Cybersecurity Awareness Series: The Role of Awareness in Cybersecurity
Welcome to Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Throughout this month, we will explore a series of topics that revolve around essential questions to ask when reviewing your cybersecurity posture. Given the dynamic and complex nature of this field, we aim to initiate meaningful discussions within your organization. As the month continues, we hope these topics will spark valuable conversations and empower you to navigate this ever-expanding landscape effectively.
How do we increase our awareness of the risks that exist in our environment?
One of the most basic needs when building or enhancing a cybersecurity plan is gaining awareness. Having a detailed awareness of where data exists, how and when it is handled, daily workflow of users, and where security gaps may lie will allow for proactive policy creation and remediation. Likewise, a lack of awareness and understanding of the environment will leave the door open for misplaced monitoring, vulnerabilities, and untracked data.
Gaining a more complete awareness of the organization’s cybersecurity landscape is not a one-step process or an audit to be completed quickly. Instead, it must be purposefully built and maintained as an ongoing effort.
Here we’ll discuss three main components of ongoing awareness in the workplace.
Develop a Cybersecurity Culture
In the modern workplace, a strong cybersecurity culture is not just an added layer of protection; it's a necessity. Such a culture empowers organizations to defend against evolving digital threats effectively. Three key components of a cybersecurity culture are the involvement of both employees and executives in security, ongoing training, and facilitating feedback from and to users regarding secure workflows.
Involvement of Employees and Executives in Security
A robust cybersecurity culture begins with the active participation of all stakeholders, from the newest hire to the most senior executive. Encouraging employees and executives to engage in security initiatives fosters a sense of shared responsibility for safeguarding the organization's digital assets. This collective approach not only enhances security but also promotes a workplace environment where cybersecurity is considered everyone's job.
Training
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, continuous learning is paramount. Regular cybersecurity training equips employees with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond to potential threats. This includes identifying phishing emails, adhering to password best practices, and understanding safe online behavior. A well-informed workforce is a powerful line of defense against cyberattacks.
Feedback from and to Users Regarding Secure Workflow
Communication is a cornerstone of a cybersecurity culture. Organizations should establish channels for users to report security concerns or incidents promptly. Equally important is the provision of feedback to users, reinforcing secure behaviors and acknowledging their vigilance. This two-way street empowers employees to actively contribute to the organization's security and ensures that they understand the importance of their role in maintaining a secure workflow.
Complete Monitoring
Determining the most important types of cybersecurity software for companies can vary depending on the company's industry and structure. However, the following three types of cybersecurity software are generally considered crucial for organizations of all sizes and industries:
Endpoint DLP and User Activity Monitoring
With the vast majority of data breaches starting from the endpoint and involving the endpoint user, endpoint monitoring is a requirement in today’s security stack. In addition, monitoring endpoint activity can reveal gaps in secure workflow, inconsistencies in time reporting, compliance issues, and other risks. Complete endpoint monitoring should have the capability to gather both data loss threats as well as application and activity incidents.
Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
Antivirus and anti-malware software have been a fundamental component of cybersecurity since the beginning. It helps protect endpoints by identifying and eliminating known malware, viruses, and other malicious software. While it may not prevent all threats, it is a critical first line of defense against common and widespread attacks. Modern AV software has evolved to bring AI and ML to the front lines.
Firewalls/IDS
Another security staple, firewalls act as a barrier between a company's internal network and external networks, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic based on security policies. Firewalls are essential for preventing unauthorized access and ensuring network security. They help filter out malicious or unusual traffic and protect against common threats. With today’s highly remote workforce, firewalls continue to be vital.
These three types of cybersecurity software form the foundation of a company's security strategy. While additional cybersecurity tools and measures are important, these provide essential protection against a wide range of threats and vulnerabilities. Companies should also consider their specific industry, risk profile, and regulatory requirements when selecting additional cybersecurity software to create a more comprehensive security posture.
Complete and Available Forensics and Analysis
Having the appropriate analysis and forensics tools is not merely a choice but a fundamental necessity. These tools assume a critical role in detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber threats while affording organizations an encompassing perspective of their security posture. The essence of these components lies in their accessibility and comprehensibility. Analysis tools should furnish near-real-time and trending updates on vital security statistics, showcasing recent changes, pinpointing at-risk machines or users, and illuminating asset usage patterns. In the presence of a potential risk indicator, forensics tools must be readily accessible, dependable, and crystal-clear in their presentation.
Consider the following when reviewing analytic and forensic capabilities:
Access to Comprehensive Analysis Across Cybersecurity Software
As technology has evolved, so have security solutions. Today’s solutions can generate vast amounts of data related to data risks, vulnerabilities, and compliance risks. Analysis tools are essential for aggregating and interpreting this data, whether externally or within these solutions. They enable security professionals to gain a holistic view of an organization's cybersecurity posture, identifying weak points and areas that require immediate attention. This holistic approach empowers organizations to proactively address potential security risks before they escalate into full-blown incidents.
Access to Quick Forensics for Timely Incident Review
In the event of a security incident, time is of the essence. Quick and clear forensics tools are indispensable for investigating and understanding potential incidents promptly. They enable organizations to analyze digital evidence, trace the origins of the incident, and assess the extent of the breach. Rapid incident response is critical in minimizing damage and reducing downtime. Without timely forensics, organizations risk losing valuable information and precious time, which could allow the attacker to maintain a foothold in their systems.
Behavioral Analysis of Workflow Changes
Workplace cybersecurity isn't solely about identifying external threats; it's also about monitoring internal changes. Behavioral analysis allows organizations to detect and analyze changes in their workflow that might indicate signs of risk. Unusual or unauthorized activity can be a precursor to a security incident, including insider threats. By closely monitoring these changes, organizations can quickly address issues, adjust policies, and ensure that these security policies are being followed consistently.
By gaining a deeper awareness of events within the organization, supported by clear forensics and innovative analysis, organizations can define decisive steps forward. This involves pinpointing vulnerabilities, understanding changes in user behavior, and emerging risks. Such proactive measures are essential for staying ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats and ensuring the long-term security of digital assets.
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to an end, it is our hope that the innerActiv team can assist in meeting your cybersecurity goals.
