Learning from cyber security incidents: A systematic review and future research agenda

In the modern digitized world, cyber threats are still looming around, challenging organizations' security protocols worldwide. 

“The global average cost of data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, a 10% increase over the last year and the highest total ever!”IBM

And no organization, big or small, is safe from this! 

As cyberattacks become more frequent and complex, learning from previous cyber security incidents is critical. Organizations must investigate breaches, determine their causes, and take proactive steps to reduce future cyber-attacks. Prioritizing information security is essential to safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining customer trust, and ensuring regulatory compliance in an increasingly digital world with increased cyber-attacks. 

Today, let's examine previous cyber security incidents, extract essential lessons, and propose a plan to improve incident response. 

What are cyber security incidents? 

A cyber security event is any unauthorized access, breach, or attack jeopardizing digital systems and data's confidentiality, integrity, or availability. Such occurrences disrupt operations, result in financial losses, and reduce stakeholder trust. 

Common types of cyberattacks 

• Phishing attacks 

These use deceptive emails that deceive users into disclosing their confidential information. 

• Ransomware attacks 

Involves encrypting data without user consent and demanding a ransom payment for the decryption of data. 

• Insider threats 

They are defined as employees or contractors who misuse access for malevolent intentions. 

• DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks 

DDoS includes overloading a network to interrupt services. 

• Supply chain attacks 

Using third-party providers to infiltrate organizations. 

Impact of cybersecurity breaches 

Financial losses – may include ransomware payments, regulatory fines, or business downtime. 

Reputational damage – loss of customer trust and market credibility. 

Operational disruptions – include halted services and affected workflows. 

Societal consequences – include the exposure of personal data, which affects people all around the world. 

Systematic review of past cyber security incidents 

Security analysts examine cyber incidents using various frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK and The Cyber Kill Chain. 

Common themes across cyber incidents 

The common themes that can be found in each of these cyber incidents include: 

• Lack of preparedness – Many organizations lack incident response playbooks. 
• Delayed detection – Threats often go unnoticed until significant damage is done. 
• Ineffective response strategies – Organizations struggle with containment and recovery. 

Lessons learnt from past incidents 

Numerous past information security incidents have affected organizations and threatened their success in the competitive market. However, there's so much we can learn from these experiences to protect your business from similar challenges. Let's explore the insights together and ensure a brighter, more secure future! 

Successful mitigation and response strategies: what works and why? 

• Rapid incident detection and containment 

Speed is critical! 

Organizations that leverage automated threat detection and response systems can swiftly identify and contain threats before they escalate. For instance, companies with a well-defined and regularly tested cybersecurity incident response plan experience significantly reduced downtime and financial losses. 

“Human error causes 95% of cybersecurity breaches.”IBM

• Comprehensive employee training and awareness programs

As per IBM, if you somehow mitigate human error related to cybersecurity breaches, businesses can efficiently resolve 19 out of 20 cyberattacks timely. Taking the proactive measures to enhance the user awareness using phishing simulators and clear reporting protocols reduces phishing attacks. 

• Proactive security patching and updates 

Many breaches take advantage of outdated software. Companies like Microsoft and Apple often provide security patches to mitigate the security vulnerabilities in their applications, underlining the significance of regular updates. 

Critical mistakes that exacerbate the damage: what not to do? 

• Delayed breach detection and response 

Did you know the average time to detect a breach is 207 days? IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 confirms the notion! 

Delayed detection gives attackers additional time to exploit systems, resulting in more damage. 

• Ineffective communication and transparency failures 

Hiding breaches undermines consumer trust. The infamous Equifax hack deteriorated due to delayed notifications, resulting in reputational and legal ramifications. 

• Ignoring industry-wide threat intelligence 

Organizations not participating in information-sharing networks are more likely to experience recurrent attacks due to a lack of awareness of emerging threats. 

