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Anticipate

Overview​

The Anticipate phase is the foundation of a robust security strategy, focusing on identifying and understanding assets within the network before potential threats materialize. By proactively discovering, enriching, and visualizing network elements, organizations can build a strong defense against security risks and ensure an adaptive, resilient infrastructure.

Key Components​

Discovery​

Discovery is the process of identifying all assets within the network, mapping their configurations, roles, and communication patterns. This step ensures complete visibility and awareness of potential attack surfaces.

Steps in Discovery:​

  • Install Agents: Deploy security agents on endpoints to collect real-time telemetry and monitor activity.
  • Install Gatekeepers: Implement network monitoring gatekeepers that inspect traffic and enforce security policies.
  • Install Containers: Deploy containerized security probes within cloud and on-premise environments for enhanced visibility.

Enrichment​

Enrichment enhances raw asset data by adding context, such as application dependencies, risk assessment, and compliance mapping. This enables security teams to prioritize risks based on impact and vulnerability.

Steps in Enrichment:​

  • Create Named Network: Establish identifiable network segments based on organizational structure and asset groupings.
  • Define Segments: Categorize assets into logical segments to apply security controls effectively.

Visualization​

Visualization provides a graphical representation of the network, its assets, and their interconnections. This step helps security teams detect anomalies and make informed decisions on policy enforcement.

Steps in Visualization:​

  • Dashboard Metrics: Provide a real-time security posture overview through interactive dashboards.
  • Segment Baseline Report: Establish baseline security reports for each segment to track changes and anomalies.

Conclusion​

By executing the Anticipate phase effectively, organizations can proactively secure their infrastructure, reduce blind spots, and lay the groundwork for a strong security posture. The insights gained from Discovery, Enrichment, and Visualization serve as the foundation for subsequent hardening and containment strategies.