How do you know your network and your digital assets are really safe? How can you be sure? Often, it takes a cyber attack and subsequent data breach to learn that your company’s defenses are not what you thought. Read on to learn more about taking stock of your company’s cybersecurity posture to prevent a cyber attack and its damage.

 

Review Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures

One place to start evaluating your cybersecurity posture is reviewing your cybersecurity policy, which states not just your company’s stance on cybersecurity, but the ways you plan to keep your network secure and processes and procedures you will follow while pursuing business goals. A sound policy starts with general security expectations as well as roles and responsibilities within your organization. Once these are clear, more specific policies deal with  guidelines for antivirus software and use of cloud applications. Other specific elements include  how devices can and cannot be used, how the system can be securely accessed, and what will happen in the event of an attack, like one resulting from a phishing email.  Do workers know where and how to access the company network, and where not to? What are the processes for recovering from a disaster, and how will the business continue operating if one happens? These questions are just some of many to have a definite answer to, to be sure of your ability to keep your company secure.

 

Auditing Your Network

Do you know the security of your network, and all devices connected to it? Keeping a detailed asset inventory; records of all devices–their type, model, operating systems, which versions of software they have, and what they’re used for–is just the first step in securing them. And then, your workers may have their own devices, for which you need the same information. Are the software, operating system patches and antivirus/anti-malware definitions current? Does your network itself have these same protections?

 

Take Stock of Protecting Your Data

Another key piece of the cybersecurity puzzle is data. Knowing where your data resides, how it’s classified, and its quality can help you protect it. Is there old data you’re keeping, that you no longer use, that if compromised, can result in fines and other penalties? How much data do you keep in the cloud, and what about your provider’s security and data centers? What data regulations is your business bound to comply with, to keep personal data secure? And where is your data backed up, to prevent its loss? Answering specific questions about the health of your data will help you maintain its security, and protect you from penalties resulting from data breaches.
 
If you want to be sure (not just assume) your business is secure, and prepare for cyber threats, contact your trusted Focalized Networks advisor today.