Towards Improved Threat Mitigation in Digital Environments: A Comprehensive Framework for Cybersecurity Enhancement
Hewa Balisane 1,
Ehigiator Iyobor Egho-Promise
2
, Emmanuel Lyada
3
,
Folayo Aina 4
1 Business
School, The University of Law, United Kingdom
2 ICT
department, Faculty of CreaTech, City of Oxford
College and University Centre, United Kingdom
3 Learning Content Developer, ISBAT University, Kampala, Uganda
4 Department of Computing, School of Engineering and Computing, University
of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom
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ABSTRACT |
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In today's
digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical concern due to the
increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Traditional cybersecurity
measures are often inadequate against evolving attacks, necessitating the
development of comprehensive and adaptive threat mitigation frameworks. This
study aims to address this gap by proposing a robust cybersecurity framework
that integrates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI),
machine learning (ML), and blockchain to enhance threat detection, response,
and recovery capabilities. The framework adopts a layered defense mechanism,
real-time monitoring, and proactive threat hunting to provide a holistic
approach to cybersecurity. By examining current methodologies and identifying
their limitations, this research highlights the necessity for enhanced threat
mitigation strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach involving online
surveys and literature review, the study develops a flexible, scalable, and
adaptive framework capable of countering sophisticated cyber threats. Key
recommendations include adopting advanced technologies, continuous training,
enhancing threat intelligence sharing, implementing a layered defense
strategy, and conducting regular security audits. This comprehensive
framework aims to improve organizational resilience, ensuring the safety and
integrity of digital environments in the face of an ever-evolving cyber
threat landscape. |
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Received 12 April
2024 Accepted 16 May 2024 Published 14 June 2024 Corresponding Author Ehigiator
Iyobor Egho-Promise, eghopromise@yahoo.com DOI 10.29121/granthaalayah.v12.i5.2024.5655 Funding: This research
received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial,
or not-for-profit sectors. Copyright: © 2024 The
Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International License. With the
license CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download,
reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work
must be properly attributed to its author. |
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Keywords: Cybersecurity, Threat Mitigation, Digital
Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML),
Blockchain, Risk Management, Cybersecurity Framework, Cyber Threat Detection,
Cyber Resilience, Cybersecurity Strategy |
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
In
today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical
concern for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. The
increasing reliance on digital technologies and the internet has exposed users
to a wide array of cyber threats, ranging from malware and phishing attacks to
sophisticated state-sponsored cyber espionage and ransomware. These threats
have significant implications, including financial losses, data breaches,
disruption of critical infrastructure, and erosion of trust in digital systems.
As
cyber threats become more complex and pervasive, traditional cybersecurity
measures are often insufficient to protect against the evolving landscape of
digital attacks. This necessitates the development of more comprehensive and
adaptive frameworks for threat mitigation. The complexity of modern cyber
threats requires an integrated approach that combines technological,
organizational, and human factors to enhance the overall security posture.
The
cybersecurity policies are required to a certain extent because the number of
cyber threats has increased in the last several years. Since everything that
transpires in an organization is potentially susceptible to internal and
external threats, prevention measures are required more than ever Mishra et al. (2022). In the contemporary landscape,
the use of information technologies in the modern world, such as
digitalization, has become an inseparable part of people's lives Verma & S. Sangle (2023). This phenomenon, widely known
as Digital Transformation (DT), explains the integration of various digital
abilities into traditional processes, thereby revolutionizing how different
businesses, governments, and individuals operate. Although DT presents the
possibility of drastic increases in productivity and an innovative future for
convenience, it simultaneously intertwines various entries that put the key
infrastructures at risk.
However,
Kaloudi & Li (2020) found that one of the issues of
greatest concern within this framework is the increasing threat landscape of
cybersecurity.
