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Companies often push cybersecurity aside, but CEOs are responsible for helping teams create and implement effective cybersecurity and risk management plans.  

Gloucestercitynews.net-(March 19, 2020)--As companies continue to expand their information technology resources, cybersecurity measures can often get left behind. CEOs are forced to focus on the more pressing matters of business as usual, and IT departments are floundering to provide the most effective solutions possible without the support of executives. Instead, an effective approach to cybersecurity begins with the CEO. Your involvement in creating and implementing cybersecurity measures in your organization has a profound impact on how well those security measures work. Unsure of where to begin? 

Krystal Triumph with Atlantic-IT.net in New Jersey shares what every CEO should know about implementing cybersecurity measures for your organization.

Start with a Risk Assessment

It is difficult to make a plan and take action if you aren't aware of the risk your company faces. Work with a managed service provider or your IT team to perform a risk assessment and determine which aspects of your company are most exposed. Are there areas of your company that aren't up to current compliance standards? Is lack of knowledge among executives and workers putting your data or finances at risk?

Establishing an effective security protocol in your organization starts with you. Many of the risks organizations face when it comes to cybersecurity are a byproduct of human involvement (phishing emails and social engineering, for example) or lack of communication between your IT team and key decision-makers. Both issues can be resolved through your involvement in establishing a risk management protocol and emphasizing the importance of training both executives and employees in cybersecurity measures.

Train Your Team

Now that you have a better understanding of the threats, or potential threats, your business faces, it is important to pass this knowledge on to your executive team and your employees. Teach your team about the risks of cyber threats and how they could impact your business. It is especially valuable to teach the entire organization how to recognize and avoid phishing emails and other social engineering schemes. According to the most recent data, one in 25 branded emails is a phishing scheme. That means those in your organization who receive far more emails than 25 per day are putting themselves and your company at risk if they lack awareness of phishing tactics.

Develop a Plan

Part of your risk assessment and training process should be working with your IT team or service provider to develop a plan for IT risk management and disaster recovery. Should the worst occur, what actions will be taken—and by whom—to either mitigate the risk or recover any lost or damaged data?

By building a plan of action, you provide peace of mind for yourself and for your team knowing that you are in control of how your data is used, where the risks are currently and where they could be in the future, and how to efficiently manage those risks. In order to better navigate the potential for employee-related risk—at least 78% of cyber espionage attacks start with phishing—make continual employee training a part of your risk management plan. Onboarding new employees should involve training, as well as regular updates for both employees and executives.

Create Clear Communication Pathways

In order for your risk management plan to be most effective, you will want to establish who on your team is responsible for each level of communication or risk. Which risks can be dealt with by your cybersecurity team and which risks require executive-level involvement? Assign roles that allow your team to understand exactly what their responsibility is in the face of cybersecurity risk.

With a plan in place and responsibilities clearly delegated, your team will have the tools they need to play their part in managing and mitigating any potential cyber-threats your company faces. Be sure to regularly review your plan and communication pathway, or partner with a managed service provider to delegate the task of consistent monitoring and management of your cybersecurity plan.