What is Cyber Security?
Today, technology changes at such an accelerated rate that, many times, it prevents businesses from being on par. Not having a cyber security plan would generate risk when developing commercial operations; for this reason, to manage and minimize dangers, it is vital to have one, in order to anticipate future scenarios regarding cyber attacks.
A cyber security plan represents a set of guidelines that lead to protecting data, systems and infrastructure. This should be a company policy to safeguard the operability and stability of the processes.
Each organization should then design an effective plan with key elements. This will guarantee those responsible for the computer system to handle unpleasant situations.
Goals of the cyber security plan
As mentioned, cyber attacks are constantly increasing. The Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute in its information protection report recommends the following when applying a plan:
Integrity: It is important to ensure that the data does not change. Losing their integrity will cause fraud, erroneous decisions, etc. So the information will be protected from unanticipated, unauthorized or accidental modifications.
Availability: A cyber security plan will guide the operational continuity of the system. If not achieved, there will be effects of loss of productivity or credibility. A cyber attack would impede the provision of services to users.
Confidentiality: of course, data protection is a fundamental mission. Organizations usually possess information that is managed discreetly and cannot be disclosed.
Components to design it
Based on the advice established by Ramirez in the Methodology for preparing the computer security plan, the most important elements are condensed:
Establishment and review of security fundamentals
Those responsible for this area will ensure that the basic security systems are fully applied. The more up-to-date they are, the smaller the gap for cyber attacks. These are some of the elements to consider:
- Firewall
- Intrusion detection system
- Automated security monitoring and alarm systems
- Spam filters
- Identity access control
- Strong passwords and authentications
- Encryption of confidential data
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders
In the event of a cyber security violation, the personnel involved and the technology teams will be prepared. Everyone must have a predetermined role related to incident response.
The team will be trained to recognize the signs of an attack. When the time comes, the cyber security plan is expected to have tactics to deal with the situation. When it comes to data loss, everyone should be vigilant, because every minute counts.
Work within an outline
The cyber security response must be tailored to the types of data protected and the circumstances involved. Order is required in all the people, technologies and processes of the organization. When action is needed, this scheme will provide the necessary plan. Everything to deal with a cyber security incident without any hesitation or delay. The scope will cover all work processes. People inside and outside the company, including external providers and devices connected to the corporate network.
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment
It is a priority to consult a model of the most generalized threats according to the identified risks. Also, assess the probability of their occurrence and the damage they could cause. The actions taken and described in the cyber security plan should involve the appropriate personnel described in the model. Once threats are prioritized, the steps to take will be clearer to all concerned. Risk assessment not only adjusts the response to attacks, but also helps prevent them. It is about putting yourself in the mind of an attacker.
Carry out incident response planning
Constantly check for the latest plan changes, and the latest threats and regulations. Include the latest enhancements, training, and preparation so teams know how to act as soon as a hazard is detected. It is important to be proactive. Improvements, training and preparation must be completed before the next major breach attempt.
Each plan must be tested and updated. Outdated incident response plans are likely to be ineffective. However, it is vital to constantly renew them to be protected. It is also vital to alert the team to the components of the Everyone they play a very significant role in the prevention of their computer systems.