Cybersecurity Solutions vs. Cybersecurity Tools

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Cybersecurity solutions and tools seems to be an interchangeable word within the information security industry. However, these terms have two different meaning and outcomes. The goal of this article is to differentiate the two and show how one complements the other.

A tool is something that is used to help or aid to carry out a specific function.

A solution is method of solving a problem or answer a question.

So what?

Let us break down a common misconception use within the cybersecurity field.

Security Event Information System (SIEM) ≠ Solution

Security Event Information System (SIEM) = Tool

SIEM is a tool used to help your security team to answer the question is this an event of interest (solution)

A cybersecurity solution would be the security team who can use the tools to address immediate security threats.

What are considered cybersecurity tools:

Anti-Virus, Host Intrusion Prevention Systems, Extended Detection and Response, Unified Threat Management Systems, Endpoint Detection and Response, etc.

What are considered cybersecurity solutions:

Properly Trained Security Teams, Defensible Security Network Architecture, Proper Procedures and Guidelines, Threat Modeling, Security Investigation Methodology, etc.

In conclusion when implementing a cybersecurity strategy keep in mind that solutions are what we are trying to achieve to improve our cybersecurity posture. Tools helps us get to these solutions by aiding us to carry out a specific task.