Strengthening your Cyber Security: 6 key questions to consider

In today’s digital age, safeguarding your organization against cyber threats is more critical than ever. Your Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) plays a pivotal role in this defense, guiding your strategy, risk management, and data protection efforts. By leveraging their expertise, you can ensure your organization is well-prepared to face any cyber challenge. Here are 6 essential questions to ask your CISO to evaluate your cyber readiness:

1. What should we monitor and protect?

Ensuring robust data protection is vital. Your CISO should provide insights into the following aspects of your data security strategy:

• Monitoring and Protection: Given that our data is managed across various locations, how do we monitor and protect it effectively? Identify measures in place to bridge any security gaps.

• Data Storage Locations: Where is our data stored? Identify the platforms (cloud services, local servers, IT networks, OT networks, or partner clouds) housing your sensitive information.

• Data in Transit: How does our data move between different points? Determine the specific networks or channels through which it travels.

• Data Sensitivity Assessment: How sensitive is our data? Classify it based on confidentiality levels (e.g., public, internal, confidential, highly confidential).

2. How effectively have we trained our teams to counter intruders?

Employees are often the most vulnerable part of any organization when it comes to cyber security. Cyber criminals frequently exploit human weaknesses to gain access to a company’s IT environment. Ensuring your team has relevant cyber security knowledge should be a top priority for any CISO.

3. How well is our security program performing?

With numerous security programs available, varying in price and sophistication, your CISO can advise on the most suitable one for your company. A good security program should assist in two key areas: ongoing monitoring of your systems to detect anomalies and threats, and the capability to respond swiftly to active attacks to mitigate their effects.

4. Are we getting the most out of our security investments?

If your CISO assesses that your cyber security solutions lack the necessary performance to sustain protection, be prepared to review the programs used and evaluate if the cyber security team has the right level of competence.

5. Is it worth testing with certified ethical hackers?

Testing with certified ethical hackers is a proactive approach to identify vulnerabilities and address security weaknesses in an organization’s systems. It helps mitigate risks, ensures compliance, and strengthens overall cybersecurity. Investing in ethical hacking services is cost-effective and demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding critical assets.

6. Do we have defined processes and responsibilities for responding to a cyber attack?

An instant response to a cyber attack is essential. A well-functioning cyber attack protection plan includes clear instructions on how the team handles an intrusion. When everyone knows their role in an emergency, acting quickly and effectively becomes easier. Just as companies have fire drills, similar preparations should apply to a cyber attack.

By addressing these questions, you can better prepare your organization to face and mitigate cyber threats effectively. At NTT Security, we pride ourselves on helping your organization stay protected and secure against cyber threats, 24/7. If you are interested in how you can improve the security of your organization and how you can seek help from your CISO, then read our full CISO guide here.

Are you unsure if your business is safe and protected from cybercriminals? Let’s talk. 

By taking proactive measures and remaining vigilant, we can collectively defend against cyber threats and safeguard sensitive data from exploitation. Let’s prioritize cybersecurity and work together to ensure a safer digital environment for all. Fill in the form and we’ll contact you.