Author name: CIO

Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP)

A vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP) outlines the procedures and guidelines for reporting, investigating, and disclosing security vulnerabilities in an organization's technology systems.

Here are a few key things that to know about VDPs:

  1. VDPs help to improve cyber security: A VDP provides a structured approach to identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in an organization's technology systems. Organizations can more quickly and effectively address potential security risks by encouraging responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities.
  2. VDPs are important for compliance: Many industries and jurisdictions require organizations to have a VDP to comply with data protection laws and regulations.
  3. VDPs require clear communication: A VDP should communicate to stakeholders, including employees, customers, and external researchers, the procedures for reporting and addressing security vulnerabilities. This includes providing a clear point of contact for vulnerability reports and outlining the steps involved in investigating and addressing potential vulnerabilities.
  4. VDPs should be regularly reviewed and updated: VDPs should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain effective in addressing emerging security threats and new technologies.
  5. VDPs can improve relationships with external researchers: Organizations can build better relationships with external researchers and security professionals by providing clear guidelines for vulnerability reporting and a structured approach to addressing potential security risks. This can lead to more effective collaboration and better security outcomes.

A VDP is a critical component of an organization's cyber security posture. Organizations can more effectively address potential security risks and protect sensitive information and assets by establishing clear procedures for reporting and addressing security vulnerabilities.

Walmart Doubles Down on AI With Broader Rollout of Coding Tools

Walmart enhances AI efforts with expanded coding tools, saving developers 4 million hours last year. The retailer plans to provide these tools to all developers in North America and India, boosting productivity and efficiency. CEO Doug McMillon emphasizes investment in technology to grow the business amidst increasing enterprise AI adoption.

https://www.ciodive.com/news/Walmart-generative-AI-agents-coding-tool/740545/

What Does It Mean to Build in Security From the Ground Up? • The Register

Building security from the ground up means integrating security measures into the core architecture from the start, rather than adding it later. It involves understanding and applying existing modular security mechanisms rather than relying solely on bespoke solutions. Effective security design is essential due to the inherent risks of technology, and education around these risks motivates innovation. However, the practical application often relies on established best practices and frameworks, highlighting that while security is a unique consideration, it should be part of a broader engineering strategy.

https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/02/security_design_choices/

Why 75% Of Businesses Aren’t Seeing ROI From AI Yet

75% of businesses are not seeing ROI from AI due to various challenges, including lack of proper implementation strategy, outdated executive knowledge, and siloed operations. A recent study by Boston Consulting Group revealed that only 25% of companies are reaping benefits. Factors for failure include insufficient business case, resistance to changing workflows, and inaccurate metrics for success. Meanwhile, a new Chinese AI firm, DeepSeek, is raising concerns in the U.S. tech landscape, highlighting competitive and national security issues, and prompting calls for improved AI practices in the U.S.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cio/2025/01/30/why-75-of-businesses-arent-seeing-roi-from-ai-yet/

Why CIO Tenures Are Getting Shorter … and Why It Matters

CIO tenures are shorter (3-5 years) than other executives (5-7 years), with over 70% serving less than five years. Increasing technology change drives this trend. While some CIOs desire longer tenures, others move on after transformation phases. Tenure varies by company size and sector, with public sector roles generally longer. Organizations must accept short tenures in tech leadership as normal, while individuals face evolving roles requiring new skills and engagement with broader business strategy. The trend of short tenures is expected to continue amidst rapid technological advancements.

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618233/Why-CIO-tenures-are-getting-shorter-and-why-it-matters

Why Cybersecurity Needs Probability — Not Predictions

Cybersecurity relies more on understanding probability than making predictions. Predictions often lack actionable insights, while probabilities—especially using Bayesian methods—allow for adaptable risk modeling. By analyzing cyber insurance data, trends reveal that companies are becoming better at managing the financial impacts of cyber threats. Organizations can improve resilience through informed decisions based on data and a probabilistic approach, rather than fear-driven predictions, leading to better security strategies and reduced risk.

https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/why-cybersecurity-needs-probability-not-predictions

Why Enterprises Are Turning to Small AI Models

Enterprises are shifting from large language models (LLMs) to smaller AI models due to high compute costs, model hallucinations, and the need for domain-specific expertise. Small models are less resource-intensive, cost-effective, and suitable for specialized industries like healthcare. Analysts predict a boost in small language model adoption, with some enterprises exploring models with 1-10 billion parameters. While offering advantages in cost and sustainability, small models may not match the versatility of LLMs, necessitating careful case matching for effectiveness.

https://www.ciodive.com/news/small-language-models-AI-LLMs/740281/

Why Maintaining Data Cleanliness Is Essential to Cybersecurity

Data cleanliness is crucial for cybersecurity, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, consistency, validity, uniformity, and timeliness. Neglected data hygiene exposes organizations to security threats and compliance failures, impairing operational efficiency and increasing risks. It is essential for proper data classification and effective security tools, helping to prevent breaches and detect cyberattacks. Organizations must commit to ongoing data cleansing practices, establish governance policies, invest in quality solutions, and foster a security-first culture to protect valuable data and maintain compliance.

https://securityintelligence.com/articles/why-maintaining-data-cleanliness-is-essential-to-cybersecurity/

Wild, Weird, and Probable: 13 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025

Cybersecurity Predictions 2025:

  1. AI Security Challenges: Rapid AI adoption will increase supply chain attacks.
  2. Preemptive Defense Rise: Shift towards proactive cybersecurity measures; preemptive strategies will grow significantly.
  3. EDR Vulnerabilities: Endpoint Detection and Response systems face scrutiny for bypass issues.
  4. Faster Adoption Rates: Preemptive defenses predicted to see a 65% growth in three years.

Possible Developments:

  • Nuclear supercomputers could enhance AI capabilities.
  • Compromised AES encryption would disrupt data security.
  • The U.S. may mandate preemptive cyber defense for critical sectors.
  • AI-driven cyber offenses could create sophisticated attacks.
  • Quantum computing might redefine cybersecurity strategies.
  • Ransomware cartels may form for coordinated attacks.
  • AI could improve cybersecurity audits.

Weird Predictions:

  • Alien technologies might inspire new defense strategies.
  • Public panic over aliens could lead to cyber exploitation.

Conclusion: Adaptability and innovation in cybersecurity will be crucial to counter evolving threats.

https://www.morphisec.com/blog/wild-weird-13-cybersecurity-predictions-for-2025/

Will 2025 See a Rise of NHI Attacks?

2024 saw a surge in non-human identity (NHI) attacks, raising concerns for 2025. Significant breaches included Cloudflare's access token failure, compromised GitHub credentials resulting in data leaks at the New York Times, and attacks on Adobe Commerce affecting online stores. Other incidents involved exposed AWS and Microsoft Azure keys compromising user data, Schneider Electric's data theft through Jira credentials, and exploits via a critical vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks tools. NHI threats are expected to escalate, necessitating proactive measures from security teams.

https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/will-2025-see-rise-nhi-attacks

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