Cybersecurity is the number one concern for CIOs in state security for 2015 – and no wonder. State security systems house an enormous amount of data on any number of people, organizations, and even infrastructures – but keeping your organization’s data safe is just as important.
Preventing access to your data is job number one. However, it’s often human error or a wayward device that allows a cyberattack to occur, so even ironclad infrastructure isn’t enough – thus, educating your masses about cyber security is paramount. And, if a cyberattack should occur, there should be a plan in place to determine exactly where the breach came from and how to stop it.
1. Infrastructure needs to be transparent to you, but not to would-be attackers. With today’s infrastructure options, from the cloud to server convergence, you can put together a system that deters attackers and lets you know if someone manages to get in – so you can stop it fast. As soon as you have solid infrastructure in place that works best for your enterprise, you’ve started the process of prevention, so it’s on to step two.
2. Educate the people under and above you on cybersecurity. All it takes is one person opening and downloading a file that’s bugged – unintentionally, of course. Or bringing in their own device (BYOD), which can lead to a lot of heartache – those devices aren’t equipped with the same security company devices are, so they’re at much higher risk for interception.
3. Planning for cybersecurity is exactly that – planning. Know your options, put infrastructure in place, then make a plan. It’s imperative you have a blueprint in place to deal with cyberattacks, and to appoint yourself as a leader against them. As the CIO, it will be your job to disseminate information to all parties, from the executives to IT, to deal with a security issue swiftly and smoothly.
4. If an attack occurs, revisit it. What you can do better next time? Include IT in your assessment and preparation.
How do you plan for cyber security?