Security doesn’t fail at the point of breach; it fails at the point of impact. This core message set the tone at this year’s Picus Breach and Simulation (BAS) Summit, where industry leaders, researchers, and CISOs gathered to discuss the new reality of cyber defense. The prevailing theme was a definitive shift away from prediction and towards proof-based security strategies.

Attendees heard how traditional security models are no longer sufficient in an environment where speed is paramount. When a new exploit is discovered, malicious scanners can scour the internet within minutes, and once a foothold is gained, lateral movement follows just as quickly. The consensus was that if security controls have not been tested against the specific techniques an attacker uses, organizations are merely hoping for the best rather than actively defending their assets.

The Pressure for Immediate Answers

The summit highlighted the immense pressure security teams now face. The moment an exploit becomes public knowledge, often through platforms like Twitter, the boardroom demands immediate answers and assurance. As one speaker at the event stated, “You can’t tell the board, ‘I’ll have an answer next week.’ We have hours, not days.” This shrinking response window underscores the need for continuous validation of security controls to provide rapid, evidence-based assessments of an organization’s defensive posture. Without it, security leaders are left unprepared for critical inquiries from leadership.

BAS: From Compliance to Daily Operations

A key takeaway from the summit was the evolution of Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) technology. Once viewed primarily as a tool for meeting compliance requirements, BAS has transformed into an essential component of daily security operations. Practitioners described it as the “daily voltage test” of a cybersecurity program. By running a constant current of simulated attacks through the security stack, organizations can see what actually works and identify gaps before they can be exploited. This transition marks a fundamental change, positioning BAS as the power behind a real, validated defense.

Source: https://thehackernews.com/2025/10/the-death-of-security-checkbox-bas-is.html