Description: Threat management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential security threats that can affect systems, networks, and data. This process is fundamental in cybersecurity as it allows organizations to protect their most valuable assets from malicious attacks, vulnerabilities, and other risks. Threat management is based on a proactive approach, where the aim is to anticipate and neutralize potential incidents before they occur. Key characteristics include constant system monitoring, risk assessment, implementation of security controls, and incident response. The relevance of threat management lies in its ability to reduce the attack surface and minimize the impact of potential security breaches, thereby ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information. In an increasingly complex and threatening digital environment, threat management becomes an essential practice for any organization seeking to maintain its security and trust in the use of information technologies.
History: The concept of threat management has evolved since the early days of computing when security concerns were limited and primarily focused on physical access to machines. With the rise of the Internet in the 1990s, threats diversified and became more sophisticated, leading to the creation of specific tools and methodologies for their management. As technologies advanced, so did attackers’ tactics, driving the development of more comprehensive and proactive approaches to threat management, including the implementation of firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Uses: Threat management is used in various areas, including the protection of corporate networks, the security of sensitive data, and defense against cyberattacks. Organizations implement threat management programs to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and establish appropriate security controls. This includes the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions to monitor and respond to incidents in real-time.
Examples: An example of threat management is the implementation of a perimeter firewall that filters incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking unauthorized access. Another case is the use of an intrusion detection system that alerts administrators about suspicious activities on the network. Additionally, companies may conduct attack simulations (red teaming) to assess the effectiveness of their security controls and improve their incident response.
