CYBERSECURITY REVIEW8 AUGUST 2024IN MY OPINIONBy Alvin Manuel, Partner, Technology Consulting, SGV & Co.As we march further into the digital age, organizations increasingly rely on technology to power their operations. While tech has revolutionized our society, it has also created a new frontier for cybercriminals to exploit. The stakes are higher than ever, as cyber-attacks have evolved from benign website defacement to debilitating ransomware that has disrupted mission-critical functions and created data breaches, damaging customer trust and company reputation.The frequency and severity of incidents have caught the attention of regulators, resulting in tighter regulations and higher penalties around cybersecurity and privacy. The democratization of technology has also lowered the barriers to entry for cybercriminals, making organizations of all sizes and sectors open to attacks.Severely constrained by economic, geopolitical, and security talent challenges, organizations rapidly realize that they cannot prevent or predict all major cyber incidents. The key is to focus on building cyber resilience ­ the ability to withstand, respond to, and spring back from attacks with minimal disruptions.This starts with a proactive mindset that assumes the organization has been compromised. Organizations can take action early to adopt a holistic approach that balances prevention, survival, and recovery by starting with the assumption that attacks will eventually degrade, disable, or disrupt a critical functionality, system, or supply chain. Akin to preparing the organization in anticipation of a storm or flood, organizations should proactively architect systems to fail securely when compromised, train their people to act decisively, and ensure that the impact of attacks is mitigated or reduced.Here are key steps that organizations need to take to build this posture.INVOLVE THE BUSINESSThe proactive mindset has to start from the top. Despite the torrent of attacks, many executives still view them as a distant possibility rather than an imminent threat. This is reflected in capabilities that focus on prevention rather than a balanced approach. While investments in detection and response have accelerated in recent years, many organizations are still struggling to detect and respond to attacks effectively. To address this gap, security leaders must capture the imagination of management as to what a cyber-attack would look like within their context. This engagement increases collaboration and invites management to be advocates of resilience.IMPROVE VISIBILITYEffective cyber resilience requires visibility over assets, risks, and opportunities. Organizations cannot manage CYBER RESILIENCE - SURVIVING THE DIGITAL WILD WEST
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