Increased Cyber Regulation in the Offing As Attacks Mount

Increased Cyber Regulation in the Offing As Attacks Mount

December 8, 2023 at 03:54PM

Black Hat Europe 2023 predicts that escalating cyberattacks may force governments to impose tighter regulations. Jeff Moss believes a tipping point will prompt action, similar to the Sarbanes Oxley Act post-Enron. Ex-Uber CISO Joe Sullivan emphasizes the need for balanced accountability in regulation and suggests a regulatory approach could enhance overall security.

From the meeting notes, it is clear that there is a growing expectation for increased cybersecurity regulation, particularly from the government, in response to the rising number of impactful breaches and sophisticated cyber attacks. Key figures in the cybersecurity industry, such as Black Hat founder Jeff Moss and former Uber CISO Joe Sullivan, emphasize the need for greater government intervention and accountability in ensuring cybersecurity across organizations.

Moss predicts that if businesses continue to struggle in defending against major attacks and stopping breaches, governments will inevitably intervene with stricter regulations, potentially similar to the Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) law, which ensures financial data accuracy and safeguards against fraudulent practices.

Sullivan stresses the importance of nuanced regulation, suggesting that regulators need to consider the practical realities of data breaches and containment, and take into account the challenges faced by individuals and teams in maintaining cybersecurity. He advocates for more input from the security community in the regulatory process and emphasizes the potential for positive outcomes if security becomes a holistic focus across companies.

Overall, the meeting notes reflect a call for government intervention and a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity regulation, with a focus on accountability and preparedness at both the organizational and regulatory levels.

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