Bridging the Gap: Inside Cisco’s Vulnerability Testing Process
TL;DR: Cisco’s Ryan Liles plays a crucial role in connecting product teams with external testing labs to validate the effectiveness of Cisco’s security products. His work involves navigating complex relationships and addressing technical challenges to bolster industry standards.
In a recent discussion with Cisco Talos, Ryan Liles detailed his responsibilities within the Vulnerability Research and Discovery team. His primary focus is on aligning Cisco’s product teams with third-party testing organizations that assess their security offerings. Ryan emphasizes the importance of these external validations, as they enhance credibility beyond Cisco’s assertions of product superiority. The collaboration aids in identifying vulnerabilities and establishing product reliability in real-world scenarios.
Ryan also highlighted the interpersonal dynamics within the small security testing industry. Due to the limited number of professionals in this space, he often encounters the same individuals. His strategy centers on fostering friendships and maintaining a robust network, which is pivotal when addressing challenging situations. He described scenarios where product testing did not meet expectations, necessitating sensitive conversations about methodologies and deployment practices. His diplomatic approach, focused on technical accuracy rather than emotions, has proven effective in resolving these issues and strengthening Cisco’s relationships with testing labs.
Why this matters: The ability to engage constructively with third-party testers is vital for all security vendors. Effective communication can lead to improved product testing outcomes, thereby enhancing overall trust in security solutions. As vulnerabilities continue to evolve, ensuring robust testing and validation mechanisms will be essential for protecting organizations from potential threats.
Tools like threat intelligence, SIEMs, and vulnerability scanning can further mitigate risks by providing real-time data on security issues and enabling proactive responses to vulnerabilities identified during these third-party assessments.
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