a similar model, bypassing intellectual property rights.

Mitigation Strategies:

Rate Limiting: Implement restrictions on the number of queries from a single source.
Query Obfuscation: Randomize responses slightly to make it harder to reverse-engineer the model.

Policies and Processes to Manage Risks:

1. Security Policy Framework:

Define: Clearly outline the acceptable use of AI models and the responsibilities of various stakeholders.
Implement: Enforce security controls through technical measures and regular audits.

2. Incident Response Plan:

Prepare: Develop a comprehensive plan to respond to potential attacks, including reporting mechanisms and escalation procedures.
Test: Regularly test the plan through simulated exercises to ensure effectiveness.

3. Regular Training and Awareness:

Educate: Conduct regular training sessions for staff to understand the risks and their role in mitigating them.
Update: Keep abreast of the latest threats and countermeasures through continuous learning.

4. Collaboration with Industry and Regulators:

Engage: Collaborate with industry peers, academia, and regulators to share knowledge and best practices.
Comply: Ensure alignment with legal and regulatory requirements related to AI and cybersecurity.

Conclusion:

Model manipulation and attacks in generative AI tools present real and evolving challenges. Organizations must adopt a proactive and layered approach, combining technical measures with robust policies and continuous education. By fostering a culture of security and collaboration, we can navigate the complexities of this dynamic field and harness the power of AI responsibly and securely.

* Just to let you know, we used some AI tools to gather the information for this article, and we polished it up with Grammarly to make sure it reads just right!

5 Tips for User Access Auditing in Linux

User access auditing is a critical aspect of maintaining a secure and efficient computing environment. It provides a detailed record of user activities, helping administrators identify potential security risks, ensure compliance with access control policies, and detect any unauthorized or suspicious activities. Regular user access audits can also aid in troubleshooting, system optimization, and forensic investigations. In essence, user access auditing is not just about security, but also about gaining insights into user behavior and system usage, which are invaluable for improving system reliability and performance.

1. Understand the Basics of Linux Permissions: Linux permissions are the first line of defense in securing your system. They determine who can read, write, and execute files. The three types of Linux permissions are User (u), Group (g), and Others (o). Familiarize yourself with the `chmod` command to modify these permissions and the `ls -l` command to view them.

2. Use the `last` Command: The `last` command in Linux provides a list of the last logged-in users on your system. This is a great tool for auditing user access as it allows you to see who has been accessing your system and when. Regularly check this log to keep track of user activity.

3. Audit User Accounts with `cat /etc/passwd`: This command will display a list of all user accounts on your Linux system. Regularly auditing this list can help you identify any unauthorized or inactive accounts that should be removed or disabled to enhance system security.

4. Monitor User Activity with `w` and `who` Commands: The `w` command displays who is currently logged in and what they are doing, while the `who` command shows who is currently logged in. Regularly monitoring user activity can help you identify any suspicious behavior.

5. Leverage Linux Auditing System (Auditd): Auditd is a powerful tool that allows you to monitor almost any event on your Linux system. You can use it to track security-related events, record system calls, and log any changes to your system files. Regularly review the logs generated by Auditd to ensure there are no unauthorized changes or activities on your system.

Regular monitoring and auditing of user activities are crucial to maintaining a secure Linux environment.

 

*This article was written with the help of AI tools and Grammarly.

High-Level Project Plan for CIS CSC Implementation

Overview:

Implementing the controls and safeguards outlined in the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls (CSC) Version 8 is crucial for organizations to establish a robust cybersecurity framework. This article provides a concise project plan for implementing these controls, briefly describing the processes and steps involved.

Plan:

1. Establish a Governance Structure:

– Define roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders.

– Develop a governance framework for the implementation project.

– Create a project charter to outline the project’s scope, objectives, and timelines.

2. Conduct a Baseline Assessment:

– Perform a comprehensive assessment of the organization’s existing security posture.

– Identify gaps between the current state and the requirements of CIS CSC Version 8.

– Prioritize the controls that need immediate attention based on the assessment results.

3. Develop an Implementation Roadmap:

– Define a clear timeline for implementing each control, based on priority.

– Identify the necessary resources, including personnel, tools, and technologies.

– Establish milestones for monitoring progress throughout the implementation process.

4. Implement CIS CSC Version 8 Controls:

– Establish secure configurations for all systems and applications.

– Enable continuous vulnerability management and patching processes.

– Deploy strong access controls, including multi-factor authentication and privilege management.

