Cyber security risk is a significant threat to any business. It threatens not just the data your company has but also its reputation and customer trust. And if you’re not prepared for an attack or breach, it can have devastating consequences on your company’s bottom line.
It’s important to be proactive about cyber security with a plan in place before disaster strikes–and one of the most critical components of such a plan is knowing how to manage cyber security risk. Read on to learn what this entails and how you can develop and implement an effective cyber security plan for your business.
What Is a Cyber Security Plan?
A business cyber security plan will address your business’s specific security risks with customized security policies, procedures, and solutions to minimize risks and ensure the security of assets. It is essential for a business to have a plan before you run into cyber security problems. It’s far easier and more cost-effective to manage risks than it is to repair your business after a security breach. The right cyber security plan will prevent the attack in the first place, saving your business tremendous hassle and expense.
For example, a business may want to identify sensitive information and how it is accessed on the company’s servers. The company also needs to know how data flows across networks, both inside and outside the company. In addition, the company needs to think about what software applications employees use and how they access them, who has physical access to servers or other devices on the network, and what steps IT services will take in response to an incident.
How to Develop a Cyber Security Plan
Planning for cyber security is crucial for your business operations and longevity. Any cyber security plan should include:
- An assessment of the risks and vulnerabilities and what could happen if they’re exploited;
- Policies and procedures to address each risk and vulnerability, like low tolerance for phishing scams;
- Identification of what type of information is most important to protect from harm, such as customer data or intellectual property;
- Processes to limit access to critical assets, such as firewalls or password protection;
- And response procedures when incidents occur.
Beyond just making a cyber security plan, it’s important to create contingency plans for various cyber threat scenarios. For example, if the IT system is compromised in some way, what will management do? Do you have an alternative server set up so your teams can continue desktop functions? Are there other ways that employees can access their systems and information offsite, like through cloud services?
Turn to CMIT Solutions to Manage Your Business Cyber Security Risk
Let the cyber security experts at CMIT Solutions help your business identify and implement the cyber security plan you need to be successful. Our team offers 24/7 reliable support. Connect with us online now to get a quote for services to manage cyber security risk.