Protecting your organization against cyber-crimes such as hacking, intrusion,and data theft is an aspect of business that you simply cannot afford to overlook.The security posture of your organization is at stake. Security posture means the security status of your network, software as well as hardware. Thus, your security posture is centered around your current cyber-security measures and your preparedness to counter any intrusive attack or other security risks.
In many companies, big or small, a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)is responsible for maintaining and improving the company’s security posture. Several compliance regulations necessitate the appointment of a knowledgeable and efficient CISO in your organization. As businesses increasingly face new threats every day, the role of CISO in securing your organization becomes even more critical.
What can a CISO do to effectively improve the security posture of your organization? Here are our tips
Conduct cyber-threat analysis in real time
A CISO must conduct real time analysis of the cybersecurity threats facing your organization. All the access points, databases,and firewalls surrounding your organization should be monitored at all times. This becomes particularly important for systems or databases holding proprietary or sensitive information.Remember, a single breach can cost an organization dearly.
Cultivate cyber-intelligence
To improve your organization’s security posture, your CISO should be able to gather new information in the cyber-sphere and predict the new kinds of risks that your organization may face one day. Moreover, new software or application products that are intended to help your business may in fact expose you to grave risks. You CISO should be able to advise you on which business deals or products may threaten your organization.
Engage in regular cyber-forensics
Your organization may have been exposed to cyber-threats recently. A good CISO will be able to immediately formulate a forensics team to analyze the cause of failure of the current security measures. The CISO should use such incidents to identify the weakest areas of your organization’s security. Regular investigations into any minor or major risk exposure become crucial in the long run.
Communicate the impact of cybersecurity measures to employees
An effective CISO must clearly communicate the need and impact of cybersecurity measures on the growth and continuity of your organization’s business. They should avoid using jargon as it might divert the attention of the employees. A CISO must be able to align their motives with your organization’s mission.When cybersecurity is understood by all stakeholders, your organization’s security posture will automatically become more effective.
Keep the higher authorities up to date
Higher authorities such as CXOs, executives,or board members are the primary stakeholders in any business. They should, and hopefully will, occasionally ask the CISO about the security measures in the organization. The CISO needs to communicate with them about the urgency of repairing any loop holes in your current security setup as well as any new technology updates in the cybersecurity arena. Keeping the top-tier up to date will draw their attention to the security issues at hand.
Conclusion
To improve the security posture of your business, it is important to appoint an efficient CISO. It does not matter if industry regulations do or do not require such an officer.Choose your CISO wisely and follow our tips to help them perform better.
