How to navigate cybersecurity technology and help manage rising threats

Looking more deeply into cyber threats disguised as shiny things

The lure of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and other emerging technologies to create elevated products and services is very real, but so is their ability to drastically decrease the probability of human error.

Adoption of this technology can leave organizations exposed to cyber and compliance risks that are anything but artificial. Moreover, these risks are compounded by a growing number of sophisticated attackers who use the same technologies to exploit vulnerabilities faster than ever before.

The more businesses operate in a digital reality, the more surface area there is for nefarious players to attack. As technology becomes more advanced, the attacks themselves are becoming more sophisticated. Cyber teams need to refocus, taking on more strategic, proactive roles while leveraging AI to stay ahead of the threats that it also poses. 

Ensuring regulatory compliance, rising to the risk mitigation challenge

Regulatory and compliance pressures are not just checkboxes – failing to meet them can result in fines, loss of customer trust and halted operations. In addition to the business consequences, regulatory noncompliance now carries the threat of reputational damage, as more consumers demand transparency and accountability from the companies they support. As threats evolve, compliance also becomes a strategic advantage. Organizations that elevate their cybersecurity to meet these demands can turn risk into opportunity, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

But increasingly complex legislation, both state and international, stretches already-thin cybersecurity resources, leaving businesses vulnerable unless they adopt innovative, resilient solutions. To mitigate these evolving risks, a custom-tailored approach must be taken, blending cybersecurity solutions that fit within a company’s existing framework.

Calling in the cybersecurity cavalry

At the end of the day, businesses must focus on their business. Yet, they must also direct attention to cyber threats and regulatory restraints. The common issue is that businesses often have limited resources to devote to this. In light of the growing risks, organizations are turning to external cyber expertise. The key question is no longer “Do we bring in vendors to help?” but rather “Which ones will best meet our needs?”

Finding the right mix for risk mitigation

At last count, there were more than 2,000 technologies available to help combat cyber threats. With so many options, it can be overwhelming for businesses to navigate the right tools and failing to choose correctly can lead to integration issues, causing more harm than good. So how do you find the right fit? And just as important, how do you integrate these solutions into your existing systems without causing disruptions?

Choosing cybersecurity technology is about more than just picking a vendor; it’s about ensuring that your choice supports business growth, not slows it down. The market is flooded with cybersecurity products and services and with an overwhelming number of options, the challenge is more than finding the right tools; it’s also about making sure they work for your specific needs.

The answer lies in combining risk mitigation, regulatory compliance and business goals. It’s not about going it alone. As the saying goes, if you want to go far, you need to go together – with a well-rounded cybersecurity approach that supports long-term resilience.

Thinking together through cybersecurity threats

As cybersecurity threats grow more complex, many organizations are finding clarity by using an ecosystem approach instead of relying on isolated technologies or managing different vendors for each solution. Employing an ecosystem approach is a strategic decision that reflects a company's commitment to addressing these evolving cybersecurity challenges head-on.

At EY, an ecosystem approach to solving clients’ cybersecurity issues involves leveraging the strength and experience of our alliance partners and stakeholders to create comprehensive security readiness. Such an ecosystem could include technology partners, industry organizations, law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity vendors.

EY teams craft bespoke cybersecurity ecosystems by carefully selecting the right mix of tech vendors and tools to fit each client's unique cyber challenges and existing systems. With established relationships among more than 27 tech companies, EY teams act as a guide, staying ahead of the curve to preemptively tackle emerging cyber threats. Clients trust us to understand their specific needs. Ecosystems are unique, and no single ecosystem mirrors another exactly. That’s because ecosystems are orchestrated around particular circumstances, capabilities and strengths, along with individual challenges and goals.

Because every organization has its own mix of tools, partners and goals, finding the right fit requires careful integration. It’s not about picking one technology or vendor but about bringing together the right resources to address specific needs. Trying to manage cybersecurity alone can leave you overwhelmed, unsure which solutions are right for your business or how they fit into your current setup. By leveraging an ecosystem, businesses benefit from a coordinated network of technologies and strategies, allowing them to focus on growth while reducing the burden of technical details.

This approach goes beyond just mitigating risks. It creates a dynamic cybersecurity framework where all elements work together toward your business objectives. When properly applied, ecosystems not only provide superior security but also yield measurable business benefits, such as increased revenue and reduced operational costs. Ecosystems reduce technical debt, streamline operations and bring structure to an otherwise fragmented process.

If your organization has multiple cyber goals, distinct ecosystems can be orchestrated to address each one, ensuring that no threat is overlooked. Because you’re able to see more clearly, ecosystems can help uncover more opportunities to mitigate threats before they escalate.

Using cybersecurity as a catalyst for looking closer at technology

Managing cybersecurity effectively isn’t just about defending against attacks. It’s about turning these challenges into opportunities to improve how technology drives your business forward. Integrating cybersecurity solutions shouldn’t just protect your operations – it should also make your business more agile and efficient. Ecosystems offer a way to not only manage cyber risks but also to deploy technology that strengthens your operations. By taking a holistic approach, businesses can stay ahead of evolving threats while reinforcing their core capabilities.

Together, we can build a cohesive strategy that not only defends against current threats but also anticipates future ones. We combine strategy and insights with the right technology to effectively confront the cybersecurity challenges of today while preparing for those on the horizon. By tapping into our shared knowledge, we help you concentrate on managing your business with confidence.