Cybersecurity has become a top concern for businesses of all sizes. In 2023 alone, 50% of UK businesses experienced at least one cyberattack. Criminals are increasingly using AI to escalate their operations, targeting more companies and crafting convincing scams designed to steal sensitive data.
With these risks growing, businesses need to ensure their security is robust. A strong cybersecurity posture can prevent costly breaches, protecting your productivity, finances, and reputation.
Know your vulnerabilities
Having a strong cybersecurity framework begins with understanding your company's weaknesses. Conducting a thorough cybersecurity assessment will help uncover areas of vulnerability so you can strengthen them before an attack occurs. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide which shows you all the steps when assessing your cyber security provisions in-house.
However, an assessment requires specific skills and resources. Ideally, it should be done by someone who understands the threats and the fundamentals of cyber security.
If you do not have these skills internally (as many small businesses don’t), you may benefit from bringing in an external expert to support your assessment.
Here are seven key steps for evaluating your cybersecurity posture:
Step 1. Identify Critical Assets:
Begin by identifying the most important assets within your business, including hardware, software, and data. Creating an asset inventory will set the scope for your assessment. If you already have a list of these, it’s easy. If not, you’ll need to devote time to identifying your assets. This might include undertaking network mapping, inventory checking or brainstorming sessions.
Once you’ve outlined your assets, you’ll have a much better understanding of the scope of your assessment.
Step 2. Assess Threats and Vulnerabilities:
Cyber security is a priority due to the diverse threats and vulnerabilities that face businesses. Common threats include:
Phishing attacks: Fraudulent emails or messages designed to deceive employees into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
Malware attacks: Malicious software like ransomware, viruses, or spyware that can steal data or hijack systems.
Social engineering attacks: Techniques where criminals manipulate individuals into granting unauthorised access to systems or information.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks: Overloading a server or website with excessive traffic, rendering it unusable for legitimate users.
Insider threats: Malicious activity from within your organisation, such as by disgruntled employees and contractors
Equally important are the 'vulnerabilities' that leave businesses exposed, such as weak passwords, outdated software, and unsecured devices. Identifying specific threats depends on your company's unique processes, personnel, and industry. Taking the time to thoroughly analyse these threats will help you better understand the risks and where your weaknesses lie.
Addressing these vulnerabilities might involve using tools like vulnerability scanners and penetration testing to pinpoint weaknesses in your systems.
Step 3: Evaluating Identity, Device, and Data Protection
Protecting your business starts with addressing three core areas: identity, device, and data security. Here’s how you can tighten up these critical aspects.
Identity Protection
Think of identity protection as the gatekeeper to your sensitive data. To ensure only authorised people can access it, set up strong access controls and add multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security. If you don’t have a solid Identity and Access Management (IAM) system in place, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Device Protection
Your business’s devices are entry points for potential threats. Encrypting them ensures that if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains safe. Tools like data loss prevention (DLP) can help make this easier. If your devices aren’t protected, you're leaving a door wide open for potential risks.
Data Protection
Safeguarding your data—whether it's business or customer-related—is crucial. Start by classifying your data based on its sensitivity and then segment it into manageable groups for added security. Be sure to back up and encrypt important data to minimise damage in case of a breach or loss.
By reviewing these areas, you’ll not only spot vulnerabilities but also strengthen your overall security, making your business safer from potential threats.
Step 4. Evaluate Risk
Identify potential threats, such as phishing attacks, data breaches, or device theft. Rank each threat by both likelihood and impact to help you focus on the most serious risks. This allows you to quickly identify which vulnerabilities need immediate attention and which ones are lower priority.
5. Prioritise and Document Actions
Once you’ve ranked the risks, create a clear priority list of actions to tackle the most urgent threats first. For each risk, outline your mitigation strategy, whether it’s implementing a new security tool, enforcing stronger password policies, or enhancing network monitoring. Keep these steps documented for easy reference.
6. Develop an Action Plan
Lay out a step-by-step action plan that addresses both short- and long-term security needs. This might include deploying encryption tools, setting up multi-factor authentication, or conducting employee cybersecurity training. Make sure your plan is practical, with specific deadlines, so progress can be tracked effectively.
7. Monitor Progress
Cybersecurity isn’t a “one-and-done” task. Regularly review your systems for new vulnerabilities, update security tools, and adapt your policies as threats evolve. Set up continuous monitoring and periodic reviews to stay ahead of potential issues and ensure your defenses remain robust.
Next Steps
Once your cybersecurity assessment is complete, it’s time to reinforce your defenses. Microsoft offers a range of solutions, from Microsoft Defender XDR to Microsoft Purview, that can help businesses protect their systems with advanced threat detection and data protection.
Investing in the right cybersecurity tools ensures your business remains resilient against emerging threats and secures the future of your operations. Get in touch with the team at Delta today to book your FREE IT audit.
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