Directly confronting cyber threats may be exciting, but eliminating them is better for business
Hello. My name is Carl Mazzanti. I have been writing this column for several years; and today, I am in the gym contemplating security and the parallels I see in the field.
In the gym, every grip on the weights and pull-downs is designed to be rough on your hands. This tactile feedback is not just about muscle strain; it is about feeling the roughness on your hands, with calluses forming as a badge of honor for frequent gym-goers.
The information security and cybersecurity communities are no different. We rejoice in the moments when we win against a worthy adversary. When a threat emerges, our heart rates spike, and we thrive on the challenge. These are the moments when we excel.
However, in our desire to excel, how many in the infosec community leave threats partially addressed? They might delay finishing a review or configuration, thinking they will handle it over the weekend. It is as if some people like it hard, seeking the adrenaline rush and relevance that comes with facing threats head-on.
But what if we could shift this mindset? What if we could get people to rejoice in the absence of threats and have things easy? Imagine a world where we remain vigilant but also complete configurations correctly the first time, closing off gaps that we know are problematic. What would that mean for our industry and those we serve? Would things quiet down, allowing us to focus on training and increasing security awareness?
Cybersecurity professionals often talk about building defenses, managing risks and staying one step ahead of threats. These concepts have a striking similarity to the way we approach fitness and training in the gym. Both disciplines require commitment, constant attention and a focus on long-term goals to succeed. The parallels between working out and cybersecurity are not only instructive but can also help us frame our approach to both physical and digital security in a more holistic, resilient way.
For example, when you first step into a gym, you do not expect immediate results. Building strength and endurance takes time. Similarly, in cybersecurity, you cannot implement a single fix and expect your network to remain secure forever. Both fitness and cybersecurity require consistent effort.
In fitness, it is about daily workouts, regular nutrition, and proper rest. For the InfoSec community, it is about continuously patching vulnerabilities, training your team and adapting to new threats. Whether we are talking about increasing our reps in the gym or enhancing our defense systems, ongoing effort is the only way to achieve lasting results.
The parallels continue: in the gym, every workout is designed to target specific muscle groups. If you neglect certain areas, those weaknesses can leave you vulnerable to injury or imbalance. The same principle applies to cybersecurity. You must assess your entire network and infrastructure, identify weak points, and take steps to shore them up. A well-rounded fitness regimen will include strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular work, while a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy includes firewalls, encryption, employee training and continuous monitoring.
One of the most common mistakes in both fields involves focusing too heavily on one area. You will not have a "strong" network if your endpoints are neglected, just as you cannot build muscle in one area of your body while neglecting the rest. In both infosec and physical fitness, balance and attention to every part are critical.
The most effective workout plans emphasize injury prevention. Stretching before and after exercise, proper warm-ups and recovery techniques are all part of a well-rounded program. If you neglect injury prevention, you may find yourself sidelined and unable to perform at your best. In cybersecurity, the principle is the same: a proactive defense strategy is always more effective than responding to an attack after it has occurred.
Cybersecurity, much like fitness, is about building a strong foundation to minimize risks. Regular updates, threat assessments and patch management are your "warm-ups" that keep your defenses in top form. Just as stretching before a workout helps avoid strains and sprains, preventive measures like regular backups, vulnerability scanning, and employee awareness training help avoid costly data breaches and system downtimes.
In both disciplines, recovery is also part of the process. After a strenuous workout, rest and recovery are just as important as the training itself. Your muscles need time to repair and grow stronger. Similarly, after a cybersecurity event -- whether it is a breach or a system failure -- your organization needs to conduct a thorough recovery process. This includes evaluating the damage, restoring services, and refining your defenses to prevent future incidents. In both cases, recovery is not just about bouncing back; it is about coming back stronger.
Infosec recovery plans should be practiced and refined regularly, similar to the way athletes work to recover and improve after each training session. Regular assessments and simulations of potential cybersecurity breaches help ensure you are prepared when the unexpected occurs.
Just as a fitness regimen requires a careful balance of strength training, endurance, flexibility and recovery, an effective cybersecurity strategy demands a multifaceted approach. In both cases, the key is consistency, ongoing adaptation and a commitment to long-term resilience. Whether you are building your physical strength in the gym or securing your organization's digital infrastructure, the principles are the same: you get out what you put in.
Success in both realms requires intentionality, effort, and the willingness to evolve. Stay focused, train hard, and adapt as needed, and you will see results in both your physical and digital security.
Perhaps the challenge is that no one wants to sit through another class on information security. We would rather be out in the field, responding to threats and emerging as heroes who save the organization. However, the proactive tasks of teaching and raising security awareness are just not as exciting.
I would love to hear your thoughts. When in doubt, write to me directly.