Advanced Security Operations: 7 Best Practices for Upgraded Protection

Cybersecurity isn’t just about building walls anymore. It’s about being smarter than the intruders. When it comes to advanced security operations, we’re not just playing defense—we’re actively outsmarting the bad guys.

Hackers are getting craftier, malware is getting sneakier, and the old “set it and forget it” approach to security is about as effective as using a flip phone to run your business. That’s why forward-thinking organizations are stepping up their game with advanced security operations.

Advanced security operations are all about being proactive, not reactive. It’s about using the latest tools and up-to-date strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. And in this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to transform your organization from a potential target into an impenetrable fortress. 

What Are Advanced Security Operations?

Advanced security operations are a comprehensive, proactive approach to cybersecurity that goes way beyond the basics of antivirus software and firewalls. It involves continuously monitoring, analyzing, and improving your organization’s security posture. 

It’s not just about keeping the bad guys out—it’s about knowing they’re coming, understanding how they think, and being ready to take them down before they can say “data breach.”

Typical components of advanced security operations include:

1. Threat Intelligence: This feeds you information about the latest threats and tactics.
2. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Think of this as your security command center, collecting and analyzing data from across your entire network.
3. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): This is your front-line defense, monitoring and responding to threats on individual devices.
4. Incident Response Planning: Because even the best defenses can be breached, you need a solid game plan for when things go south.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Analysis: This involves keeping an eye on your systems 24/7, because cyber criminals don’t sleep, and neither should your security.

Advanced Security Operations vs. Basic Security Measures

Basic security measures are passive and reactive. They’re like setting up a “Keep Out” sign and hoping intruders will respect it. They typically include:

• Antivirus software
• Firewalls
• Basic access controls
• Periodic vulnerability scans

These are important, sure, but they’re just the starting line in today’s threat landscape.

Advanced security operations, on the other hand, are active and proactive. They don’t just wait for threats to appear—they hunt them down. Here’s how they’re different:

• Comprehensive Coverage: While basic measures focus on known threats, advanced operations are equipped to detect and respond to novel, sophisticated attacks.
• Real-time Response: Instead of periodic scans, advanced operations provide continuous monitoring and immediate response to potential threats.
• Intelligence-Driven: Advanced operations use threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging risks, rather than just defending against known threats.
• Adaptive and Evolving: Unlike static basic measures, advanced operations continually learn and adapt to the changing threat landscape.
• Holistic Approach: Advanced operations consider the entire cybersecurity lifecycle, from prevention through to response and recovery.

7 Best Practices in Advanced Security Operations

Now that we’ve covered the “what” and “why” of advanced security operations, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the “how.” Think of these best practices as your cybersecurity playbook. They’re the strategies and tactics used by the pros to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. 

And the best part? 

You don’t need a PhD in computer science to implement them. With the right partner (hint: that’s where Airiam comes in), these advanced techniques are within reach for businesses of all sizes.

Each of these practices is a powerful tool in its own right, but when combined, they create a security framework that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

1. Adopt a Zero-Trust Security Model

Our current state of cloud computing, remote work, and sophisticated cyber threats require a new approach. That’s where the zero-trust security model comes in handy—it’s the “trust no one, verify everything” mantra of the modern-day cybersecurity world.

Here are the key principles:

1. Never Trust, Always Verify: Every user, device, and network flow is treated as potentially hostile until proven otherwise.
2. Least Privilege Access: Users are given the bare minimum access they need to do their job, and nothing more.
3. Micro-Segmentation: The network is divided into small, isolated zones to limit the blast radius of any potential breach.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication: Because passwords alone are about as secure as a screen door on a submarine.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Validation: Trust is temporary and continuously re-evaluated.

2. Implement a Robust SIEM System

Your Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is a comprehensive monitoring and detection solution. It sifts through data in real-time to detect anything suspicious, and then it connects the dots (between seemingly unrelated events) to spot attack patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. When your SIEM system spots something fishy, it escalates the alarm and allows you to respond quickly. 

This system doesn’t work in isolation, though. It pairs together various instruments for comprehensive protection:

• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): SIEM analyzes their logs to detect and correlate potential threats.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): SIEM incorporates endpoint data for a more comprehensive view of your security posture.
• Threat Intelligence Feeds: SIEM uses these to stay updated on the latest threats and attack patterns.

3. Leverage AI and Machine Learning for Threat Detection

AI and machine learning helps your machines go beyond rule-following—they learn, adapt, and outsmart the bad guys. They turn your defenses from a static wall into a dynamic, intelligent shield that adapts to every new threat.  Here’s how:

• Anomaly Detection: AI can spot the needle in the haystack—unusual patterns that humans might miss.
• Threat Intelligence: ML algorithms can sift through vast amounts of global threat data to predict and prevent attacks.
• User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA): AI learns what’s “normal” for your network and flags anything out of the ordinary.
• Automated Threat Hunting: ML algorithms can proactively search for hidden threats in your environment.
• Phishing Detection: AI can analyze emails in milliseconds to catch sophisticated phishing attempts.