5. Implement Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response:

– Establish a comprehensive incident response plan.

– Deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems.

– Develop a continuous monitoring program to identify and respond to security events.

6. Engage in Security Awareness Training:

– Train employees on security best practices, including email and social engineering awareness.

– Conduct periodic security awareness campaigns to reinforce good cybersecurity hygiene.

– Provide resources for reporting suspicious activities and encouraging a culture of security.

Summary:

Implementing the controls and safeguards outlined in CIS CSC Version 8 requires careful planning and execution. By establishing a governance structure, conducting a baseline assessment, developing an implementation roadmap, implementing the controls, continuous monitoring, and engaging in security awareness training, organizations can strengthen their security posture and mitigate cyber threats effectively. This concise project plan is a starting point for information security practitioners seeking a robust cybersecurity framework.

If you need assistance, get in touch. MSI is always happy to help folks with CIS CSC assessments, control design, or other advisory services. 

 

*This article was written with the help of AI tools and Grammarly.

FAQ on Software Inventory

1 What is software inventory?

Software inventory refers to keeping track of all software applications and operating systems installed on devices within a network.

2. Why is software inventory important for organizations?

Maintaining an accurate software inventory is essential for any organization. Without proper monitoring and control, unauthorized software and unmanaged devices can pose potential security risks for networks and sensitive data. Knowing which software applications and operating systems are being used can help organizations identify potential vulnerabilities and develop appropriate defense strategies.

3. How can organizations maintain an accurate software inventory?

Organizations can maintain an accurate software inventory by conducting a detailed inventory, implementing controls for unmanaged software, taking continuous inventory, establishing access controls, securing service accounts, maintaining audit logs, and conducting risk assessments.

4. What are the risks of not maintaining an accurate software inventory?

The risks of not maintaining an accurate software inventory include unauthorized software and potential security breaches, difficulty in incident response planning, and non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

5. What are the best practices for software inventory?

The best practices for software inventory include conducting a detailed inventory, implementing controls for unmanaged software, taking continuous inventory, establishing access controls, securing service accounts, maintaining audit logs, and conducting risk assessments.

6. How often should organizations conduct a software inventory?

Organizations should conduct a software inventory regularly (at least monthly) to ensure that all new software and changes to existing software are recorded and tracked.

 

*This article was written with the help of AI tools and Grammarly.

Software Inventory

Background on Software Inventory and CIS CSC Version 8 Safeguards

Software inventory refers to keeping track of all software applications and operating systems installed on devices within a network. This process is crucial for ensuring all systems are updated and secure against potential security risks.

To help organizations maintain accurate inventories of software assets, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) has developed the Critical Security Controls (CSC) Version 8, which includes specific safeguards for software inventory.

These safeguards are designed to help organizations implement effective procedures for creating and maintaining an accurate inventory of all software assets. By following these best practices and safeguards, organizations can reduce their risk of security incidents and potential security breaches.

Why Software Inventory is Essential

Maintaining an accurate software inventory is essential for any organization. Without proper monitoring and control, unauthorized software and unmanaged devices can pose potential security risks for networks and sensitive data. Knowing which software applications and operating systems are being used can help organizations identify potential vulnerabilities and develop appropriate defense strategies.

A detailed inventory can also assist in incident response planning and audits. In the event of a security breach or threat, a comprehensive software inventory can provide a better understanding of the potential impact and how to mitigate it. Furthermore, audits require accurate documentation of assets, including software applications and versions, as this information is critical for compliance and risk management purposes. Overall, investing in a software inventory constitutes an essential aspect of cyber hygiene, serving as a foundational piece for defending against potential security threats.

In sum, maintaining an accurate inventory of software and hardware assets is critical for organizations. It can help reduce the risk of unauthorized software and potential security breaches, support incident response planning, and aid compliance and risk management efforts. By following industry-standard best practices, such as the CIS Critical Security Controls Version 8, organizations can ensure that software inventory procedures are implemented effectively and continuously monitored through ongoing assessment and continuous monitoring.

Best Practices for Software Inventory

Keeping an accurate and up-to-date software inventory is one of the most important steps to protect your organization from security breaches and cyber threats. The following are best practices for software inventory based on CIS CSC version 8 and industry-standard safeguards:

1. Conduct a detailed inventory: Identify all your software applications, versions, and supporting systems. This information should be organized in a way that is easy to access and understand and can be updated regularly.

