An alarming number of businesses have suffered cyberattacks and security breaches. There are numerous studies and reports on the consequences of these breaches, and how different companies have paid a hefty price for what may seem like a small incident. Wall Street Journal, in association with Security Industry Association (SIA), had a report on the cybersecurity landscape, and the numbers are quite surprising. If your company has been trying to focus on cybersecurity, they have to think beyond compliance. In this post, we are discussing more on things that matter while formulating cybersecurity policies. 

Consider all networked devices & access management

Every networked device is a computer. For example, if you have installed IP cameras and video surveillance systems, these are also computers, and hackers will find all possible vulnerabilities to hack into the recorder and get the data they need. The first step of cybersecurity is to make a list of all networked devices, assets, and data resources. Next, figure out who has access to what. Identity & access management suites can be really helpful for such needs, because the management needs to know one simple thing – “Who has access to what resources, data, and systems, within an organization, at a given point of time”. 

Employee awareness programs

Unfortunately, a considerable number of cyberattacks have happened because of insider threats and issues, and many businesses are blatantly oblivious to that. If you really want your cybersecurity policies and practices to work, consider training your employees on all aspects. Let them know of common threats, the relevant of password protection steps and creating strong passwords, safe browsing practices, and so on. They also need to know about their role and responsibilities in ensuring cybersecurity, and consequences of their actions. 

Don’t miss on BYOD and WFH policies

Employees often need to access company resources, networked devices, and infrastructure on their personal devices, and having clear policies for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) situations is critical. Also, if you are allowing your companies to Work from Home, they need to use VPN, must use secured networks, and should find the best possible ways to prevent issues like malware attacks. Outline what can be accessed on personal devices, and make sure that employees don’t breach their access rights.

Cybersecurity is more than just about reducing risks. It is also about operating in an environment that’s being continuously tested and is safe for everyone involved, including customers and employees. 

Renee Sanders