Mark Lynd
People Are An Essential Component
People are an essential element in cybersecurity. While some may point out they can be a weakness, the bolder view is if properly trained, positioned and prepared can have a very positive impact on an organization’s security posture.
Here are 7 Reasons People Matter in Cybersecurity
1. Leadership: Effective leadership is crucial in cybersecurity, as it sets the tone for the entire organization's approach to security. Leaders have the ability to influence the culture and priorities of their organization, recognize burn-out in their staff, and can ensure that security is integrated into all aspects of the business. They also play a key role in ensuring that the right resources are allocated towards cybersecurity efforts and that there is a clear plan in place for addressing potential threats.
2. Communication: Good communication is essential in the field of cybersecurity, as it helps to ensure that everyone in the organization is aware of potential threats and knows how to respond to them. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as the ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders. It will help leaders identify and care for those staff members that might be suffering or heading towards burn-out. Strong communication skills also help to facilitate collaboration and coordination between different teams and departments, which is critical for an effective security strategy.
3. Understanding the threat: In order to effectively defend against cyber threats, it is essential for individuals to have a deep understanding of the types of threats that exist and how they can impact an organization. This includes understanding the tactics and techniques used by attackers, as well as the potential consequences of a security breach. By staying up-to-date on the latest threats and trends in the field, individuals can better protect their organization and help prevent successful attacks.
4. Developing & executing a security plan: A well-defined security plan is the foundation of any effective cybersecurity strategy. It outlines the specific measures and controls that an organization has in place to protect against potential threats, as well as the procedures for responding to incidents when they occur. Individuals who are responsible for developing and executing a security plan must have a thorough understanding of the organization's assets and vulnerabilities, as well as the ability to assess risk and prioritize security efforts accordingly.
5. Responding to incidents: When a cybersecurity incident does occur, it is essential that individuals have the skills and knowledge necessary to respond quickly and effectively. This includes having a clear plan in place for incident response, as well as the ability to identify the scope and impact of the incident, contain it, and recover from it. It also involves effective communication with all relevant parties, including stakeholders, customers, and the media.
6. Training others: Ensuring that all employees in an organization have the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and respond to potential threats is critical to the overall security of the organization. This includes providing ongoing training and education to employees on topics such as best practices for password management, spotting phishing attempts, and other security-related topics. By providing regular training and reminders, organizations can help to reduce the risk of successful attacks.
7. Promoting diversity: Diversity and inclusion are important factors in cybersecurity, as they can help to bring a variety of perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. By promoting diversity in the workplace, organizations can also help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, which can lead to better collaboration and more effective decision-making. Additionally, promoting diversity can help to attract and retain top talent, which is essential for building a strong and capable cybersecurity team.
People are an essential ingredient in the effective cybersecurity equation. They often go unrecognized and are over-worked. It is very important for leadership in an organization to value and recognize their cybersecurity teams to attract, retain and motivate their precious cybersecurity assets.