Security should hit every touch-point of your business. Beyond firewalls, antivirus, encryption and authentication technologies, there are critical security elements that should be implemented by every business, many of which have nothing to do with technology.

Every company should have a clear understanding of where their most valuable assets reside. The management of business workflows, processes, user awareness and technologies, are all necessary for a strong security posture. This means defining and documenting corporate data governance practices, and the rules and policies that help ensure the effective management of data assets. These are not technology issues; they are often regulatory and cultural business matters.

Maintaining cyber resiliency is not a 9 to 5 effort. It is a 24/7/365 responsibility, as computer generated attacks run around the clock.  Oftentimes when your employees are resting comfortably in their beds at 2:00am, cyber attackers employ some of the latest technologies including artificial intelligence to gain access to your most precious assets.

Cybersecurity protection and business continuity are crucial in safeguarding a company from legal and regulatory issues, protecting brand equity, and ensuring customer and shareholder confidence.  Further, shielding the company from competitors trying to capitalize on security vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity protection encompasses how a business manages interactions among its supply chain partners, and the onboarding and offboarding of contractors. It has ramifications with how employees communicate with customers. And it includes how employees and service personnel manage their computers, the building ingress and egress points, and network sharing, including the company’s WiFi network. Cybersecurity is not a technology issue. It is a business issue.

There are five key steps to ensure cyber resiliency. They include:

  • Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
  • Security Remediation
  • Security Vulnerability User Awareness
  • PCI Compliance
  • Managed Detection and Response

Any company that has been breached or uncovered attempted breaches, uniquely understands the need for comprehensive security. As the number and types of threats increase, and attack surfaces increase, the need for all businesses to diligently protect themselves from exposure is critical. While it is unlikely that every vulnerability can be mitigated, businesses can minimize their exposure, by reaching out for professional help.

If you are interested in learning more about protecting your business assets, click here to get our – 5 Steps to a Successful Cybersecurity Program – White Paper.