In response to the escalating number and severity of cyberattacks, public sector organizations must stay current with the latest technology solutions and best operating practices. Ironwood Cyber Chief Executive Officer Aaron Estes contends that new automated penetration testing tools, including testing-as-a-service, offer a proactive solution.

According to Estes, a significant challenge for IT leaders is understanding their security posture amid an increasingly complex threat landscape. “Often, leaders are unsure how they would fare against an attack until it actually happens,” he says in a new Scoop News Group interview produced for CyberScoop and underwritten by Ironwood.

Traditional testing approaches, such as semiannual penetration testing, are inadequate in the current environment where new vulnerabilities emerge daily, Estes says. He emphasizes regular testing to ensure cybersecurity measures are effective. “Testing your doors to see if they’re locked once every six months doesn’t work,” says Estes. Instead, new automated solutions can provide daily assessments, helping organizations stay ahead of potential threats.

Estes also highlights how automated penetration testing tools, such as Ironwood Cyber’s Enlight, can mimic human attackers and continuously identify vulnerabilities.

These tools act as a “co-pilot,” says Estes, allowing IT teams to focus on more complex issues while ensuring basic security measures are consistently monitored.

Organizations can also benefit from turning to testing-as-a-service models that capitalize on experienced analysts.

According to Estes, federal agencies can benefit from partnering with technology providers to improve their cybersecurity testing. “Government sectors face significant challenges in training and retaining cybersecurity professionals,” says Estes. By turning to automated tools, agencies not only reduce the burden on existing staff but also improve their security posture.