Enhancing Cybersecurity Resilience with Software Evaluation

Before investing in external cybersecurity services, organizations often evaluate their software to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their system, which helps them discover the optimal way of implementing security solutions that meet their specific needs. By uncovering these issues early on, organizations can address them before deployment, reducing the financial risks involved in security breaches and potential cyberattacks.

However, a study led by the Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) revealed that over 50% of organizations still neglect to implement software evaluations before adopting specific cybersecurity measures within their operations. The results also indicate that organizations displaying cybersecurity indifference tend to be more susceptible to financial losses triggered by cyberattacks.

Meticulous software evaluations are crucial for the successful implementation of cybersecurity tools, leading to a higher return on investment (ROI). By conducting evaluations, organizations can proactively mitigate risks associated with cyberthreats, preventing potential data breaches, financial losses and reputational damage. Moreover, addressing security issues during the evaluation phase is generally more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of a cyberattack later on. According to data obtained by TEC, organizations that conduct a prior evaluation can save up to 25% on costs related to application acquisition.

Software evaluations vary depending on context and purpose. While source code and vulnerability analysis are common approaches, Mexican cybersecurity company CONSEJOSI says that penetration tests are the best way to evaluate an organization's system vulnerabilities and potential cybersecurity risks. Such tests can help verify if the desirable system meets the security requirements and objectives set by the organization.

A penetration test involves conducting a cyberattack simulation to identify exploitable vulnerabilities of significant impact within the organization's software. By allowing an external agent to actively attempt to exploit software vulnerabilities, organizations can gain valuable insights into how attackers could leverage weaknesses in their systems. This practical approach provides critical information about the security of IT assets, enabling companies to effectively enhance their defenses and prevent the risks of suffering from cyberattacks. 

“While vulnerability scans are helpful in identifying areas of risk and aiding organizations in staying updated on emerging threats, they do not provide a comprehensive risk assessment compared to penetration testing,” says David Taboada, President, CONSEJOSI. Unfortunately, multiple organizations still prefer implementing vulnerability analysis given their cheaper costs and faster application. 

The global penetration tests market size is expected to grow to US$1.4 billion in 2022 to US$2.7 billion by 2027, according to MarketsandMarkets. By embracing software evaluations, organizations in Mexico can strengthen their security landscape, safeguard their assets and protect their reputation ahead of time, as well as capitalize the profitability of the growing cybersecurity market.