As
organizations strive to embrace the benefits of the digitalization trend, the
threat vector for cyber threats expands exponentially. The connectivity of
devices, the continuous emergence of smart devices, the uses of cloud
technology, and advent of IoT devices has led to the creation of a
sophisticated environment, where security breaches have far-reaching
consequences Schiller et al. (2022). New trends like remote work
and the decentralization of data storage further increase cybersecurity
personnel's difficulties. In this context, defining and describing the
multifaceted challenges that appear due to the symbiotic relationship between
digitalization and cybersecurity becomes crucial. However, modern threat actors
struggle with the high volume of cyber threats, while smart utilities, ICSs,
and SCADA systems remain vulnerable to the attacks Knapp (2024). It is still among those few
crucial infrastructures that can easily be noted or play important roles.
Therefore, the research data gathered so far is of immense value in supporting
the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
Furthermore,
Alsirhani et al. (2023) proposed another framework for
exposure of the vulnerabilities of smart grid. Imaging with feature-based
methods and deep learning algorithms is introduced in one part of the strategy
with the AVOA-DBN-LSTM model. Hossain et al. (2023) also pointed out the increasing
demand for ML in enhancing cybersecurity in today’s Smart Grids. By including
the evaluated approaches of the different machine learning, the experts
recommend developing attack prediction models. Deep transfer learning (DTL)
performance in an ICS environment was discussed in research conducted by Gao et al. (2023). Researchers were able to look
at the current developments with this approach and at possible future
directions that could be considered hot topics.
Moreover,
Ferrag & Maglaras (2023) explore the benefits of
integrating Blockchain technology into administering intrusion detection
systems (IDS) employing federated learning over IoT networks. This research
paper seeks to discover the varied areas of cybersecurity threats in the
digital transformation era. By synthesizing the current literature, empirical
data, and case studies, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of
the evolving threat landscape
This
study is aimed at developing a robust cybersecurity framework that utilizes
state-of-the-art threat mitigation techniques to enhance digital defense mechanisms and its objectives of are: -
1) To examine the current
cybersecurity frameworks and identify their limits in mitigating modern cyber
threats.
2) To Change a structured framework
encompassing proactive measures for threat detection, response, and recovery.
1.3. Problem Statement
Despite
efforts in cybersecurity, existing threat mitigation strategies often fall
short of addressing the evolving nature of cyber threats. Old-fashioned
approaches, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are no longer sufficient
to protect against modern attacks. The nature and intensity of the threat
landscape necessitate enhanced strategies that can adapt and respond to
real-time threats Kayode-Ajala (2023). It is also important to
properly organize the concept and make it as flexible and easy to implement as
possible due to the fast-changing character of cyber threats. However, the idea
of an ecosystem remains inconsequential in shaping an architectural approach
towards cybersecurity. The rush to increase cybersecurity's intensity is
paramount and necessary because the current security measures cannot
effectively neutralize sophisticated attackers. This is so because the existing
substitutes are inadequate in some ways for offering the much-needed safeguards.
2. Literature review
2.1. Existing literature on threat mitigation approaches, frameworks, and technologies
The
robust cyber security measure can't be overstated in the rapidly evolving
landscape of digital environments. With the increasing sophistication and
complexity of cyber threats, there is a need to enhance existing threat
mitigation approaches, technologies, and frameworks. This literature review
aims to comprehensively examine current methodologies, evaluate their
weaknesses and strengths, and identify gaps in the research study that present
opportunities for improvement.
2.1.1. Proactive and Reactive Measures
Hider & Shabir (2024) provide an extensive overview
of cybersecurity threats and mitigation techniques, emphasizing the importance
of a dual approach comprising proactive and reactive measures. The proactive
measures aim to prevent cyber threats before they occur. This incorporates
predictive analytics and machine learning to monitor traffic and user activity
to predict attacks that might arise by spotting patterns or weird network
movements Mazhar et al. (2023). As such, machine learning
algorithms may be adjusted according to the historical data websites and could,
in turn, detect early signals of a hacking attempt, such as atypical login
patterns or data transfers to strange locations. Of course, they are part of
the early warning system for airborne attacks and misled the chance of success.