2. Implement controls for unmanaged software: Unauthorized software poses a significant risk to your organization’s security. Ensure you have controls to prevent employees from installing unapproved software without your knowledge.

3. Take continuous inventory: Your software inventory should be ongoing. Regular checks ensure that all new software and changes to your existing software are recorded and tracked.

4. Establish access controls: Make sure that software applications are accessible only to individuals with a business need. This will help you minimize risks associated with uncontrolled access to software.

5. Secure service accounts: Service accounts have elevated privileges and access to your organization’s assets. Ensuring these accounts are managed and controlled to minimize potential risks is essential.

6. Maintain audit logs: Enable audit trails to track changes to your software inventory. Audit logs should be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel.

7. Conduct risk assessments: Regular risk assessments can help you identify vulnerabilities in your software inventory. This information can then be used to minimize risks and strengthen your security posture.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that you keep your software inventory up-to-date and secure. It is essential in preventing cyber threats and protecting your organization’s assets.

Software Inventory Sample Policy

Software inventory is a critical aspect of an organization’s security posture. It helps identify potential vulnerabilities and reduce an organization’s attack surface. This policy is designed to help organizations maintain an accurate software inventory and comply with the CIS Critical Security Controls.

1. Purpose

This policy aims to ensure that all software applications are identified, tracked, and continuously monitored to minimize the risk of unauthorized software and potential security incidents.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all software applications used within the organization and all individuals with access to these applications.

3. Policy

3.1 Software Inventory

An accurate inventory of all software applications and their versions must be maintained by the organization. This inventory must be updated regularly to reflect any changes to the software used by the organization.

3.2 Controls for Unmanaged Software

The installation of unapproved software on organization-owned devices is strictly prohibited. An approval process must be established to ensure that all software applications the organization uses are appropriately vetted, tested, and approved by authorized personnel.

3.3 Continuous Inventory

The software inventory must be continuously monitored to ensure new applications are promptly identified and logged. This process must include a review of access controls to minimize potential risks associated with unauthorized devices and software applications.

3.4 Access Controls

Access to software applications must be restricted to individuals who require the software to perform their job functions. Users must be adequately identified and authorized before granting access to any software application based on their job responsibilities.

3.5 Secure Service Accounts

Service accounts must be carefully monitored and controlled to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to organizational assets. Passwords for service accounts must be complex and changed regularly to maintain the account’s security.

3.6 Audit Logs

Audit logs must be implemented to track changes to the software inventory. These logs must be stored securely and accessible only to authorized personnel.

3.7 Risk Assessments

Regular risk assessments must be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities in the software inventory. The results of these assessments must be used to develop appropriate controls to minimize risk.

4. Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy could result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

5. Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure compliance with industry best practices and changing security requirements. Any changes to the policy must be approved by the organization’s security team.

Software Inventory Sample Procedures

Software Inventory Sample Procedures:

I. Identify and Classify Software:

a. Review organizational assets and identify software applications that are in use.

b. Classify software applications based on their level of security risk.

c. Assign each software application a unique identifier code.

II. Create a Software Inventory Database:

a. Develop a database to store the information gathered in step I.

b. The database must include the software application’s name, version, unique identifier code, and level of security risk.

c. Ensure access controls are in place for the database.

III. Create a Review Schedule:

a. Establish a schedule for continuously monitoring the software inventory.

b. Include a review of access controls during the review schedule.

IV. Perform Regular Audits:

a. Perform software inventory audits regularly.

b. Ensure unauthorized software is removed or approved according to the organization’s procedures.

V. Assess Risk:

a. Regularly assess risks associated with software in the inventory.

b. Identify potential vulnerabilities and determine appropriate controls.

VI. Implement Security Controls for Software:

a. Based on the risk assessment, implement security controls for the software in the inventory.

b. Monitor these controls regularly to ensure effectiveness.

VII. Document Changes and Updates:

a. Document all changes and updates to the software inventory database.

b. Assign a tracking number to the change or update.

c. Ensure that documentation is accessible only to authorized personnel.

VIII. Establish an Incident Response Plan:

a. Develop an incident response plan for potential security incidents.

b. Ensure the incident response plan includes software inventory control and management procedures.

IX. Conduct Regular Training:

a. Provide regular training to employees on the importance of software inventory management.

b. Ensure employees are aware of the organization’s policies and procedures related to software inventory control.

X. Continuously Monitor:

a. Continuously monitor the software inventory to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.

b. Implement a system for reporting and tracking anomalies or changes found during monitoring.

