In case you haven’t noticed (I know you’ve noticed), the cybersecurity landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. While traditional practices like strong passwords and data privacy remain crucial, emerging technologies and approaches quickly become essential. It’s not about being in one camp or the other. Security leaders must leverage the best of both to truly protect an organization in today’s complex digital environment — blending the old with the new.

Think Traditional Practices are Irrelevant? Not So Fast

Let’s be clear: Foundational security measures aren’t going anywhere. Strong authentication, data encryption and regular security awareness training continue to form the bedrock of any solid cybersecurity strategy. These practices address fundamental vulnerabilities that persist regardless of technological advancements.

However, relying solely on these traditional approaches is no longer sufficient. The threat landscape has grown too complex, and the stakes are too high.

Emerging Areas Demand Attention

Several key emerging areas are reshaping how organizations approach cybersecurity:

• Generative Cybersecurity AI. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies and predict potential threats faster than any human analyst. However, they also introduce new risks that must be carefully managed.
• Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR). As identity-based attacks become more sophisticated, ITDR solutions help organizations detect and respond to compromised credentials and suspicious user behavior in real-time.
• Mobile Threat Defense (MTD). With work increasingly happening on mobile devices, MTD has become critical. It protects against mobile-specific threats like malicious apps, network-based attacks and device vulnerabilities.
• Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). UEM solutions provide a single platform to manage and secure all types of endpoints — from traditional desktops to IoT devices — streamlining security operations and improving visibility.
• Exposure Management. Many cybersecurity programs rely on vulnerability management. However, organizations are now adopting exposure management. This approach identifies, assesses, and mitigates exposures across an organization’s digital attack surface.

Creating a Holistic Cybersecurity Approach

That “blended” approach I mentioned? Here are strategies to help make it a reality:

Implement mobile threat defense

• Deploy MTD solutions to protect against mobile-specific threats
• Integrate MTD with existing security infrastructure for seamless protection
• Educate employees on mobile security best practices

Back up passwords with least-access principles

• Implement strong multi-factor authentication across all systems
• Adopt a zero-trust approach, verifying every access attempt
• Regularly audit and update access permissions

Enforce minimum security requirements with UEM

• Use UEM to enforce consistent security policies across all endpoints
• Leverage UEM for real-time visibility into device security status
• Automate compliance checks and remediation

Push updates remotely with UEM

• Utilize UEM to deploy security patches and updates across all devices
• Set up automated update schedules to ensure timely patching
• Monitor update status and compliance through UEM dashboards

Don’t Forget the Human Element

While technology is a vital part of any cybersecurity strategy, the human element of cybersecurity cannot be overlooked. Employees can inadvertently pose a risk through seemingly innocuous behaviors. Regular training and awareness programs help employees recognize and respond to evolving threats.

This is especially critical as AI-powered attacks become more convincing and harder to detect. When you aren’t aware of the threat, you can’t defend against it.

Get Ready to Blend

As you already know, the cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve rapidly. Companies must stay agile, with leaders continuously reassessing their security strategies and adopting new technologies and practices as they emerge. By blending traditional and emerging approaches, companies can create a truly robust, multi-layered defense capable of addressing both current and future threats.

The phrase “future threats” is key here: you can’t anticipate how things will evolve, but you can create an environment where you’re ready for what comes next.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right mix of traditional and emerging practices will depend on your organization’s specific needs, risk profile and regulatory requirements. Regular risk assessments and close collaboration between security teams and business leaders are essential to finding the right balance.

The key takeaway for everyone: don’t underestimate cyber risks. Leverage the best resources available. Get ready to blend.