A cybersecurity strategy is an action plan designed to increase an organization’s security and resilience. It is based on a top-down approach and establishes a set of protocols and objectives to keep the organization safe. The primary goal of a cybersecurity strategy is to protect individuals, systems, networks, and digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or disruption.
To implement a cybersecurity strategy, organizations must first understand the security framework they want to adapt. There are several security frameworks available, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a common language for organizations to manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. It consists of five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
Once an organization has selected a security framework, it can begin implementing various strategies to protect its assets. These strategies may include:
1. Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.
2. Access Control: Implementing access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data.
3. Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data to protect it from unauthorized access.
4. Employee Training: Providing regular training to employees on cybersecurity best practices.
5. Incident Response Plan: Developing an incident response plan to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cyber attack.
In addition to these strategies, organizations should also consider implementing an IT security framework such as ISO 27001.
ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a framework for managing and protecting sensitive information using risk management processes.
The Risk Management process typically involves the following steps:
1. Identify the Risk: This step involves identifying potential risks that could impact the organization. This can be done through a risk assessment process that involves analyzing the organization’s operations and identifying potential vulnerabilities.
2. Analyze the Risk: Once risks have been identified, they need to be analyzed to determine their potential impact on the organization. This step involves assessing the likelihood and severity of each risk.
3. Prioritize the Risk: After risks have been analyzed, they need to be prioritized based on their potential impact on the organization. This step involves determining which risks are most critical and require immediate attention.
4. Treat the Risk: Once risks have been identified, analyzed, and prioritized, they need to be treated. This step involves developing strategies to mitigate or eliminate risks.
5. Monitor the Risk: The final step in the risk management process is to monitor risks to ensure that they are being effectively managed. This step involves tracking risks over time and making adjustments to risk management strategies as needed.
By implementing a risk management process, organizations can reduce their exposure to potential risks and minimize the negative impact of those risks that do occur
Business leaders and board executives play a critical role in an organization’s cybersecurity journey. They must ensure that the organization has adequate resources and support to implement a robust cybersecurity strategy. They should also be involved in the development of the strategy and regularly review its effectiveness.
In conclusion, a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is essential for protecting an organization’s critical IT infrastructure. Organizations should select a security framework such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and implement various strategies such as risk assessment, access control, data encryption, employee training, and incident response planning. Additionally, implementing an IT security framework such as ISO 27001 can provide additional protection for sensitive information.
Destiny Young, MBA (Distinction), MTech (IT), MSc (Cand), Nexford University
Technology/IT Infrastructure Engineer