The power of threat intelligence sharing: strength in collaboration 

• Industry-wide intelligence networks and Government and private sector partnerships 

Cybersecurity is not a competitive space; collaboration is key. Platforms like Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) provide a central resource for gathering information on cyber threats (in many cases to critical infrastructure) as well as allow two-way sharing of information between the private and the public sector about root causes, incidents and threats, as well as sharing experience, knowledge and analysis. 

Future research agenda in cyber security 

You must understand the latest cyber security incidents, analyze them thoroughly, and learn to respond effectively. Here are crucial areas for improvement that all organizations need to know! 

Emerging cybersecurity risks: the next wave of threats 

• AI-driven cyber threats 

AI-powered malware, deepfake phishing, and automated hacking tools can outpace traditional defense mechanisms. 

• Quantum computing’s impact on encryption 

Quantum technology has the potential to break widely used encryption standards, necessitating quantum-resistant cryptography. 

• IoT and supply chain vulnerabilities 

As IoT adoption grows, so does the attack surface. This will increase the security risks and failures to contain breaches. 

Underexplored areas in cyber security research

• Post-incident impact analysis 

What are the long-term financial, operational, and reputational consequences of cyber breaches? With an effective cybersecurity incident response plan, you can mitigate the risk. 

• Human factors in cybersecurity 

Understanding psychological factors behind poor cyber hygiene (e.g., password reuse and clicking phishing links) can help develop better training programs. 

• Automated incident response and AI-powered threat mitigation 

How can AI be leveraged for real-time cybersecurity incident response services? With this crucial information, businesses and enterprises can detect breaches timely, saving their millions. 

Innovative technologies shaping the future of cyber defense 

• Blockchain for cybersecurity

Ensuring integrity, safeguarding digital identities, and mitigating tampering risks in critical systems. 

• Zero trust architecture 

Eliminating implicit trust by implementing continuous risk-adaptive authentication, device posture assessment, and real-time policy enforcement based on identity, behavior analytics, and contextual security signals. 

• Next-generation threat intelligence platforms 

AI-powered predictive cybersecurity tools leverage machine learning algorithms, big data analytics, and behavioral analysis to detect, predict, and respond to cyber threats in real time. These tools continuously analyze vast datasets, including network traffic, endpoint activities, and threat intelligence feeds, to identify attack patterns, emerging threats, and anomalies. 

Get engaged with a premium cyber security incident response services provider to get more details! 

Cybersecurity policy and governance 

• Harmonized global cybersecurity laws 

A fragmented legal landscape hinders cybersecurity enforcement due to regulatory inconsistencies. Initiatives like the EU’s NIS2 Directive address this by standardizing frameworks, improving threat intelligence sharing, and strengthening incident response to enhance cross-border cooperation and resilience. 

• Ethical considerations in cyber security 

Striking a balance between security, user privacy, and digital rights in data collection and surveillance practices. 

Building a cyber-resilient future: strategies for organizations 

Comprehensive employee information security awareness training 

Regular cybersecurity workshops, phishing simulations, and clear reporting guidelines can strengthen your cybersecurity. 

Implementing zero trust security models 

Implement multifactor authentication and access controls for every user. It will prevent sudden break-ins in your system, overriding your security protocols. 

Regular penetration testing and security audits 

Simulated cyberattacks help organizations uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. This can save businesses from facing their nightmares of data breaches and secure their digital assets. 

Enhancing public-private sector collaboration

Stronger partnerships between governments, industries, and research institutions to combat evolving cyber threats. 

Investment in cybersecurity R&D

Support cutting-edge innovation in AI-driven threat detection, post-quantum encryption, and autonomous security systems. 

Navigate the cyber security landscape like a pro!

Cybersecurity is a continual battle against ever evolving cyber threats that necessitate constant learning and adaptability. 

As cyber threats grow, firms must prioritize cybersecurity incident response, invest in new security solutions, and promote an awareness culture. 

At NETSOL, we can make the digital landscape safer for businesses and individuals by implementing lessons learned from security incidents occurred globally and advancing future research. Contact us today to get your digital infrastructure inspected and secured before it's too late!