FINAL WORD
For effective budgeting , it ’ s essential to carry out periodic security risk assessments to understand your priorities and strategies effectively for the future . Be sure to train your employees and create and implement a cybersecurity policy that sets organisation-wide rules and regulations for all employees .
3 . Simplify your technology estate
While a heavy and complex IT system might be easy on the eye , it can be complicated to manage properly , thereby potentially increasing the risk of a data breach . Instead , you need to simplify your technology estate to eliminate complexities and streamline your security functions . and predict . If your system exhibits these aspects you can achieve long-term success , making it easy to accomplish other high-impact projects for a competitive advantage .
As such , your organisation can reap the long-term benefits of your cybersecurity investment .
5 . Use strategic partners
With the evolving nature of cyberthreats , it has become more and more difficult to manage your cybersecurity needs without additional support . At some point , you may need to enlist the help of managed IT service providers ( MSPs ). MSPs can support with :
One way of simplifying your systems is integrated tooling , which allows you to connect tools to work together , reducing your response time and costs . To achieve this , you need to understand how your tools work and interact with each other . This includes mapping all the tools you use , including :
• Developing and implementing an effective cybersecurity strategy
• Procuring IT infrastructure and installing your hardware
• Implementing training programmes for employees
• Providing ongoing maintenance and updating your systems
• Firewalls
• Antivirus software
• Wireless network security appliances
• Intrusion Detection System ( IDS )
In addition , you need to leverage purpose-built services that combine different functions , such as monitoring , detection , analysis and prevention , into a single potent solution . A good example is Managed Detection and Response ( MDR ). MDR is enabled by integrated technology with centralised Security Information and Event Management ( SIEM ), a system that collects and records activity from numerous resources , providing analysis and a holistic view of an organisation ’ s IT infrastructure . As well as reducing your upfront investment , MDR helps you keep pace with ever-changing adversarial tactics .
4 . Focus on outcomes and opportunities
MSPs help to bridge the gap between your IT department and the rapidly evolving digital world . Working with them means you have access to security experts in different fields for consultations , emergency cases , or other security needs . You can be sure of quick response times and proactive support in the event of an incident .
With the right MSP , you can channel your efforts , time and resources into growing and improving outcomes for your organisation . MSPs take care of the heavy burden of securing , maintaining and updating your IT systems , allowing you to focus on what you do best .
Start doing more and spending less
We ’ re seeing an arms race between attackers and defenders , and attackers are winning . The sheer volume of cyberattacks being launched means that siloed security solutions are unable to keep up .
Cyberattacks are no longer far-fetched concepts – whether you ’ re a small or large organisation , you can be a potential target . As such , you shouldn ’ t view cybersecurity investment as a cost but as a strategic opportunity that shapes outcomes . It can help protect your critical assets , secure customer data and ensure continuity . Ensure your cybersecurity procurement helps you meet business goals . It isn ’ t just about buying the latest piece of technology – effective security is about a combination of people , process and technology .
Bear in mind that a complete security architecture considers four key pillars : prevent , detect , respond
When you ’ re considering your own cybersecurity hygiene , think about where you ’ ve spent your money and how it relates to your organisation ’ s goals . Where are you under-investing ? Are you over-investing in the wrong places ? There ’ s no use investing in high-tech tools if you don ’ t have the skills and resources to configure and manage them properly as the threat landscape inevitably shifts .
Making cyber-smart decisions that align to your wider organisational strategy is an essential element of maintaining operational integrity and ensuring success in this hostile digital landscape . p
86 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www . intelligentcio . com