Often times, cyber security is approached from vendors from a features and functionality perspective – without addressing the cyber security framework or controls that it actively applies to.  Organizations that buy based on a singular need without addressing the overall scope of the frameworks that they adhere to end up having a mix and match environment that can create more holes than it fixes AND still not have achieved adherence to the framework that they are working towards.

When evaluating the cyber security posture of your organization, the best bet is to start with the basic and foundational layers.  An organization should start crafting policies that they’d like to adhere to and identify areas where they fall short.  These policies become commandments that frame each of the technology conversations that happen afterwards.  Does this technology or solution add to my framework in a meaningful way or is it just a cool cyber security tool?  Frameworks are meant to be the initial guide to create a well-crafted baseline for an organization and should be the primary focus in the beginning.  Unique and add-on cyber security tools should be on the back burner until the base level has been set.

Once you have your cyber security policies in place and have identified where the gaps are for your organization, the next step is to start strategizing around technologies that fill the gaps.  The goal is to create a secure environment and fulfill all of your policies without making it overly complex.  If the solution becomes too complex, then an organization may fail to maintain the posture in the long term (whether through employee turnover, available time for existing staff, or just the management of too many independent vendors).  If possible, try finding solutions that mesh with the overall policy of your organization and contribute to multiple policies in your environment.

Next, after security policies are set and technology is deployed, processes need to be built.  These processes provide the blueprint to current and future staff.  This allows for easier knowledge transfer throughout the organization as well as a source for staff to pull from if a primary representative isn’t available to make a last-minute change or need to configure a setting.

Lastly, cyber security is never complete.  A healthy cyber security posture is re-evaluated on a continuous basis, monthly, quarterly, or yearly – depending on the element.  Having an expert review your cyber posture on a regular basis, helps to ensure that nothing is being missed or mis-stated.  Contact ChoiceTel today to talk to one of cyber security resources about improving, re-imagining, or evaluating your cyber security posture.

To learn more contact us today at [email protected] or (248) 922-1150 and experience the ChoiceTel difference.