Cybercriminals are constantly adding new strategies to their repertoire. Are you doing the same? With the threat of cybercrime growing daily, so is the need for efficient cybersecurity. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Here are 5 proactive measures for a solid cybersecurity recovery plan.
Vulnerability Assessment and Patch Management
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in the IT infrastructure where cyber-attacks may be possible. Prioritize vulnerabilities based on their criticality and potential impact, and establish a robust patch management process for the timely application of security updates and patches.
When selecting IT experts for these crucial roles, the difference between data science and computer science comes to the fore.
While these are related disciplines, a degree in computer science gives you theoretical tools while a data science degree focuses on the real-world application of those tools. However, either a degree in computer or data science will be advantageous when creating a cybersecurity strategy.
Protecting your company’s most valuable assets (your data) requires both an understanding of computing theory, as well as the ability to put these principles into practice. So, including experts from both disciplines, you’ll have all the tools necessary for a solid cybersecurity recovery plan.
Continuous Monitoring And Threat Intelligence
Intrusion detection and protection systems (IDPS) can monitor your network for suspicious activity and block attempts at unauthorized access. And of course, firewalls can be deployed on your company’s computers, or even be used in a cloud-based environment for extra data protection.
There are several types of cybersecurity that you can employ. But you’ve probably heard the old saying, forewarned, is forearmed. It’s especially true in cybersecurity. The key to a robust cybersecurity monitoring system is to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time.
Threat intelligence feeds can keep you updated about the latest attack vectors and any emerging threats you need to be aware of. But it’s up to you to employ advanced analytics and machine learning to enhance your own threat detection capabilities.
Hackers continuously adapt and evolve to get around the latest in security measures. To effectively thwart their attempts, you need to follow their example. Stay alert, and as they devise new ways to attack vulnerable data, evolve your cybersecurity strategies accordingly.
Incident Response Team Formation
Perhaps the best and most proactive measure for creating a solid cybersecurity recovery plan is to establish a dedicated incident response team. This should comprise IT experts, legal advisors, PR specialists, and members of senior management. Every one of them will have a unique role to play.
If customers’ personal or financial data is compromised, the public relations and legal teams are the most qualified to address the public’s questions and concerns. IT experts are the first line of defense in data hacking, but in the aftermath of such a data breach, the PR and legal teams are the most valuable.
Clearly define each team member’s roles and responsibilities.
Select a communication channel that will be quick and effective, but also safe and secure. Also, define the escalation process necessary for prompt decision-making amid a security crisis.
Comprehensive Data Backup and Recovery Strategy
The most tried-and-trusted measure for effective cybersecurity recovery is to practice comprehensive data backup. This is the backbone of any efficient recovery plan. If you are not doing so already, start regularly backing up all your critical data, systems, and configurations.
To strengthen your recovery plan, store these crucial backups in multiple off-site locations, including cloud-based solutions. If you do this, you won’t have to worry because even if one location is somehow compromised, you don’t lose all your data.
This is where automation can truly be of use. Automated backup routines will reduce the administrative burden on your IT staff, while also reducing the recovery time objective (RTO). That means less downtime and also less stress for everyone concerned.
Be sure to limit access to sensitive data, and thoroughly vet anyone who will be working with such data. Implement authentication and authorization controls to ensure that no unauthorized personnel have access. And should any of these employees leave the company, change access codes immediately.
Incident Simulation And Training
Cybersecurity is more important than ever because cyber threats can arise at any time, with disastrous consequences. So be prepared! Don’t leave your cybersecurity concerns up to your IT experts alone. Provide comprehensive cybersecurity training for all your employees at all levels.
Teach them the early warning signs of cyber attacks. This will enhance their awareness and response skills, and give them confidence in times of trouble.
Cybersecurity measures can only do so much, and some of them are not entirely foolproof. Combine your existing cyber security tactics with regular incident simulations. It is only through active, consistent simulations that you can identify the most vulnerable areas of your system that may need improvement.
Conduct simulated cyberattack exercises (red teaming) to assess your organization’s cyber threat response readiness. And perform regular tabletop exercises to test your cyber security incident response plan’s effectiveness.