4. Establish Continuous Vulnerability Management

In the world of cybersecurity, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you. Continuous vulnerability management isn’t just about finding and fixing weaknesses—it’s about staying one step ahead of the bad guys. And the continuous nature means it’s non-stop. You’re always looking for vulnerabilities to find (and fix) them before the cybercriminals do.

However, finding vulnerabilities is only half the battle. Next, you need to quickly and efficiently patch them:

• Prioritization: Not all vulnerabilities are created equal. Focus on the most critical ones first.
• Testing: Always test patches in a non-production environment first. You don’t want the cure to be worse than the disease.
• Automation: Use automated tools to deploy patches quickly and consistently.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of all patching activities. It’s a lifesaver during audits.
• Emergency Procedures: Have a plan for those “drop everything” critical vulnerabilities.

Now, prioritization is easier said than done. In an ideal world, you’d patch everything immediately. In the real world, you need to be strategic. Risk-based prioritization helps you focus your efforts where they matter most:

• Assess Impact: Evaluate the potential damage if a vulnerability were exploited.
• Consider Exploitability: How easy is it for attackers to take advantage of the vulnerability?
• Factor in Asset Value: Prioritize vulnerabilities on your most critical systems.
• Track Threat Intelligence: Pay extra attention to vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited in the wild.

5. Build a Dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC)

A SOC is the nerve center of your cybersecurity operations. A SOC—whether in-house or virtual—gives you the proactive edge you need to stay ahead of cyber threats by bringing the following to the table:

• Continuous Monitoring: Eyes on your network 24/7/365. Because cyber criminals don’t take holidays.
• Incident Detection and Response: Spotting and squashing threats faster than you can say “data breach.”
• Threat Intelligence: Staying ahead of the curve by keeping tabs on the latest cyber nasties.
• Security Tool Management: Keeping your cyber arsenal sharp and ready for action.
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay on the right side of regulations without breaking a sweat.
• Forensics and Analytics: Playing cyber detective to understand how attacks happen and how to prevent them.

6. Develop and Test Incident Response Plans

It’s not a question of if an incident will occur, but when. That’s why having a solid incident response plan is like having a well-rehearsed fire drill—when the alarm goes off, everyone knows exactly what to do. 

Here’s what it should include:

• Incident Classification: Not all incidents are created equal. Define different types of incidents and their severity levels.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Who does what and when? Clear roles prevent confusion in the heat of the moment.
• Communication Protocols: Who needs to know what, and when? This includes internal teams, leadership, and potentially customers or the public.
• Containment Strategies: How do you stop the bleeding? Define steps to isolate and contain different types of incidents.
• Eradication and Recovery Procedures: Once contained, how do you kick out the bad guys and get back to business as usual?
• Documentation Requirements: What needs to be recorded during and after an incident? This is crucial for both improving your response and potential legal purposes.
• Post-Incident Analysis: How will you learn from each incident to prevent similar ones in the future?

Once you have your plan, it’s time to test it. Run it through different scenarios to see how it performs and what needs to be changed or improved.

7. Implement Comprehensive Security Awareness Training

You can have the most advanced security tech in the world, but if your employees are clicking on phishing links like they’re going out of style, you’re in trouble. Human error is responsible for more than 88% of all security incidents. Ouch.

But here’s the good news: with the right training, your team can go from your biggest vulnerability to your strongest defense. And that’s where security awareness training comes in.

However, not all security training is created equally. You’ve probably slept through a handful of trainings in the past, and that’s not doing anyone any favors. Consider the following to improve yours:

• Customized Content: Tailor your training to your specific industry, threats, and company culture. No generic, one-size-fits-all stuff here.
• Engaging Formats: From interactive e-learning modules to live webinars and in-person sessions, keep it interesting.
• Phishing Simulations: Test your team with realistic phishing attempts, then show them where they went wrong (or right!).
• Microlearning Modules: Bite-sized lessons that fit into busy schedules and reinforce key concepts over time.
• Role-Based Training: Different roles face different risks. Customize training for executives, IT staff, and general employees.
• Compliance Mapping: Training should help you meet various regulatory requirements, from HIPAA to PCI DSS.
• Reporting and Analytics: Get detailed insights into your team’s performance and progress over time.
• Continuous Updates: Cyber threats evolve, and so should your training. Keep your team up-to-date on the latest risks and best practices.

Implement Advanced Security Operations with Airiam

Advanced security operations isn’t just for tech giants anymore. Every business (regardless of size) needs to step up its security game. And, fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone.

That’s where we come in.

Airiam is your partner in building a resilient, advanced security operation. Our suite of services—from AirGuard™ to AirGapd™—bring enterprise-grade security to businesses of all sizes.

We don’t just sell you a product and walk away. We work alongside you, understanding your unique needs and challenges, and tailoring our solutions to fit. With Airiam, you’re getting more than top-notch technology—you’re getting a team of seasoned security experts who are as invested in your security as you are.

The best offense is a good defense. And with Airiam, you’ll have both.

Send us a message to start the discussion about your organization’s cybersecurity, IT, compliance, and digital transformation needs.