Podcast Summary: Looking Back on 2024, What to Expect in Q4, and Preparing for 2025

In Episode 6 of the Ostra Podcast, titled “Looking back on 2024 (so far) and Ahead to 2025,” Kennedy, Evan and Frank, our salty and seasoned cybersecurity professionals delve into the state of cybersecurity.

They focus on what to expect in Q4 and how to prepare for 2025. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to stay ahead in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

Key Discussion Points:

Crowdstrike Incident

The podcast starts with a discussion of the recent Crowdstrike incident, analyzing what threat actors have learned from it and emphasizing the importance of understanding adversaries’ tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to better anticipate future threats. They argue that while high-profile incidents like Crowdstrike can be a distraction, businesses need to focus on more than just the immediate threat.

The Distraction Dilemma

One of the central themes of the episode is the concept of distraction in cybersecurity. Our hosts caution that while everyone is focused on high-profile breaches, other vulnerabilities may be overlooked. They stress the importance of a holistic approach to cybersecurity, where businesses are not just reactive but proactive in their defense strategies.

Preparing for 2025

Mid-sized companies are advised to start preparing for 2025 now. The hosts outline several actionable steps that these companies can take to bolster their cybersecurity posture:

Performing Regular Audits: Regularly auditing security measures to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Employee Training: Investing in cybersecurity awareness training for employees to recognize phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics.
Incident Response Plans: Developing and regularly updating incident response plans to ensure quick and effective action in case of a breach.
Leveraging Advanced Technologies: Utilizing AI and machine learning to detect and respond to threats in real time.

Current Focus of Cybersecurity Teams

In the final segment, the hosts discuss what cybersecurity teams should focus on to protect SMBs as we move into Q4 and beyond. Key areas of focus include:

Enhanced Monitoring: Implementing robust monitoring systems to detect suspicious activities early.
Patch Management: Ensuring all software and systems are up-to-date with the latest patches.
Zero Trust Architecture: Adopting a Zero Trust approach to network security, where no entity inside or outside the network is trusted by default.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a strong call to action for businesses to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By focusing on regular audits, employee training, and advanced technologies, businesses can better prepare for the challenges of Q4 and beyond.

Cybersecurity professionals, small to mid-sized businesses, and IT managers will find this episode of the Ostra Podcast an invaluable resource. It’s a comprehensive guide for staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.

Until next time – stay secure!

The Ostra Team

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Ostra Cybersecurity

As Your Trusted Cybersecurity Team, Ostra makes cybersecurity simple and accessible to businesses of all sizes. Ostra provides its partners and their clients with a multi-layered, comprehensive and fully managed Security as a Service.