Furthermore, these systems often require vast RAM space and complicated
programming skills to be utilized Jimmy (2024). Some difficulties in smoothly
conducting them are the amount of memory and the high level of programming
skills needed.
2.1.2. Hybrid Approaches
As
noted by Safitra et al. (2023), using hybrid solutions that
prevent various types of destruction plays the most important role among the
different prevention methods. These approaches combine different detection
methods, such as signature-based, anomaly-based, and behaviour-based detection,
to enhance overall security. Signature-based detection includes comparing the
incoming data against a database of known malware signatures, making it highly
efficient in dealing with known threats. However, it falls short in detecting
new or unknown threats, where anomaly-based and behaviour-based detections come
into play.
The
anomaly-based technique identifies deviations from normal behaviour patterns
within a system or the network, thus introducing a new form of threat detection
Hajj et al. (2021). Behaviour-based detection
analyses the actions of applications and users to identify malicious activities
based on deviations from legitimate behaviours. By introducing these methods,
hybrid approaches incorporate the advantages of each technique, improving the
detection accuracy and fewer false positives.
2.1.3. NIST Framework
The
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework for improving
critical infrastructures cybersecurity, updated in 2018, remains a cornerstone
in cybercrime. The NIST framework advocates for a risk-based cybersecurity
approach, emphasizing the need for organizations to manage and reduce
cybersecurity risk cost-effectively. The framework is structured around five
core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover Saritac et al. (2022). The Identify function means
obtaining the obscure portrait that indicates networking systems, data,
facilities, and capabilities analyzed. Its functions
comprise the following: asset management, risk analysis and governance. The
Protect function involves deploying adequate security measures to ensure the
critical infrastructure's operation is exploited to acquire the right
information, including access control, data, and maintenance. The Detect
function is to designate the scheduled observation of cybersecurity incidents
events, constant monitoring and performing of the detection procedures and
events, and events management organization Kordestani & Saif (2021).
The
case study presented by Hemberg et al. (2024) underscores the continuous
learning and adapting concept of Cybersecurity by emphasizing advances in AI,
analytics, threat discovery, vulnerability and mitigation knowledge, hunting,
and simulations. They establish that the evolutionary feature of cyber threats
necessarily requires constant improvement and modification of strategies for
detecting threats and mitigation. According to Kinyua & Awuah (2021), advanced analytics and
simulation software are crucial in mitigating and responding to threat
detection and response capabilities. Cyber analytics involves using big data
techniques to analyze vast amounts of security data,
identifying patterns and correlations that may indicate a threat. In addition, Ukwandu et al. (2020) found that virtual experiments,
like cyber range drills, are the techniques that would simulate attacks and
verify how well organizations would be able to face the challenge, helping to
discover the hidden problems and improve their response.
2.2. Limitations, Strengths and Weakness of Cyber-Attacks
Despite
the literature's variety, some shared pros and cons of the emerging
technologies to the present threat mitigation systems can be identified. The
primary techniques discussed models include signature-based detection,
anomaly-based detection, behavior-based detection,
and hybrid approaches. Each method from this category would possess particular advantages and restrictions that would affect
their efficiency differently in various cybersecurity situations.
Signature-based
detection is one of the oldest and quite conventional approaches compared to
others and is widely deployed in Cybersecurity Applebaum et al. (2021). This method utilizes a
database with recorded malware signatures, consisting of code fragments or even
strings of code known to be unique for each malicious software. By doing that
way, when incoming data suits an identifiable signature, the system marks it as
a threat. The main strength of signature-based detection is a very high level
of accuracy when distinguishing known threats. It is considered efficient, easy
to implement and can scan and compare large numbers of data against the
signature database.
