A Cybersecurity Ecosystem is just like natural ecosystems. It is made up of a variety of participants.
On the positive (bright side) are private firms and government entities employing individual white-hat hackers who develop tools, processes, cybersecurity solutions to protect our computers, software, and networks.
On the dark side are the predators – the hackers including Hacktivists, nation states, script kiddies, and even organized crime. All of these work for and against each other creating our cybersecurity ecosystem. Whether the ecosystem is working depends upon your perspective and the escalating wars between defenders and attackers.
There are businesses and individuals who help shape the ecosystem with their products, processes, and services helping to create stronger and more secure businesses and participants in the ecosystem. When hackers or attackers turn the tides and begin winning more often than good guys, the ecosystem tilts out of balance. CyberHoot views recent escalations in Ransomware attacks of the MAZE strain represent an unbalancing of our cybersecurity ecosystem. Putting confidentiality at risk means traditional protections are no longer enough (backups). Our collective response requires investment in prevention and awareness training to re-balance our cybersecurity ecosystem.
Source: DHS, NormShield
Additional Reading: What makes up the Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The New Cybersecurity Ecosystem
Related Terms: Maze Ransomware, White-Hat Hackers