Today, organizations are adopting cloud solutions at an increased rate. Cybersecurity awareness is at an all-time high, and cybersecurity standards and regulations continue to expand on organizational and individual responsibilities for protecting information. And don’t forget AI, which has transformed from a Hollywood trope to a mainstream technology with valid use cases for many organizations.
Certainly, such a drastic shift in the cybersecurity ecosystem would require a massive overhaul of the essential components of a cybersecurity program. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. However, while these changes certainly provide additional perspective and mandates for change, the five essential elements of cybersecurity outlined almost 10 years ago still resonate today.
An effective framework
The most effective organizations have established strong governance to support their cybersecurity initiatives. Such governance starts with adopting a
framework that helps define organizational expectations to manage cybersecurity risks. Organizations can rely on one of the many frameworks that have been established in the past few years, particularly those that integrate myriad standards and regulatory requirements into a single, customized control framework. As organizations mature, they can create key risk indicators that define metrics and provide visibility to the performance of critical controls. Organizations should review integrated risk technology platforms that enable their risk management programs through automation and that increase visibility and transparency.
End-to-end scope
Since the pandemic, a typical organization’s risk footprint has significantly expanded the use of cloud solutions, increased reliance on third parties, and required broader support for remote workers. Similarly, cybersecurity programs have had to evolve to identify and manage critical risks, particularly as organizations adopt new solutions. Establishing processes that promote security within new technologies and business relationships without unduly affecting the ability to pursue new opportunities has also been a paramount priority.
Thorough risk assessment and threat modeling
The concept of risk management has matured over the past 10 years. Organizations need an understanding of their risks and threats because it’s a matter of when, not if, a cybersecurity event will happen. As such, the focus should shift toward cyber resilience. Cyber resilience represents an organization’s ability to identify and respond to potential cybersecurity events while maintaining operations. It ultimately integrates concepts such as information security, penetration assessment, business continuity, disaster recovery, and risk management to create a layered approach to cybersecurity.
Proactive incident response
Another critical component of a strong cyber resilience program is incident response. Organizations must proactively plan their approach to respond to potential security events, including establishing relationships with third parties, implementing resilient technical solutions, strengthening security awareness across the business, conducting tabletop exercises, running ransomware simulations, and designing monitoring capabilities that provide visibility to potential events as timely as possible. Testing response programs can also serve as a training mechanism to educate employees about their role in the event of an incident.
Dedicated cybersecurity resources
Organizations today better understand the importance of having personnel to support their cybersecurity program, though the industry is still lacking available talent to fulfill all the needs. Turnover continues to be high. However, technology investments have helped manage risks. Solutions such as multifactor and fast identity online authentication and advanced endpoint protection have become more broadly adopted. Organizations need to continue to evaluate how to take full advantage of technology to complement their teams and to mature their cybersecurity programs. AI potentially offers opportunities to improve maturity, such as helping improve responsiveness by detecting and responding to potential threats.
Meeting future challenges
The next 10 years will introduce new changes to the cybersecurity industry. Risks and threats will continue to emerge and become more sophisticated, sometimes drastically. Significant security breaches will continue to be front page news, and new and updated standards and regulations will remain focused on cybersecurity responsibilities. However, continuing to improve on these five fundamental elements of cybersecurity can provide organizations with the foundation they need to be successful.
