Security Protocols: Analysis of Big Players and Their Chronic Issues

Information security is a priority for governments, large corporations, and startups worldwide. The security protocols adopted by these entities are designed to protect sensitive data, mitigate cyberattacks, and ensure service continuity. However, even the most sophisticated systems have vulnerabilities, often exploited by highly specialized attackers.

In this article, we analyze the main security protocols adopted globally, their chronic challenges, and the relationship between people and systems in different economic sectors.

2.1 Major Security Protocols and Theis Chronic Issues

Description: The “Trust nothing, verify everything” model. No entity (internal or external) is trusted by default, requiring continuous authentication and granular access control.

Chronic Issues:

Implementation complexity: Difficult to fully adopt without failures or gaps in legacy systems.

User resistance: Excessive authentication can make the system bureaucratic, leading to dissatisfaction and insecure shortcuts.

False sense of security: Incomplete implementations create an illusion of security while many parts of the system remain vulnerable.

2.2 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Description: Requires multiple layers of authentication (passwords, biometrics, hardware tokens, etc.) for secure access.

Chronic Issues:

MFA phishing: Attackers use social engineering to trick users into revealing temporary codes.

Operational cost: Implementation and technical support require constant investment.

User fatigue: Frequent MFA requests may lead to security measures being neglected.

2.3 Encryption Standards (AES-256, RSA, ECC)

Description: Use of encryption to protect data in transit and at rest.

Chronic Issues:

Impending quantum attacks: Quantum computers may break current encryption standards in the near future.

Improper key management: Failures in protecting cryptographic keys can compromise overall data security.

2.4 Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

Description: Advanced monitoring to identify real-time threats on endpoints and networks.

Chronic Issues:

False positives: Can overwhelm security analysts, leading to real alerts being ignored.

Insider threats: Compromised employees can manipulate logs or disable detection systems.

2.5 Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Description: Combines cloud security with SD-WAN networks to secure remote access.

Chronic Issues:

Vendor dependency: Companies become locked into major providers like Cisco, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks.

Latency and performance: Poor implementation can hinder service speed.

“The greatest cybersecurity threat is the illusion that you are secure.” André Rangel

3 – Relationshio Between People and Systems in Different Sectors

3.1 Financial and Bancking Sector

Adopted System: Artificial intelligence for fraud detection, MFA, and strong encryption.

Human Issue: Privileged internal access poses a high risk of insider attacks.

Big Players: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Santander.

3.2 Technology and Startups Sector

Adopted System: DevSecOps, MFA, and access control via IAM (Identity and Access Management).

Human Issue: Startups prioritize rapid growth and neglect security until an attack occurs.

Big Players: Google, Amazon, Microsoft.

3.3 Government Sector

Adopted System: Segmented networks, ZTA, protection against state-scale cyberattacks.

Human Issue: Lack of training and low digital security awareness among employees can be exploited via social engineering.

Big Players: NSA (USA), GCHQ (UK), ANSSI (France), ABIN (Brazil).

3.4 Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Sector

Adopted System: Decentralized security, cold wallets, multi-signatures.

Human Issue: Private keys can be lost or stolen, with no possibility of recovery.

Big Players: Binance, Coinbase, Ledger.

4 Conclusion:

Modern security protocols help mitigate risks, but no system is impenetrable. The weakest link will always be human users—whether due to negligence, error, or social engineering. Therefore, beyond investing in cutting-edge technology, organizations must prioritize training and awareness in digital security.