According
to Debas et al. (2024), the anomaly-based detection
technique addresses some of the limitations of situational-based approaches by
focusing on discovering the system's anomaly or network behaviour. Such
surveillance implicates creating a normal baseline of activity and then identifying
any leaks that might signify a potential danger in time. The main advantage of
anomaly-based detection is that it can discover new and unidentified threats,
including advanced or previously unseen attacks, by recognizing unknown threats
or behaviors that may signify abnormal patterns or behaviors Zoppi et al. (2021).
However,
anomaly-based detection does not come without challenges, even when it is so
effective. As per Ortega Vázquez et al. (2023), another problem worth noting
is an overestimated rate of false positives. Normal network activities are
likely to vary greatly, and not each departure from the base of record points
exclusively on approaching a computer threat. Such deviation-related systems
often trigger wrong alarms that confuse the benign behaviors
and become suspicious threats, which may lead to burned alerts and distraction
to security teams only to real threats Martins et al. (2022). Moreover, this process
necessitates fine-tuning to the degree that it can identify if the anomaly is a
normal deviation or a proven threat. Such expertise needs ongoing adjustment.
Behaviour-based
monitoring stretches out anomaly detection rules set to respond only to
abnormal actions of applications and users Borgi (2021). This approach involves looking
for things that the expected pattern should never exceed, such as app executing
and user activities not happening from normal procedural behaviour. Behavior-based detection is particularly against advanced
persistent threats (APTs) and other malicious attacks which are being
correlated to unconventional models.
To
mitigate the weaknesses of individual detection methods, many cybersecurity
professionals and teams should follow the same path of hybrid method detection
that combines several detection techniques. Hybrid systems leverage
signature-based, anomaly-based, and behaviour-based detection strengths to
enhance robustness and accuracy Jeffrey et al. (2023). For instance, a hybrid system
might use signatory-based detection systems for known threats, anomalous
intrusion systems to uncover peculiar traffic patterns and user
activity-monitoring intrusion systems.
Hybrid
approaches not only reveal increases in the detection precision but also reduce
false positives. By cross-referencing various detection approaches, hybrid
systems can provide a more comprehensive view of potential threats, increasing
the likelihood of identifying genuine attacks while minimizing false alarms Ahmad et al. (2024).
2.3. Gaps and research opportunities
In
the era of unending new technology breakthroughs, there are still some sectors
where research gaps persist in the cybersecurity landscape. Yet, the most
important part of building a mechanism that can save lives is to make it
incredibly accurate in spotting potential threats in real-time and working well
under complex circumstances, as per Talaat & ZainEldin
(2023). The problem nowadays is
adversaries have dramatically increased their capacity to carry out attacks
since normal processors of modern cyber threats currently cannot react promptly
and adaptably against them. Hence, security issues arise when they need to
respond to these threats. Moreover, high false-positive rates become a
significant threat, specifically for anomaly- or behaviour-based detection
methods Jeffrey et al. (2024). Such false alarms will invoke
a higher workload on security staff as they shift their attention from actual
security cues to higher non-issue alerts, and the systems have a higher chance
of missing a serious issue.
Indeed,
cybercrime threats continue to evolve in complexity and sophistication; there
is a demand for an adaptable and scalable approach to threat mitigation
solutions Aslan et al. (2023). As more networks are scaled,
the existing frameworks will experience challenges. Such challenges include the
increased sizes and complexities caused by the expansion of nodes, highlighting
the need for innovative approaches to ensure effectiveness across diverse
environments. However, Jamshed et al. (2022) found that while these
technologies can hold the key to sustainable use of wireless sensor networks,
their abilities must be considered. This can be done by studying emerging
technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing that
can address the security frameworks' diverse needs and enhance the existing
security systems. Integrating such technologies can revolutionize real-time
monitoring of threats, but future research is still needed to fully understand
their practical applications and implications.
Yet,
the priority is to find methods to prevent conformity threats, considering all
data protection rules and privacy laws particularities Aslan et al. (2023). It is so hard to find the
right balance between the asymmetric cyber security strategy and the privacy of
the general public people which becomes an ever more
complicated issue to solve. However, it demands multidimensional work and nice
approaches to problems.
