Cybersecurity can be complicated and overwhelming, so we’ve come up with 5 basic steps that can help strengthen your organisation’s framework.

Be aware of all your IT equipment

A great starting point to strengthen your organisation’s cybersecurity is to conduct an audit to establish what devices are on your network, and where your information is stored, so that you can take steps to protect it. Create and maintain a record of all the devices connected to your network including operating systems, applications and serial numbers for each device.

Know your weaknesses 

In addition to knowing what information you have and where it’s stored, you also need to understand what your vulnerabilities are. As organisations are continuously targeted by hackers, they need to validate the security controls of their IT infrastructure by safely trying to uncover exploitable vulnerabilities – running a controlled attack, mimicking a hacker’s mindset. For more information, read here.

Strengthen your team

Data breaches are often caused by human error, primarily due to a lack of cybersecurity training and awareness. Employees may be targeted by phishing or social engineering attempts therefore failure to provide adequate training for your employees means you are more vulnerable to attack. Educate your team, from teaching them password hygiene to being able to spot the red flags. Cybersecurity is more than just a technological solution.

Continuously monitor your network and devices 

Most, if not all, devices on your network have the ability to generate continuous log data at any point in time. By utilising this and analysing the data you may be able to identify any anomalies and signs of a comprise, and eradicate any threats efficiently.

Have a response plan 

No matter how strong you think your organisation’s cybersecurity is, always assume something will go wrong. Prepare for the worst so you can only ever be pleasantly surprised. A basic overall plan should outline what to do in the case of a breach – who should you report a breach to, who is going to take the lead and next steps. It is also good practice to have “cheat sheets” of what to do in different scenarios such as a data breach. Share these with your team and have practice runs so that if the worst should happen, you are prepared.

A foundation of these basic steps will help strengthen your organisation’s cybersecurity. If you would like to know more about our tools and support to help you protect your business, get in touch.