Cybersecurity Now: Proactively Thwarting Looming Danger

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, traditional risk management approaches are increasingly proving inadequate. John Kindervag, Chief Evangelist at Illumio and the creator of the Zero Trust model, advocates for a paradigm shift from “risk” to “danger” in cybersecurity discourse.

In his Substack post from January 16, 2025 – “It’s time to change the cybersecurity risk management conversation. Let’s talk about “danger” instead”, Kindervag argues that the term “risk” implies calculated probabilities and acceptable losses, fostering a false sense of control and often leading to complacency. In contrast, “danger” signifies immediate threats that demand vigilance, readiness, and prompt action. This shift is not merely semantic but essential for addressing adversaries who are both motivated and capable.

Drawing from a personal experience, Kindervag recounts his nephew’s battle with a rare and aggressive cancer, emphasizing that when facing a threat, probabilities are irrelevant—immediate action is crucial. He parallels this to cybersecurity, where attackers act with intent and unpredictability, rendering traditional risk assessments insufficient.

The conventional risk management framework, borrowed from industries like insurance, relies on predicting outcomes based on probabilities. However, in cybersecurity, threats are imminent and driven by determined attackers. Risk management often leads organizations to accept, transfer, or mitigate risks, inadvertently creating a culture of inaction and vulnerability. This approach fails to account for the unpredictable nature of cyber adversaries.

Embracing a “danger” management mindset necessitates a cultural and operational shift. It instills a sense of urgency and compels organizations to treat every cyber threat as an immediate danger requiring decisive action. Implementing strategies like Zero Trust, which operates on the assumption that every interaction could be compromised, aligns with this approach. Such strategies emphasize vigilance and proactive defense, essential for countering sophisticated and relentless attackers.

At IP Services, we recognize the imperative of transitioning from traditional risk management to a danger-focused approach. Our commitment to cybersecurity involves adopting advanced strategies and fostering a culture of proactive defense. By acknowledging the immediate dangers posed by cyber threats, we aim to enhance our resilience and better protect the organizations we serve.