Technology-based solutions alone are not enough to combat cyber threats. Effective security strategies require a comprehensive approach, considering not only the technology but also the people who will manage it and the processes involved.
This article explores the three important aspects of cybersecurity - People, Process, and Technology - and how they can work together to protect your organization.
People
75% of data breaches happen due to human element, this means that your employees are the first line of defense, and their awareness, behaviors, and training can make all the difference between a secure infrastructure and a breach.
Phishing attacks have been increasing at an alarming rate, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) reported about 1.3 million phishing attacks in the second quarter of 2023.
To ensure your employees are well equipped, firms need to focus on:
- Educating employees through security awareness training, This should entail knowing how to handle data, spot phishing scams or social engineering attempts.
- Conducting regular assessments such as phishing simulations to gauge training effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Moreover, having access to skilled security professionals is essential for leading and supporting better security practices. This can be achieved through building a dedicated cybersecurity team, collaborating with IT partners to design and deliver security solutions.
Process
The Process provides the template for effective security strategy and covers procedures, frameworks, and policies that prevent attacks and respond to incidents. Process answers the how, when, and why of security, covering:
- IT governance, risk, and compliance
- Security audits and gap analysis
- Effective management systems and policies
- Response and disaster recovery plans
Technology alone cannot guarantee security; it's the processes that bring it to life. Well-defined security processes like the framework provided by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outline roles, activities, documentation, and systems to manage cyber risks. They dictate who uses which tools, when to test defenses, and how to identify and address security issues. This includes regular security exercises like penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and threat research.
Technology
Effective cybersecurity requires a blend of people, process, and technology. When it comes to technology, the key is to strike a balance between innovation and integration. Rather than an array of solutions, your IT security team should use their expertise to adopt technologies that are in sync with your business needs.
This is especially important when it comes to application and software security, as flaws in these areas can have dire consequences. In 2023, about 63% of applications had first-party code flaws while 70% had flaws in third-party code, according to the Veracode "State of Software Security 2024" report.
This means you need an exhaustive security technology program that addresses:
- Network, platform security and infrastructure
- Endpoint security, detection, and response
- Identity and access management
- Application and software security
- Vulnerability monitoring
- Cloud services
- Data security
At Cyberkach, we are dedicated to helping you and your organization build strong cybersecurity foundations. We believe that effective cybersecurity requires a balance of three key elements: people, processes, and technology. Through our resources and training, we aim to educate and equip with the knowledge and skills to manage cybersecurity challenges. For more information or to make enquiries about any of our cybersecurity services, kindly contact us today.