5 steps towards an effective cybersecurity framework
The pandemic enabled the acceleration of digital transformation, providing greater access to information and data in the cloud. However, this aspect also generated new challenges and opportunities in the cyber world.
Did you know that cyber attacks have increased by 50% in the last year and that 55% of companies are not prepared to defend themselves against them?
Cybersecurity is key to protect the information, privacy and reputation of any organization. Therefore, it is essential to have a cybersecurity strategy and investments that allow us to prevent and mitigate threats.
In this post, we advance the steps to implement an effective cybersecurity framework in an organization. Find out how!
What is a cybersecurity framework and why is it so important in today's organizations?
Cybersecurity is known as the set of measures and techniques that protect information stored in computer systems from potential cyber threats or attacks.
To help protect and keep such information intact, companies and organizations develop cybersecurity frameworks.
A cybersecurity framework is the set of fundamentals, standards and techniques that ensure information security. In other words, it is the guide that establishes the policies to be followed and the objectives necessary to achieve complete security of information and digital assets.
Why is it important to elaborate the cybersecurity framework in a company?
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To prevent and mitigate risks such as theft, loss or modification of information.
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Comply with regulations and legal standards regarding data protection and cybersecurity.
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Optimize the performance of business technology processes.
A cybersecurity framework can help a company define its security objectives, priorities and responsibilities, as well as assess its maturity level and continuously improve its risk management.
A cybersecurity framework step-by-step
There is no exact formula for developing a cybersecurity framework. Each organization will identify its needs in order to adapt the plan as much as possible taking into account its size, sector, regulations...
Here are the steps to follow to develop a cybersecurity framework adapted to your company or organization.
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Analysis of the current situation - What information do we need to protect first? What threats are we exposed to as an organization? Determine the level of risk exposure depending on your business needs. For example, if your company handles personal or sensitive customer data, you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and implement appropriate measures to prevent its loss or theft.
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Cybersecurity frameworks - There are cybersecurity frameworks developed by government agencies that allow you to tailor your needs and develop a framework that optimizes your results. Among the different frameworks, the most popular are: NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO/IEC 27001 or CIS Controls or the National Security Scheme.
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Tailor the framework to your needs - after performing the preliminary analysis and understanding what type of framework - or frameworks - will best suit your business model. The important thing is that the framework you choose helps you establish a clear and coherent action plan to improve your cybersecurity.
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Implementation of the cybersecurity framework - to start implementing the security measures that will encompass the cybersecurity framework, we must assign roles and responsibilities as well as define the policies and processes that the team will follow to properly implement the framework.
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Improvements and follow-up - finally, we must verify the functioning and efficiency of the implemented measures, as well as detect and respond to possible security breaches.
Shaping an ever-growing industry
Cybersecurity leads today's business needs in charge of improving digital transformation processes. Achieving a connected and secure environment is the next big challenge for professionals in the technology and ICT sector.
70% of Spanish companies have already increased their cybersecurity budget according to the annual report of the consulting firm PwC.
At La Salle-URL we develop a differential approach in our programs to boost the future of our students and prepare them for their professional future in the cybersecurity sector. The growing need to include profiles trained to lead teams that manage the cybersecurity of a company or organization becomes crucial nowadays.
The Master's Degree in Cybersecurity Management, will prepare you to generate and implement information security policies that allow you to achieve business objectives.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY MANAGEMENT