Cybersecurity management is the process of protecting an organization’s information assets from various security risks. It involves using software and IT security solutions to secure business systems and data.
This process also requires implementing administrative, legal, technological, procedural, and employee measures to minimize exposure to security threats such as industrial espionage, theft, fraud, and sabotage.
Why is Cybersecurity Management Important?
Cybersecurity management is essential for maintaining the integrity and availability of data and IT systems, which are vital for operational processes. These include personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), personal data, intellectual property data, and information systems.
Without a cybersecurity strategy, an organization is vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks, which can cause significant damage to its reputation, finances, and operations.
How Does Cybersecurity Management Benefit an Organization?
A cybersecurity management policy helps an organization identify and address the security risks that affect its resources. It establishes clear roles and responsibilities for managing the security program and responding to security incidents. It also defines the best practices and solutions to prevent and mitigate security threats, such as:
Creating and maintaining a robust enterprise security architecture
Detecting and resolving advanced threats
Securing Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices
Managing identity and access (IAM)
Serving security intelligence
Additionally, some external cybersecurity management services offer IT security consulting to help organizations develop and improve their security strategies for the present and future.
Cybersecurity vs Cybersecurity Management
Cybersecurity refers to the measures taken to protect a company's digital systems and data from cyber threats. On the other hand, cybersecurity management is a comprehensive approach that involves organizing the tools, people, and processes responsible for cybersecurity.
6 Cybersecurity Management Best Practices
These are six proven best practices for cybersecurity management.
#1. Know Your IT Assets and Environment
You need to know all the IT resources and environments in your firm, such as data, devices, systems, networks, services, technologies, endpoints, etc. They are all potential entry points for attackers. You also need to assess and monitor them continuously.
#2. Implement a Risk Management Strategy
You need a clear and effective strategy to manage risk. It should include your risk tolerance, risk profile, roles, and incident response plans. You should also update it regularly.
#3. Make Cybersecurity Risk Management Part of the Company's Culture
You need to communicate and implement your policies and processes across the firm. Everyone involved in managing cyber threats should be aware of and follow their responsibilities. Cybersecurity risk management should be aligned with the company's values and culture.
#4. Use Continuous, Adaptive, and Actionable Risk Assessments
You need to identify and assess your risks constantly. They can change due to new procedures or technologies. You should also improve your procedures based on the risk assessments. They can tell you where your vulnerabilities and threats are.
#5. Use Strict Security Protocols
You need a security system that is both complete and easy to use. Some methods are:
Use a web application firewall (WAF) at the network edge to monitor traffic, provide quick and useful information, and protect against all threats.
Secure BYOD devices and all other hardware in your IT environment.
Use strict security rules for remote workers.
Use automatic patching when possible to keep all security systems updated.
Use tight access controls and authentication policies.
Combine systems and data when possible.
Separate and scattered data is harder to manage and secure. Have a consistent and reliable backup system.
#6. Improve Network Visibility
You need to see all parts of your network to prevent and reduce cybersecurity incidents. Things like insider threats, third-party components with vulnerabilities, and human error can risk your environment. Real-time and reliable visibility into your organization’s risk profile is vital.
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