Following a proper security plan protects companies’ employee information, reduces cyberthreats, and maintains organizations’ reputation. It also allows companies to analyze their network and ensure true end-to-end security. A security roadmap provides a clear security plan to achieve set goals. A good security plan should include costs and objectives and should monitor all aspects of the implementation of cybersecurity measures.
When developing a cybersecurity plan, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) should consider:
- conducting a cybersecurity audit to comprehensively assess a network or application. Before conducting internal and external audits, an assessment should be made to gather information on corporate issues.
- reviewing the budget and costs for the development of a security plan. Collaborating with a security team is helpful in understanding what must be done and in outlining expenses.
- identifying risks such as inadequate staff knowledge, poor encryption, and unsecured devices, as doing so works to ensure the protection of personal data.
- performing regular software updates. It is important not only to have security tools in place to establish basic protection, but it is also important to ensure that they are updated to protect against ever-changing threats.
- having cyber-insurance. Although cyber-insurance does not directly help protect data, it mitigates the monetary burden due to security breaches.
- implementing a disaster recovery plan. Defense against natural disasters should not be overlooked if complete data security is desired.
Cybersecurity is a complex subject even for experts today. A CISO functions as an operative provider of cybersecurity support, tools, and expertise and is thus fit to help organizations protect their data. In the event when hiring a full-time CISO is not a feasible option, many businesses opt to avail services from third-party security experts like CompCiti.
Cybersecurity expert companies like CompCiti help businesses by assuming most functions of a CISO often at a flexible monthly plan. Experts then assess network infrastructure to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of the existing set-up. Based on the assessment a strategy is developed to protect the network against security vulnerabilities. This is an on-going initiative as with advancement in technology, threats of cyber-attacks continue to increase. Hackers keep finding ways to plug-in their malicious attempts to breach the security measures. Moreover, governing bodies continue to introduce or update regulations in order to curb cyber security threats. Non-compliance to such regulations could lead to hefty penalties. Therefore, it is highly recommended for businesses to either have a full-time CISO or a third-party cyber security expert monitor the cyber security measures and compliance for businesses.