How To Use Cybersecurity Big Data Effectively
A survey of US Federal Agencies finds the sheer volume of cybersecurity data is overwhelming and that most of it goes unused.
150 US Federal cybersecurity professionals were asked to examine how agencies are using big data and advanced analytics to better understand cybersecurity trends and mitigate threats. The study found that while 81% of Feds are using big data analytics for cybersecurity in some capacity, just 45% found their efforts to be “highly effective”.
The study was directed by MeriTalk, a public-private partnership focused on improving the outcomes of government IT.
According to its website, breaches continue to afflict agencies with 59% of Feds reporting their agency deals with a cybersecurity compromise at least once a month due to their inability to fully analyze data.
88% of Federal agencies face challenges drawing cybersecurity intelligence from data and the majority says the task has become more difficult in the past two years.
Respondents stated the following as top challenges:
- Sheer volume of cybersecurity data is overwhelming (49 percent)
- Agencies don’t have the right systems in place to gather the cybersecurity information they need (33 percent)
- Information is no longer timely when it makes it to cybersecurity managers (30 percent)
As a result, more than 40% of their data goes unanalyzed. In addition to obvious budget issues, Feds’ efforts are hindered by: lack of skilled personnel, potential privacy concerns, and lack of management support/awareness.
