In today’s economy, businesses must understand and leverage the value of data to remain competitive and appealing. Data has enabled us to create more desirable products and better understand consumers’ behavior, becoming a company’s major asset.
And so, it becomes crucial to implement a bulletproof cybersecurity system to protect such an essential asset. But, data security is much more than that, and implementing organization-wide habits to keep this information secure should be part of any security system.
A recent survey by the Ponemon Institute and HPE identified 7 commonalities in the cybersecurity plans of highly-secure organizations. Jim Morrison, former FBI Computer Scientist and current HPE Distinguished Technologist, presented these principles in a special webinar for ISG Technology, in partnership with the Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The following is a summary of those principles.
1. They Value Security as Part of Digital Transformation
Technology has become an essential aspect of any business’s operations, and without investing in the current digital transformation, your company is likely to become outdated and less competitive quickly.
However, along with these technological innovations come a few challenges that entrepreneurs can’t ignore. As your company gathers data, it becomes crucial to implement solid security systems. Security can’t be an afterthought. It should be an integral part of a digital transformation plan.
2. They Manage Risk Effectively
Proactively and effectively managing the risks inherent in business is an essential component of a successful digital transformation. Throughout the digital transformation process, over 75% of high-performing enterprises work in close collaboration with a risk management team.
A risk management team can offer valuable advice regarding the implication of any initiative you are launching, identifying the areas that carry the highest cybersecurity risk, and can help build security into the design of new projects
3. They Use Security Automation
Human error still represents one of the major risks for any company’s security, despite how advanced our technological innovations have become. Eliminating or reducing manually-operated systems through automation can represent a suitable solution to this issue.
Automation can play a major role in your security system. The automated system will introduce compliance as code, implement a standard response and access control system, and reduce reliance on the decisions made by an analyst.
4. They Implement a Zero Trust Model
When it comes down to protecting the data of your business, clients, employees, and contractors, you want to always be sure of your security. Implementing a Zero Trust model means you always verify the status of your security.
This is “not because workers are bad,” explained Jim Morrison, HPE Distinguished Technologist. “It’s that workers get distracted.”
HPE’s Silicon Root of Trust is a security measure built in to a server’s silicon. It provides a unique, immutable fingerprint that connects the silicon to the firmware. If the firmware is ever compromised by an attack, the Root of Trust will not allow the server to boot up. It’s the strongest hardware security solution on the market.
5. They Use Machine Learning
Machine learning is among the most revolutionary innovations of our era. Using machine learning in data security will decrease the company’s reliance on human perception and decision making.
Instead, the system itself is to recognize the voice, face, or optical character of whoever is trying to access data. This can help you implement a standard recognition and access system that will nearly eliminate human error.
6. They Purchase Cyber Insurance.
Today, investing in a cyber insurance policy is one of the best ways to protect your company against losses or damages due to data breaches, which can be extremely costly for any business. A cyber insurance policy can cover you in the event of business interruption, cyber-extortion, reputational damage, media liability, and more.
7. They Connect Privacy and Security
It’s crucial to understand that it is not possible to have privacy without a strong security system. Effective cybersecurity reduces the risk of privacy breaches for customers, employees, and partners. It also minimizes human error. Because of this, cybersecurity defenses and privacy measures are tied together.
Understanding these perspectives on business security can help you find the weaknesses in your own cybersecurity posture. For help implementing the security measures you need, contact us today.