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Keep Your Company Safe: 6 Pillars of a Sound Cybersecurity Strategy

February 1, 2025

Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for organizations of all sizes. Only 34% of originations have a formalized cybersecurity program with an average cost of a cyber breach is $290,000.

Cyber threats continue to evolve, targeting vulnerabilities in systems, processes, and even human behavior. A sound cybersecurity strategy is essential to safeguard sensitive data, maintain trust, and ensure business continuity.

Central to such a strategy are six foundational pillars: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover, and Govern. Each plays a critical role in building a resilient cybersecurity framework.

1. Identify

The first step in any cybersecurity strategy is identifying assets, risks, and vulnerabilities. This involves taking stock of critical data, systems, and resources while assessing potential threats and weaknesses. A thorough risk assessment provides organizations with a clear understanding of their attack surface, enabling them to prioritize areas that require immediate attention. By maintaining an up-to-date inventory of assets and mapping their interdependencies, businesses can better anticipate and mitigate risks.

2. Protect

Protection involves implementing safeguards to secure critical assets against cyber threats. This includes deploying firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates. Employee training also plays a vital role in protection, as human error is a common entry point for attackers. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations empower their workforce to recognize and avoid potential threats, such as phishing scams or suspicious downloads.

3. Detect

Even the most robust defenses can be breached, making detection a key component of cybersecurity. Early detection of anomalies or unauthorized activities can prevent minor incidents from escalating into full-blown crises. Leveraging advanced tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, and real-time monitoring solutions can help organizations quickly identify potential threats. Regularly testing these systems ensures they remain effective against emerging attack vectors.

4. Respond

A swift and coordinated response is critical when a cyber incident occurs. The response phase focuses on containing the threat, minimizing damage, and restoring affected systems. Organizations should develop and maintain an incident response plan (IRP) that outlines clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures for handling various types of incidents. Regularly rehearsing response scenarios, such as ransomware attacks or data breaches, ensures teams are prepared to act decisively under pressure.

5. Recover

Recovery involves restoring normal operations following a cybersecurity incident. This includes data restoration, system repairs, and communication with stakeholders to rebuild trust. Effective recovery planning ensures business continuity and reduces downtime. Backup systems, disaster recovery plans, and post-incident analysis are critical components of this pillar. By learning from incidents and addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can strengthen their defenses against future attacks.

6. Govern

Governance underpins the entire cybersecurity strategy by establishing policies, standards, and accountability measures. Effective governance ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. It also involves regular audits, compliance checks, and updates to cybersecurity policies to adapt to evolving threats. Strong governance fosters a proactive rather than reactive approach, ensuring cybersecurity remains a top organizational priority.

Cybersecurity is a continuous process that requires vigilance, adaptability, and collaboration across all levels of an organization. By focusing on the six pillars – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover, and Govern – businesses can create a robust framework to defend against threats, minimize risks, and maintain resilience in an ever-changing digital landscape. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, adopting a comprehensive strategy is not just prudent but imperative for long-term success.

Source: 2025 SensCy SMO CyberSecurity Readiness Report

 

By Dana Weidinger, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.

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