In today’s digitally driven world, every organization, regardless of size or industry, faces constant cybersecurity threats.
From data breaches and malware infiltration to ransomware and phishing scams, the cybercrime landscape is evolving, demanding proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information and critical infrastructure.
Here are actionable steps your organization can pursue to help build a robust cybersecurity solution and mitigate vulnerabilities.
To help your organization develop a cybersecurity solution tailored to your unique needs, explore steps within each of the following 14 categories.
Conduct ongoing and regular, rather than annual, cybersecurity awareness training for all employees to educate them about potential threats, phishing attacks, and recommended practices for maintaining security. Emphasize the importance of strong password practices and the risks associated with sharing sensitive information.
Enforce the principle of least privilege. This ensures that employees have access only to information necessary for their roles. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to access controls.
Similar to strong access controls, the Zero Trust model assumes all users, devices, and networks are untrusted and must be verified before being granted access to resources.
The Zero Trust model is based on the principle of least privilege, but uses a combination of technologies, such as:
Keep all software, operating systems, and applications up to date with the latest security patches from vendors to address vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.
Use firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems to identify and respond to potential threats.
Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This ensures that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains unintelligible without the appropriate decryption keys.
Implement continuous monitoring solutions to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time. This can help identify and mitigate potential threats before they escalate.
Develop and regularly update an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a cyberattack. This plan should include the following key factors when responding to events:
Regularly back up critical data and ensure backups are stored offline and can be quickly restored in the event of a ransomware attack or data loss. Ensure regular restoration tests are performed to ensure viability of the backups.
Develop and regularly update a disaster recovery plan that outlines how the organization will recover from a disruptive event that affects it technology stack or business operations. The plan should include the recovery steps necessary to minimize the impact of a disaster and help the organization resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing assessments to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems. Address any issues promptly to enhance overall security. Conduct simulated cyberattack exercises—for example red team penetration testing—to identify vulnerabilities and test the effectiveness of your incident response plan.
Assess the security practices of third-party vendors, suppliers, and partners to ensure they meet your organization’s cybersecurity standards. Third parties with access to sensitive data create a greater risk, so regular monitoring of their security controls and access is vital.
Establish and enforce strong cybersecurity policies within the organization. Clearly communicate expectations regarding data handling, access, acceptable use, and security measures.
Make cybersecurity a priority at the executive level. Leadership involvement fosters a culture of security throughout the organization.
If you have questions about how to protect your organization against cybersecurity threats, please contact your Moss Adams professional.
