Disclosure in cybersecurity is the process of openly communicating details about security vulnerabilities or confirmed data breaches. This practice is crucial for minimizing potential harm, enabling affected parties to take corrective actions, and maintaining trust between organizations and their stakeholders.

What is Disclosure in Cybersecurity?

Disclosure encompasses various forms of security communication, including:

• Responsible Disclosure: Coordinating with vendors before any public release of vulnerability information
• Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD): A collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders to address and communicate security flaws
• Mandatory Data Breach Notification: Legal requirements to inform affected parties about compromised personal data

Effective disclosure involves clear policies, adherence to timelines, and careful communication to ensure that information is shared responsibly without prematurely exposing systems to further attack or causing undue panic.

Why is Vulnerability Disclosure Important?

Vulnerability disclosure serves several critical functions in the cybersecurity ecosystem:

• Enables vendors to develop and deploy patches before malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities
• Allows affected users and organizations to implement protective measures
• Builds trust between security researchers, vendors, and the public
• Contributes to the overall improvement of software and system security
• Helps organizations meet legal and regulatory compliance requirements

How to Create a Vulnerability Disclosure Policy?

A well-structured Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP) should include the following elements:

• Scope: Clearly define which systems and assets are covered
• Reporting Channels: Provide secure methods for researchers to submit findings
• Response Timeline: Establish expected timeframes for acknowledgment and remediation
• Safe Harbor: Offer legal protection for good-faith security research
• Embargo Period: Define the time window before public disclosure (commonly 90 days)

Example: Responsible Vulnerability Disclosure

Consider a cybersecurity researcher who discovers a critical flaw in a widely used software application. Following the vendor's Vulnerability Disclosure Policy, they report it privately through the designated secure channel. After a 90-day embargo period, during which the vendor develops and releases a patch, both parties jointly publish a security advisory detailing the vulnerability and its fix. This approach protects users while giving the vendor adequate time to address the issue.

When Should a Data Breach Be Disclosed?

Data breach disclosure should occur as soon as an organization confirms that personal data has been compromised. Key considerations include:

• The nature and sensitivity of the exposed data
• The potential impact on affected individuals
• Legal notification requirements and deadlines
• The availability of remediation measures

Example: Data Breach Notification

When an organization experiences a data breach exposing customer credit card information, they are legally obligated to notify all affected customers, relevant regulatory bodies, and in some cases, the public, within a specified timeframe. Under GDPR Article 34, this must occur within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach. The notification should include details about what data was compromised, potential risks, and steps individuals can take to protect themselves.

Which Regulations Govern Data Breach Disclosure?

Several frameworks and regulations establish disclosure requirements:

• GDPR (EU): Requires notification within 72 hours for breaches affecting personal data
• NIST SP 800-61: Provides guidelines for computer security incident handling, including disclosure procedures
• ISO/IEC 29147:2018: International standard for vulnerability disclosure processes
• State-specific laws: Many jurisdictions have their own breach notification requirements

Organizations should consult resources from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the CERT Coordination Center, and the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) for comprehensive guidance on implementing effective disclosure practices.