2.4. Opportunities for Improvement
According
to Catal et al. (2023), several new strategies can be
developed to cover cybersecurity knowledge gaps. Firstly, by using the
advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence and placing on
more efficient and accurate risk alerting models. Such models will automatically
adapt to evolving threats in real time, reducing the false positives and
maximizing the effectiveness of the cybersecurity mechanisms. In addition,
sharing intelligence and data among organizations can improve cybersecurity
resilience at the collective level Nova (2022). The community members pool
their information findings and share them in the system. Whereby the cyber
network is diagnosed effectively, with the rise in resilience of a cyber network as a whole.
The
innovative use of blockchain technology is considered another opportunity for
improvement. By forming secure and tamper-proof network activities, blockchain
can be important in tracking potential hazards increasing transparency and
accountability in cybersecurity operations. Moreover, a tremendous passion for
quantum-resistant algorithms formation is a must for dealing with future issues
caused by quantum computing How & Cheah (2023). With the accelerating
development of quantum computing, the existing cryptographic methods may no
longer be secure, as hackers might use quantum technology to attack the system.
As a result, the quantum era must be prepared, requiring much more robust encryption
technology. Implementing the opportunities presented by this issue, the society
of cyber security professionals will be able to expand the quality of threat
mitigation efforts and prevent the noxious impact of digital environments from
emerging cyber threats worldwide Nova (2022). Collaboration, innovation, and
the readiness to keep perfecting the systems will be important for creating
tough and relaxed cyberspace setups where routine and achievable goals will be
met in the future.
3. Theoretical framework
The
theoretical framework is the main factor for understanding and addressing the
cyber threat in the digital environment. It integrates key concepts from three
primary domains: Cybersecurity, risk management, and threat intelligence. This
integrated approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the threat
landscape and effective mitigation strategies.
3.1. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity encompasses a vast bundle of different approaches, methods, tools, and procedures applied to protect systems, networks, and data from a wide spectrum of cyber threats that constantly threaten the digital environment. Cyber security is tooled with several fundamentals that defend against uninvited access, data breaches, and other cyber threats Shaikh et al. (2021). The Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability Triad, or the CIA Triad, is one of the first principles to follow, comprising the elements above. Confidentiality provides the private information sanctity only to the authorized person, and is protected from unauthorized disclosure or access. This can be achieved through encryption, access control, and strong authentication. Integrity involves managing data with accuracy and completeness throughout its lifecycle Duggineni (2023). It prevents data alteration by creating data integrity processes, such as hash function, digital signature and checksums, to detect and prevent unauthorized modifications. Availability is the ability of the authorized person who needs this information and resources to get it whenever and wherever it is. This will give a lesser chance of downtime, making the critical services smoother and smooth functioning. Introducing redundancy, load-balancing, and selecting an appropriate distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) shield are crucial in maintaining increased availability.
3.2. Risk Management
Risk management in Cybersecurity is a systematic process involving diagnosing risks, evaluating their effects, addressing the most pressing issues, and implementing controls to preclude mishaps. It offers a risk management framework for treating uncertainty, which helps avoid any threat from exploitation of the organizational assets. Risk assessment lies in the first position in risk management, as it involves the determination of potential threats to information assets, evaluating their probability of occurrence and the association of possible impacts of each threat with an objective measure Landoll (2021). The phase of the process includes asset identification, when an organization identifies and evaluates the fundamental assets critical to the successful running and purposes of the organization; threat analysis, which involves understanding and identifying the different types of threats that could lead to an unexpected loss for these assets; vulnerability assessment identifies weaknesses which could potentially be exploited; and risk estimation that entails combining the likelihood and impact to prioritize the risks. As per Xie et al. (2021), technologies and methodologies like risk matrices, heat maps and quantitative risk analysis models are usually introduced as supporting systems to assist decision-making.