By following these procedures, your organization will be able to comply with the CIS Critical Security Controls and industry-standard best practices for software inventory management. Regular review and monitoring of the inventory will reduce the risk of unauthorized software installations and potential security incidents.

 

*This article was written with the help of AI tools and Grammarly.

ChatGPT and other AI Tools Corporate Security Policy Template

As artificial intelligence continues to advance, organizations are increasingly integrating AI tools, such as ChatGPT for content and code generation, into their daily operations. With these technologies’ tremendous potential come significant risks, particularly regarding information security and data privacy. In the midst of this technological revolution, we are introducing a high-level Information Security and Privacy Policy for AI Tools. This comprehensive template is designed to provide a clear, practical framework for the secure and responsible use of these powerful tools within your organization.

About the policy template

The purpose of this policy template is to protect your organization’s most critical assets—proprietary corporate intellectual property, trade secrets, and regulatory data—from possible threats. It emphasizes the principles of data privacy, confidentiality, and security, ensuring that data used and produced by AI tools are appropriately safeguarded. Furthermore, it sets forth policy statements to guide employees and stakeholders in their interactions with AI tools, ensuring they understand and adhere to the best practices in data protection and regulatory compliance.

Why is this important?

The importance of such a policy cannot be overstated. Without proper guidelines, the use of AI tools could inadvertently lead to data breaches or the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information. An effective Information Security and Privacy Policy provides a foundation for the safe use of AI tools, protecting the organization from potential liabilities, reputational damage, and regulatory sanctions. In an era where data is more valuable than oil, ensuring its security and privacy is paramount—and our policy template provides the roadmap for achieving just that.

More information

If you have questions or feedback, or if you wish to discuss AI tools, information security, and other items of concern, just give us a call at 614.351.1237.  You can also use the chat interface at the bottom of the page to send us an email or schedule a discussion. We look forward to speaking with you.

Template download link

You can get the template from here as a PDF with copy and paste enabled.

*This article was written with the help of AI tools and Grammarly.

5 ChatGPT Prompt Templates for Infosec Teams

In the evolving world of information security, practitioners constantly seek new ways to stay informed, hone their skills, and address complex challenges. One tool that has proven incredibly useful in this endeavor is OpenAI’s language model, GPT-3, and its successors. By generating human-like text, these models can provide valuable insights, simulate potential security scenarios, and assist with various tasks. The key to unlocking the potential of these models lies in asking the right questions. Here are five ChatGPT prompts optimized for effectiveness that are invaluable for information security practitioners.

Prompt 1: “What are the latest trends in cybersecurity threats?”

Keeping abreast of the current trends in cybersecurity threats is crucial for any security practitioner. This prompt can provide a general overview of the threat landscape, including the types of attacks currently prevalent, the industries or regions most at risk, and the techniques used by malicious actors.

Prompt 2: “Can you explain the concept of zero trust security architecture and its benefits?”

Conceptual prompts like this one can help practitioners understand complex security topics. By asking the model to explain the concept of zero-trust security architecture, you can gain a clear and concise understanding of this critical approach to network security.

Prompt 3: “Generate a step-by-step incident response plan for a suspected data breach.”

Practical prompts can help practitioners prepare for real-world scenarios. This prompt, for example, can provide a thorough incident response plan, which is crucial in mitigating the damage of a suspected data breach.

Prompt 4: “Can you list and explain the top five vulnerabilities in the OWASP Top 10 list?”

The OWASP Top 10 is a standard awareness document representing a broad consensus about web applications’ most critical security risks. A prompt like this can provide a quick refresher or a deep dive into these vulnerabilities.

Prompt 5: “What are the potential cybersecurity implications of adopting AI and machine learning technologies in an organization?”

Understanding their cybersecurity implications is essential, given the increasing adoption of AI and machine learning technologies in various industries. This prompt can help practitioners understand the risks associated with these technologies and how to manage them.

As we’ve seen, ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for information security practitioners, providing insights into current trends, clarifying complex concepts, offering practical step-by-step guides, and facilitating a deeper understanding of potential risks. The model’s effectiveness highly depends on the prompts used, so crafting optimized prompts is vital. The above prompts are a great starting point but feel free to customize them according to your specific needs or to explore new prompts that align with your unique information security challenges. With the right questions, the possibilities are virtually endless.

*This article was written with the help of AI tools and Grammarly.