Don’t Be The Next Cyberattack Target

This is a good time to reassess cyber programs, determine how to limit the data that could be compromised, and minimize potential fallout from a breach. The National Institute of Standards and Technology released its Framework for improving critical infrastructure in February 2014. Sparked by this development, a number of government agencies subsequently issued guidance that puts organizations from many industries on alert that cybersecurity should be a top priority, and they must formulate a strategy that addresses the most common and hazardous risks.

Cybersecurity affects all aspects of a business, not just IT. Therefore, organizations must create a culture of cyber-consciousness that encourages buy-in among all business units. To craft strategies to combat potential threats, organizations must understand what their information assets are and where they are located. They need to inventory their physical devices and systems, as well as their software platforms and applications. They should also catalog and evaluate all external connections to their network.

Along with external risks, cybersecurity programs must contemplate the risks from employees, those who can access, share, and possibly destroy proprietary digital assets. All cybersecurity programs should identify who has access to which types of data and devise a method for searching for, and flagging, unorthodox data access and transfers.

Successful cybersecurity requires monitoring, testing and tweaking to account for internal developments and emerging threats, as well as an organizational culture where vigilance against cyber risks is part of every employee’s job.