After the risks have been identified and assessed, Risk Mitigation Strategies are formed to mitigate any further risks in the accepted level range. The solutions might include technical control, administrative control, and physical control. Devising an effective approach to risk minimization is based on either the reduction of the probability of a risk happening or the reduction of its influence Benami et al. (2021). This involves using different security controls, such as preventive, detective and corrective controls, which have been used to remediate vulnerabilities.
3.3. Threat Intelligence
According to Zhao et al. (2020), threat intelligence involves collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on present attacks and future threats to the organization. These procedures are key in allowing the organization to make well-calculated decisions to prevent cyber-attacks. Such choices, especially those which are actionable, are based on the "threat trend landscape. The threat landscape is the unstable and constantly changing extent of threats that a company is exposed to. Understanding the threat landscape involves following all the new threats spread, the techniques, tactics, and procedures used by the attackers, and the overall trends of cyber threats Kaloudi & Li (2020). This knowledge is considered necessary for the arranging of response and prevention measures. The threat intelligence feeds, security reports, and threat databases can act as the compass for an organization to stay on track of the latest developments in the cybercrime scene.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are forensic data such as logs or hashes that could hint at a compromise to a system. IOCs involve traffic patrols, file patterns, bizarre IP addresses, and abnormal login activities. Monitoring and identifying IOCs enables the detection of incidents more rapidly and early, which limits the damage a cyberattack can cause. Additionally, Asiri et al. (2023) found that IOCs are useful hints that indicate the emergence of harmful intrusion activities promptly in the attack lifecycle.
The theoretical framework underpinning the dissertation research, "Towards Improved Threat Mitigation in Digital Environments: A Comprehensive Framework for Cybersecurity Enhancement," is a cornerstone that influences all the research components. Through Cybersecurity, risk management, and threat intelligence concepts, this framework supplies a broad approach that wraps problem-solving around cybersecurity consequences in the digital environment.
3.4. Mapping Threats to Controls
According to Ullah et al. (2021), at the fundamental level of the framework, there is an ability to match identified threats with security controls and risk management strategies. It includes the threat intelligence acquisition to gain insight into the constantly changing threat landscape. Through data monitoring and analysis of threat data, organizations can identify new threats, understand their tactics and techniques, and align the correct security controls to mitigate them Kunduru (2023). To illustrate, if a threat actor is found to use a specific weakness within a particular software, organizations can go ahead with further patching or updating the respective operating system, considering the preventive measures. Risk management in Cybersecurity involves mapping the threats towards controls; hence, an approach is put into place targeting issues and resources are judiciously allocated to address the critical challenges.
3.5. Informed Decision-Making
A proper work environment with risk management aspects embedded into its framework guides the organization’s decision-making processes. Through the assessment of and the quantified risks based on their possible impact and probability, risk management provides information for educated decisions regarding the strategy of risk mitigation Ganesh & Kalpana (2022). Enterprises can set agendas considering the level of risk for each threat and funnel their resources where the high-risk threats may have a critical impact on their activity. Such a risk-assessment approach guarantees that limited resources are used for risky areas to increase the efficiency of mitigation efforts. In addition, risk management practices furnish an organized procedure for assessing the cost-benefit risk area using various mitigation strategies, thus enabling organizations to make well-informed decisions according to their strategic objectives Zeng et al. (2023).
3.6. Proactive Threat Mitigation
One of the main features of the integrated theoretical framework is the emphasis on the complex strategy of threat mitigation. By combining cybersecurity defences with proactive threat intelligence capacities, organizations can be proactive against Cybersecurity and intercept and prepare for potential threats before they appear McCall Jr (2022). Threat intelligence has a role in security controls and risk management processes, hence facilitating enterprises to pinpoint the emergence of threats in their operations, analyse the operating principle of the threats and develop preventive measures. Thus, this timely approach enables organizations to stay on the step of the adversaries, so their vulnerability is reduced, and the consequences of security incidents will be reduced Kalla & Kuraku (2023). In addition, risk preventive measures promote the organization’s resilience as they make possible up-to-date threat detection and response, thus preventing wide-ranging damage or disruption of normal operations.
