We’ve previously discussed the importance of risk management, and the challenges that come from approaching risk through large-scale frameworks. According to an abstract framework, many organizations aren’t necessarily equipped to mobilize far-ranging risk assessments. 

Here, we’ll discuss a compromise to combine the best of both worlds: standards-based risk management.

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What Is Autonomous Malware?

We’re reaching the end of 2025, and looking ahead to 2026, most experts are discussing the latest threats that will shape the year ahead. This year, we’re seeing a new, but not unexpected, shift to autonomous threats driven by state-sponsored actors and AI.  With that in mind, a new generation of threats, broadly known as...Continue reading→

What CISA’s Emergency Directive 26-01 Means for Everyone

In mid-October 2025, the CISA issued one of its most urgent orders yet: Emergency Directive 26-01. The directive calls on all Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to immediately mitigate vulnerabilities in devices from F5 Networks following a state-sponsored breach of F5’s systems and access to portions of BIG-IP source code and vulnerability data. The event...Continue reading→

Cybersecurity and Vetting AI-Powered Tools

A recent exploit involving a new AI-focused browser shone a light on a critical problem–namely, that browser security is a constant issue, and AI is just making that threat more pronounced. Attackers discovered a way to use that browser’s memory features to implant hidden instructions inside an AI assistant. Once stored, those instructions triggered unwanted...Continue reading→

Shutdown Security And Cyber Vulnerability

When the federal government shuts down, the public sees closed monuments, unpaid workers, and halted programs. What they do not see is the silent surge of cyberattacks targeting agencies already operating on fumes. During the most recent shutdown, attacks against U.S. government systems spiked by nearly 85%.  Cybersecurity failures during government disruptions rarely start with...Continue reading→

Identity and the Shift from Malware

The world of cyber threats is rapidly evolving, and while we can see these changes more generally, it’s always crucial to understand them concretely. As the 2025 CrowdStrike Global Threat Report shows us, the landscape of our industry is changing.  We’re digging into this report to discuss a challenging trend: the move of hackers foregoing...Continue reading→

Maintaining Compliance Against Prompt Injection Attacks

The increasing adoption of AI by businesses introduces security risks that current cybersecurity frameworks are not prepared to address. A particularly complex emerging threat is prompt injection attacks. These attacks manipulate the integrity of large language models and other AI systems, potentially compromising security protocols and legal compliance. Organizations adopting AI must have a plan...Continue reading→

Are We Already Talking About CMMC 3.0?

The ink has barely dried on the CMMC final rule, and already the defense contracting community is buzzing with speculation about what comes next. Just when contractors thought they had a moment to catch their breath after years of regulatory limbo, whispers of CMMC 3.0 have begun circulating through the industry. But is this just...Continue reading→

Centralizing Identity-Based Risk

As the traditional network boundary dissolves and remote work becomes standard practice, identities are the major frontier for security. Whether we’re talking about human users, service accounts, or machine identities, these have emerged as both the primary access mechanism and the most targeted attack vector.  It has become imperative for providers to centralize identity management...Continue reading→

Deviation and Significant Change Requests in FedRAMP: A Comprehensive Guide

FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. While the program’s rigorous baseline requirements ensure consistent security, the reality is that this consistency calls for a little flexibility.  This is where deviation requests and significant change requests come into play. These two...Continue reading→

The Costs of Compliance and Data Breaches

Data is possibly one of the most valuable assets any organization holds. Customer information, employee records, and proprietary business intelligence present challenges because the data flowing through modern enterprises represents both significant opportunities and serious risks.  Businesses face a challenging balance: investing in compliance measures to protect sensitive information while also preparing for the real...Continue reading→

In our previous article, we discussed the concept of risk management–what it is and why it’s important. 

However, risk management in cybersecurity isn’t new, and many organizations are working towards normalizing risk as an approach for comprehensive cybersecurity and compliance efforts. 

While this move is a good one, we also find that many organizations will over-rely on frameworks as an end-all, be-all approach to security, which can prove more confusing than helpful. 

Read More

What Is Autonomous Malware?

We’re reaching the end of 2025, and looking ahead to 2026, most experts are discussing the latest threats that will shape the year ahead. This year, we’re seeing a new, but not unexpected, shift to autonomous threats driven by state-sponsored actors and AI.  With that in mind, a new generation of threats, broadly known as...Continue reading→

What CISA’s Emergency Directive 26-01 Means for Everyone

In mid-October 2025, the CISA issued one of its most urgent orders yet: Emergency Directive 26-01. The directive calls on all Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to immediately mitigate vulnerabilities in devices from F5 Networks following a state-sponsored breach of F5’s systems and access to portions of BIG-IP source code and vulnerability data. The event...Continue reading→

Cybersecurity and Vetting AI-Powered Tools

A recent exploit involving a new AI-focused browser shone a light on a critical problem–namely, that browser security is a constant issue, and AI is just making that threat more pronounced. Attackers discovered a way to use that browser’s memory features to implant hidden instructions inside an AI assistant. Once stored, those instructions triggered unwanted...Continue reading→

Shutdown Security And Cyber Vulnerability

When the federal government shuts down, the public sees closed monuments, unpaid workers, and halted programs. What they do not see is the silent surge of cyberattacks targeting agencies already operating on fumes. During the most recent shutdown, attacks against U.S. government systems spiked by nearly 85%.  Cybersecurity failures during government disruptions rarely start with...Continue reading→

Identity and the Shift from Malware

The world of cyber threats is rapidly evolving, and while we can see these changes more generally, it’s always crucial to understand them concretely. As the 2025 CrowdStrike Global Threat Report shows us, the landscape of our industry is changing.  We’re digging into this report to discuss a challenging trend: the move of hackers foregoing...Continue reading→

Maintaining Compliance Against Prompt Injection Attacks

The increasing adoption of AI by businesses introduces security risks that current cybersecurity frameworks are not prepared to address. A particularly complex emerging threat is prompt injection attacks. These attacks manipulate the integrity of large language models and other AI systems, potentially compromising security protocols and legal compliance. Organizations adopting AI must have a plan...Continue reading→

Are We Already Talking About CMMC 3.0?

