Forget Building a Security Empire: Instead Empower Subject Matter Experts to Strengthen Cybersecurity Programs

Centralized cybersecurity teams can’t handle everything. When you only rely on them, your efforts may not be connected, your reactions may be slow, and you may miss threats. Instead, you should get the help of IT subject matter experts (SMEs), such network admins, server managers, or endpoint specialists, by making security chores a part of their daily work. This post is for IT and cybersecurity leaders. It discusses why this method works, what problems compartmentalized setups cause, how SMEs and security teams may work together, and gives real-world examples of how to make it happen.

Why Siloed Cybersecurity Falls Short

When security is handled only by dedicated teams, problems crop up:

• Muddled Roles: When IT and security share tasks, it’s hard to know who’s in charge of what, such who steps in during an event or administers shared systems. This causes things to fall through the cracks and weak points
• Blind Spots: Security teams don’t always know the ins and outs of daily operations that small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) do, thus dangers can get by them.
• Slow Fixes: When teams aren’t connected, they get in each other’s way during occurrences, which makes response times longer and damage worse
• No Ownership: If employees think security is “someone else’s job,” they won’t bother looking for or reporting problems, which leaves the company open to attack.

Teaming Up: SMEs and Cybersecurity Teams

Getting SMEs to take on security tasks doesn’t mean sidelining cybersecurity teams. It’s about combining strengths to build a shared sense of responsibility. Here’s how it breaks down:

SMEs: Baking Security into Their Work

SMEs know their domains—whether it’s network flows or server setups—better than anyone. They’re perfect for handling security tasks like:

• Setting up tools, like intrusion detection systems, tailored to their area.
• Spotting odd behavior, such as weird network traffic or unauthorized logins.
• Acting fast to squash issues in their domain, without waiting for the security team.

Cybersecurity Teams: Setting the Stage and Validating Performance

Cybersecurity pros guide and back up SMEs to make this work. Their job includes:

• Laying Out Rules: Writing clear policies tied to standards like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (a go-to guide for managing risks) or CIS Controls. SMEs then work out how to put these into action.
• Validating Control Performance: Making sure that SMEs’ security measures, such as endpoint hardening or log monitoring, are doing what they are supposed to do by testing and reviewing their performance on a regular basis.
• Auditing Control Performance: Checking controls to make sure they meet compliance standards and uncover any gaps, such as utilizing the wrong tools or not keeping an eye on things all the time.
• Ensuring Resources: Giving small and medium-sized businesses the money and resources they need to do their tasks well.

Leadership: Building a Security-Minded Team

This strategy can work or not, depending on whether leaders ensure everyone is on board. They should:

• Make it possible for security teams and SMEs to talk to each other.
• Let SMEs make security calls in their area, which keeps them interested.
• Make security everyone’s priority by offering training and giving shout-outs for good work.

Five Examples of SMEs Stepping Up

Here are five ways SMEs can weave security into their daily grind, each broken down by what they know, why it matters, and what they do:

Network Team: Watching Network Traffic

• What They Know: Network admins get how data moves and how their systems are wired, so they’re pros at setting up intrusion detection tools.
• Why It Matters: Keeping an eye on traffic catches threats like data leaks before they spiral.
• What They Do: They tweak detection tools to match normal patterns, then jump on anything strange by pinpointing the source, cutting down response time.

Server Team: Keeping Tabs on Servers

• What They Know: Server managers know their systems’ ins and outs, making them the best at spotting unauthorized access.
• Why It Matters: Watching servers prevents breaches that could mess up critical apps or data.
• What They Do: They monitor logs in real time, check out anything fishy, and loop in app owners if needed.

Endpoint Team: Locking Down Devices

• What They Know: Endpoint crews are experts at building and securing devices, often using CIS hardening guides.
• Why It Matters: Tight device setups block vulnerabilities that malware could exploit.
• What They Do: They shut off unneeded services, enforce tough passwords, and use tools to double-check setups daily.

Endpoint Team: Handling Malware Alerts

• What They Know: Endpoint specialists know how software should behave and can spot trouble fast.
• Why It Matters: Quick action on malware stops it from spreading and limits downtime.
• What They Do: When an alert pops up, they isolate the device, check if it’s patched, and contain the issue without causing a fuss.

Cloud Team: Securing Cloud Setups

• What They Know: Cloud experts understand their platforms and the business’s needs.
• Why It Matters: Locked-down clouds keep data safe and meet compliance rules.
• What They Do: They set strict access rules for networks and storage, require multi-factor authentication, and flag weird API activity for review.

These cases show how SMEs’ deep knowledge makes security stronger when they’ve got the right tools and freedom.

Wrapping Up: A Tougher, Smarter Cybersecurity Approach

Getting SMEs to share the security load builds a tighter, more responsive defense. It means:

• Clearer View of Risks: SMEs’ hands-on knowledge spots trouble others might miss.
• Quicker Fixes: They can tackle issues in their area without delay.
• Everyone’s On Board: When security’s part of the job, awareness spreads.

Here’s how to kick things off:

1. Look at what security tasks your SMEs could take on, like hardening devices or monitoring logs.
2. Give them training and tools to match standards like NIST or CIS.
3. Set up regular huddles between SMEs and security teams to keep everyone aligned and share expertise.

If you can get SMEs, security teams, and leaders to work together, you’ll create a cybersecurity plan that is strong, adaptable, and ready for anything. Take one tiny step, trust your specialists, and watch your security game get better.

Set up regular meetings between SMEs and security teams so everyone is on the same page and can share their knowledge.

Content provided by LBMC Cybersecurity Senior Manager Adam Nunn and Sound Physicians VP, Chief Information Security Officer Jericho Simmons. Questions? Contact Adam at adam.nunn@lbmc.com.