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Chuck Matthews
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) message is clear—while EDR and host-based tools are important, they’re not enough.
CISA Finally Said It: Host-Based Security Alone Isn’t Enough
It’s finally out in the open, and this time, it’s straight from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). A truth we’ve been highlighting for years: relying solely on host-based security tools is a dangerous gamble.
CISA’s Red Team recently conducted a thorough assessment of a major critical infrastructure organization, and the findings were clear:
“The organization relied too heavily on host-based endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions and did not implement sufficient network layer protections.”
The report reveals an even more troubling detail:
“Hosts with a legacy operating system without a local EDR solution” allowed attackers to persist undetected in the organization’s environment for weeks.
That’s a chilling wake-up call.
Read CISA's full report:
Enhancing Cyber Resilience: Insights from CISA Red Team Assessment of a US Critical Infrastructure Sector Organization
The Big Takeaway: Balance is Key
CISA’s message is clear—while EDR and host-based tools are important, they’re not enough. A robust security strategy requires network layer security tools to monitor and protect the broader environment. The report specifically notes that a network-based solution could have detected the Red Team’s malicious payloads, preventing weeks of undetected activity.
In fact, the report identifies 12 additional missed opportunities where network-based tools could have caught anomalous traffic, suspicious connections, and other malicious activity. That’s a dozen red flags that went unnoticed because the organization’s security lacked the depth that network monitoring provides.
Don’t Forget the Human Element
The report also stresses the need for skilled personnel:
“Organizations’ staff need to continuously enhance their technical competency, gain additional institutional knowledge of their systems, and ensure they are provided sufficient resources by management to adequately protect their networks.”
Translation? Even the best tools won’t deliver results without experienced professionals who know how to use them effectively.
Ready to Level Up Your Security?
If CISA’s findings hit close to home, now is the time to act. PacketWatch specializes in providing both the network security tools and the expert support you need to close the gaps in your defenses.
Our solutions integrate seamlessly with your host-based tools, creating a unified security posture that detects and eliminates threats faster and more effectively. With both host and network coverage, you’ll have the complete visibility and expertise required to stay ahead of today’s sophisticated attackers.
Let us help you protect what matters most. Call PacketWatch today, and let’s build a security strategy that works for you.
Chuck Matthews is the CEO of PacketWatch, a cybersecurity firm specializing in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Incident Response, leveraging their proprietary network monitoring platform. With over 35 years of executive experience, Matthews excels in aligning technology with strategic business goals and is a recognized leader in cybersecurity. Chuck has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, focusing on topics like cybersecurity legislation and best practices.