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IT and Cyber Risks Ebook Hartman Executive Advisors
IT and Cyber Risks Ebook Hartman Executive Advisors
RISKS
HOW TO REDUCE THREATS AND
PREPARE YOUR ORGANIZATION
FOR THE UNKNOWN
In the first six months of 2020, more than 27
billion records were exposed as a result of data
breaches. This figure exceeds the total number of
records exposed during all of 2019 by more than
12 billion records.*
As technology is continually changing and evolving, it's a best practice for companies to
undergo a cyber risk assessment at least once every two years, or more often if new
threats become prevalent.
Many business leaders use these assessments as a tool to make more informed
decisions regarding cybersecurity infrastructure. Cyber risk assessments can also
reduce wasted time and resources by eliminating the need to review misleading threats
based on non-quantifiable data.
Blind spots are relatively common in the cybersecurity industry. As technology continues to advance
at a rapid rate, it can be challenging for businesses to keep pace. Assessing the situation helps
ensure that business leaders are aware of hidden dangers so they can take the proper measures to
address them before it is too late.
SIMPLIFY IT SYSTEMS
Cyber risk assessments do much more than pinpoint potential threats to a business. They can also be
useful for simplifying IT systems and processes. By performing a cyber risk assessment, businesses gain the
resources they need to consolidate IT systems.
A simplified IT system is easier to use and draw data from, and can effectively store large amounts of
sensitive data. It is also easier for business leaders to review security controls for simplified systems. Once a
business has identified potential weaknesses and has a thorough understanding of threats, it’s important to
review and improve security controls. This essential step can help companies determine if preventative or
corrective controls need to be enhanced or modified.
With quantified data from a cyber risk assessment, companies can develop better security policies to
protect their data and network while working toward compliance.
Most organizations are not able to put unlimited funds towards cyber
risk management. Therefore, it is important to pinpoint the most
business-critical assets to save both time and money. When determining
value, consider the following:
Once you have the answers to these questions, it’s time to move to step
two.
IN SUMMARY:
Organizations need to be prepared to respond to both internal and external
stakeholders following a breach. A documented, flexible, incident response plan is
critical to this preparation, and may even be required depending on the industry.
Cybersecurity training is not just a box to check off, but rather, must become an ongoing and
mandatory part of an organization’s culture – and it has to start at the top to be most effective.
Leaders who recognize the value of ongoing cyber training can set an example for their entire
company and mitigate future negligence that can lead to a breach.
Comprehensive training includes regular and varied testing of the employee population with
simulated phishing attempts. The goal is to keep employees on their toes so they become used
to thinking twice before clicking a link or providing information. Close the testing loop each
time with a report that goes out to staff with the results of the test.
Hartman is fiercely independent. Unlike other firms that offer IT guidance, Hartman does not sell or profit
from any technology solution, so clients know the recommendations they receive are always in their best
interest. Hartman advisors are fellow executives who listen to concerns and keep confidences.
Contact us today to discuss your unique situation and potential options for cybersecurity risk
management. We will provide you with the data, tools and strategies to help minimize security threats
and safeguard your IT infrastructure.
contact us
www.hartmanadvisors.com
(410) 600-3200
inquiry@hartmanadvisors.com