Cyber Security Month: A Call to Action for Business Leaders  - Node4
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Cyber Security Month: A call to action for all business leaders 

As we are coming to the end of Cyber Security Month this October, I want to take a moment to reflect on the current threat landscape and what it means for organisations of all sizes. The recent UK government’s Cyber Security Breach Survey 2024 revealed a stark reality: half of UK businesses have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the past year. This data paints a clear picture of the urgent need for effective cybersecurity strategies.

There can be little doubt that the volume, scale, and sophistication of cyber-attacks are on the rise. While this may seem daunting, I encourage business leaders to take a step back and take a structured approach this meeting this dynamic challenge.  Firstly, conduct a business-led risk impact assessment specific to your organisation’s inherent and specific risks.  In simple terms; understand what would cause the most significant disruption to your business through the lenses of a breach in confidentiality, a corruption of data integrity or a lack of availability.  This approach will help narrow the focus to what matters most.

Identify Your Critical Assets 

Every organisation has specific systems and data that are more critical than others. It’s essential to identify the underlying technology and data assets that enable your critical business services.  By identifying and prioritising these assets, you can ensure your cyber security strategy aligns with your business objectives by protecting what’s important.

Armed with insights from this analysis, you can position your ‘must-have’ controls and prioritise efforts—and security budgets—in a proportionate way.

Prioritising Cyber Security Measures 

Once you have a clear understanding of your organisation’s risk profile, you can start to outline your cyber security strategy. This should include consideration of the following core capabilities with an emphasis on what mitigates the highest impacting risks.

  1. Governance: Establish and oversee cyber security policies, resources, and accountability.
  2. Identification: Understand and manage cyber security risks to systems, assets, data, and business services.
  3. Protection: Implement safeguards to ensure the delivery of critical business services through the protection of digital assets.
  4. Detection: Develop and maintain activities to identify cyber security events in a timely manner.
  5. Response: Take action to contain and mitigate the impact of cyber security incidents.
  6. Recovery: Restore capabilities or services impaired by cyber security incidents in line with business expectations.

A Mindset for Resilience 

Every business, regardless of size or sector, should adopt a proactive mindset towards cyber security. It is crucial to cultivate a culture of cyber security that permeates every aspect of your organisation. This is not just about technology; it is about strategic planning and engaging all of your team.

Only when you are confident in what you need to protect can you effectively put a plan in place.

As we observe Cyber Security Month, let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our cyber defences. By taking a business-centric approach to cyber security, identifying critical assets, and implementing tailored strategies, we can enhance our resilience against cyber threats. We are dedicated to helping businesses navigate this complex landscape with the right insights and solutions.

Act Today 

Join Us for Upcoming events!

Do not wait for a disruption to you derail your business. Conduct your risk impact analysis, engage your team, and prioritise your cyber security needs. As part of our commitment to enhancing operational resilience, we invite you to attend our upcoming security events:

  • Operational Resilience and the Impact of Regulatory Drivers 
    Wednesday 27th November 2024 
    Fortinet Office, The Scalpel, 26th Floor, 52 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7AF 
  • Breakfast Briefing: Resilience Through Preparedness 
    Thursday 5th December 2024
    Royal Air Force Club, London. 

These events are designed to equip you with the insights and strategies needed to strengthen your organisation’s resilience and prepare for the inevitable disruption.  For more information and to register, please visit our website. Let’s work together to ensure a secure future.