4. Holistic framework for enhancing threat mitigation in digital environments
The framework's structure is built on a holistic approach that interconnects various cybersecurity segments to stand against a unified and cohesive strategy for threat mitigation Domínguez-Dorado et al. (2022). By combining risk management, threat intelligence, and incident response, the framework ensures that all cybersecurity aspects are addressed synergistically. As for the meaning of risk management, it is stated that risk management seeks to know its risks and provide a means to assess the risks so that actions can be taken in advance. Threat intelligence informs users of new threats and attack vectors, enabling informed and timely decision-making. The incident response ensures that when a threat does materialize, the organization can react promptly and effectively to mitigate and contain the damage.
This framework also contains a layered defense mechanism, which incorporates multiple security measures layers to prevent different types of threats. These measures guard the network, for instance, firewalls and intrusion alarms, endpoint protection like antivirus software and device management, and data security practices such as encryption and access controls Kumar & Somani (2022). However, by implementing these layers, the framework ensures comprehensive coverage, making it difficult for the attacker to penetrate the defenses. Each layer acts as a barrier, and if one layer is crossed, there are still more layers, which would ensure that some operations are not likely to occur, diminishing the chances of attacks massively.
In addition, the framework is flexible and expandable; also, it is considered capable of upgrading capacity according to the existing and new threats. Due to the increasing emergence of new threats that relate to cybercrime, the framework needs to enhance the aspect by responding to some of the changes Tsakalidis et al. (2019). This adaptability is the major focus of the security measures put in place and constantly monitored for improvements using the existing technologies and intelligence. Also, it is an adaptable framework since it is malleable to encompass any organization's structure and size. As with a small business or a big enterprise, one needs to understand that the framework can be easily scaled up or scaled down to maintain some levels of protection without losing the effectiveness of its functioning. This scalability makes it possible for the framework to be responsive to the ever-evolving organizations' size and challenging digital landscapes, making them capable of effectively responding to cyber threats.
5. CONCLUSION
In this research, we have thoroughly examined the complexities of the modern cybersecurity landscape and the pressing need for enhanced threat mitigation strategies. Our comprehensive framework, "Towards Improved Threat Mitigation in Digital Environments: A Comprehensive Framework for Cybersecurity Enhancement," seeks to address the shortcomings of existing cybersecurity measures and propose robust solutions that leverage advanced technologies and methodologies.
The background and problem statement highlighted the inadequacies of traditional cybersecurity measures in combating sophisticated and evolving cyber threats. The study underscored the necessity of integrating technological, organizational, and human factors to develop a more adaptive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
Through a detailed literature review, we explored various threat mitigation approaches, including proactive and reactive measures, hybrid detection methods, the NIST framework, and continuous learning and adaptation. We identified the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies and recognized the need for a multifaceted approach to effectively address modern cyber threats.
Our proposed comprehensive framework integrates key
concepts from cybersecurity, risk management, and threat intelligence,
emphasizing a layered defense mechanism, real-time
monitoring, and proactive threat hunting.
6. FUTURE WORK
To ensure the successful implementation and continual improvement of the proposed comprehensive framework, we recommend the following actions: Adopt Advanced Technologies; Continuous Training and Awareness Programs; Enhance Threat Intelligence Sharing; Implement a Layered Defense Strategy; Regularly Update Security Policies and Procedures; Invest in Proactive Threat Hunting; Conduct Regular Security Audits and Assessments; Promote a Culture of Cybersecurity; Utilize Simulation and Testing and Stay Informed of Regulatory Changes: Organizations should stay informed of regulatory changes and ensure compliance with relevant cybersecurity laws and standards. Adapting to new regulations promptly can prevent legal repercussions and enhance the organization’s overall security posture.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
None.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
None.
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