The ink has barely dried on the CMMC final rule, and already the defense contracting community is buzzing with speculation about what comes next. Just when contractors thought they had a moment to catch their breath after years of regulatory limbo, whispers of CMMC 3.0 have begun circulating through the industry. But is this just...Continue reading→

Centralizing Identity-Based Risk

As the traditional network boundary dissolves and remote work becomes standard practice, identities are the major frontier for security. Whether we’re talking about human users, service accounts, or machine identities, these have emerged as both the primary access mechanism and the most targeted attack vector.  It has become imperative for providers to centralize identity management...Continue reading→

Deviation and Significant Change Requests in FedRAMP: A Comprehensive Guide

FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. While the program’s rigorous baseline requirements ensure consistent security, the reality is that this consistency calls for a little flexibility.  This is where deviation requests and significant change requests come into play. These two...Continue reading→

The Costs of Compliance and Data Breaches

Data is possibly one of the most valuable assets any organization holds. Customer information, employee records, and proprietary business intelligence present challenges because the data flowing through modern enterprises represents both significant opportunities and serious risks.  Businesses face a challenging balance: investing in compliance measures to protect sensitive information while also preparing for the real...Continue reading→

Part 1: Risk and Security in Modern Systems

“Risk “is a term gaining real traction in any industry where cybersecurity regulations impact businesses. Many frameworks and regulations are turning to risk management as a proactive and comprehensive approach to security management. This shift can mean big changes for enterprises that aren’t generally considering risk as part of their security profile. 

This article is the first in a series of articles related to risk management as a challenge for modern businesses. Throughout this series, we will cover several topics related to risk management in modern business:

• Why is risk management becoming the focus of cybersecurity?
• Is abstract risk management detrimental to companies that would benefit from clearly-defined standards?
• How does risk management apply to both enterprise and small businesses alike?
• Is there a way to implement risk management with a standards-first approach?
• Are their platforms, visualization tools, etc., that can change how we look at risk management?

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Third-Party Risk Management and Defense Against AI-Driven Cyber Threats

Threat actors are leveraging AI for everything from hyper-realistic phishing schemes to deepfake impersonations, synthetic identity creation, and autonomous intrusion attempts. While this is a threat to your own organization, it’s also opening up threats in the supply chain.  These attacks don’t arise in a vacuum. They often exploit vulnerabilities within an organization’s third-party vendor...Continue reading→

Risk Management and Governance in the Face of Ransomware and APTs

Modern threats go beyond exploiting technical vulnerabilities; they target gaps in how organizations govern themselves, plan strategically, and maintain operational resilience. Risk management has never been more important than now, and this is especially true when facing ransomware and advanced persistent threats.  Cybersecurity hasn’t been an isolated issue for years, and most compliance leaders realize...Continue reading→

SOC 2 and Third-Party Vendor Risk Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Decision-Makers

While outsourcing can drive efficiency and innovation, it also introduces significant risks, particularly concerning data security and compliance. Many security frameworks have taken up the responsibility of helping organizations manage threats in this context, and SOC 2 is no different.  This article explores the intersection of SOC 2 compliance and third-party vendor risk management, providing...Continue reading→

Introduction to Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA) in PCI DSS 4.0

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) recently released a new document guiding targeted risk analysis. This approach to security is a cornerstone of the PCI DSS 4.0 update, and yet, for many businesses, this is something new that they may need help understanding.  This article will discuss Targeted Risk Analysis, its role...Continue reading→

What Is Proactive Cybersecurity? Preparing for Threats Before They Strike

Modern cybersecurity is about more than just reacting to threats as they emerge. Adopting proactive cybersecurity measures is not just a strategic advantage; it’s an operational necessity that can spell the difference between business as usual and breaches that erode customer trust and shareholder value. Whether you’re a cybersecurity veteran or new to the domain,...Continue reading→

CMMC 2.0, NIST, and Risk Management

Cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and sophistication. To address this evolution, the Department of Defense has introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 to ensure that defense contractors maintain robust cybersecurity practices to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).  To address one of the most important processes in modern security (risk management), CMMC...Continue reading→

What Is OCTAVE and OCTAVE Allegro?

The importance of risk management cannot be overstated… and yet, many enterprises struggle with the practice due to a lack of standardization or expertise. And while the challenges that businesses face implementing risk management are understandable, they are no longer acceptable.  This article will provide an in-depth overview of OCTAVE Allegro, a framework developed to...Continue reading→

What Is the Information Security Risk Management Process of ISO 27005?

Businesses undergoing ISO certification are probably aware of the 27000 series and its focus on comprehensive cybersecurity. What many organizations don’t know, however, is that the series itself provides guidelines for risk managers to better implement Information Security Management Systems (the core process of ISO 27001) following best risk management practices.   

What Is NIST 800-161?

With modern IT infrastructure becoming increasingly complex, intertwined systems managed through service providers and managing experts, the inevitable security problem rears its head. How can one organization, using several service providers, ensure their data security as it travels through those systems? Over the past decade, enterprise and government specialists have refined the practice of risk...Continue reading→

What Is a Risk Appetite Statement?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked quite a bit about risk: What it is. How it applies to compliance. How you can start to think about it as an aspect of your overall business strategy.  In many of the cases we’ve discussed, we’ve referred to risk in terms of mitigation–how to close the gap...Continue reading→