No organization ever wishes for a cybersecurity incident. But in today’s complex technological landscape, it does happen — more frequently than businesses would like to admit. Therefore, companies need to be prepared by implementing an incident response plan that helps reduce the risks, costs and recovery time associated with a security breach or cyberattack. Not doing so directly affects your company’s bottom line.
Small to midsize businesses can take steps to counter the ever-evolving threat of cyberattacks and become “cyber ready.” These steps are not overly complex or costly, and businesses can significantly protect themselves and their reputations by taking action.
A Good Rule of Thumb: Follow NIST Guidelines.
When it comes to planning for worst-case scenarios, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays an absolutely vital role. Among their many other publications, they have published an important Guide for Cybersecurity Event Recovery to help both government and private-sector organizations develop a game plan to contain the opponent and get back on the field quickly. As the number of cybersecurity incidents climb, and the variety of types of attacks grow, “It’s no longer if you are going to have a cybersecurity event, it is when,” said computer scientist Murugiah Souppaya back in 2016, one of the guide’s authors. This statement has definitely held up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID pandemic, and more.
The NIST publication supplies tactical and strategic guidance for developing, testing and improving recovery plans. It recommends organizations create a specific playbook for each possible cybersecurity incident, and it includes examples you can adapt to your specific situation. “To be successful, each organization needs to develop its own plan and playbooks in advance,” said Souppaya. “Then they should run the plays with tabletop exercises, work within their team to understand its level of preparation and repeat.”
Understand the NIST framework.
NIST recently released an updated version of its Cybersecurity Framework, which provides organizations of all sizes — including government and private-sector businesses — with standards, guidelines and best practices for managing cybersecurity risks.
This framework is structured around five key functions:
- Identify – Begin with an overall understanding of your technology situation and its business context, which includes identifying your IT assets and their vulnerabilities, creating a risk management strategy and implementing cybersecurity policies.
- Protect – Put appropriate safeguards in place to minimize potential cybersecurity incidents, which includes providing employee training, using access control systems and updating security systems.
- Detect – Implement systems and monitoring to detect cybersecurity incidents in a timely manner.
- Respond – Be prepared to take quick action to contain the impact of a potential cybersecurity incident, which includes ensuring you follow your incident response plan and maintain communications with all stakeholders.
- Recover – Return to normal operations and implement improvements based on lessons learned and reviews of existing strategies.
Outsource your IT.
When running a business, the key to success is remaining focused on your vision and staying committed to its mission. That’s why it’s essential to keep distractions to a minimum — including overwhelming yourself with the technology requirements that keep the business functioning at optimum performance. You shouldn’t have to spend hours worrying about your IT infrastructure or security — you just need it to work.
That’s where an IT managed service provider comes in. Outsourcing your IT can improve your performance measures in terms of cost, quality, service and speed. Look for a provider who will work to understand your company and analyze your needs, then translate those objectives and processes into solutions that span the lifecycle of your entire IT infrastructure.
If you’d like a free 2-hour cyber-security assessment, or have questions regarding outsourcing your IT or the costs associated in doing so, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Since 1995, Manassas Park, VA-based V2 Systems has employed local systems administrators, network engineers, security consultants, help desk technicians and partnering companies to meet a wide range of clients’ IT needs, from research, to implementation, to maintenance. Concentrate on your VISION…We’ll handle the TECHNOLOGY!
