While it may seem like self-promotion or extraneous work, it’s extremely valuable to take the extra time to summarize threats stopped, processes improved, projects completed and team members modeling strong security behavior. Most people don't have security experts on call in their personal life, and this gives security teams a unique opportunity to help, while building on their relationship with the team at large. Prioritizing security as a critical element to an organization’s effectiveness and success will reduce the risk of incidents, while benefiting the whole team and the organization’s reputation. Prioritizing security as a critical element to an organization’s effectiveness and success will reduce the risk of incidents, while benefiting the whole team and the organization’s reputation. Not only does this practice help keep your team safe from threats when they aren't at work, it also feeds back into organizational security by making them harder targets for attackers. This data-driven approach can help secure necessary resources and support for ongoing security initiatives, turning the security function from a cost center into a value driver for the business. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the U.S. when IT teams prep their annual security education and awareness training program. To understand the profound impact of perceived security (or insecurity) on both public image and the bottom line, one need only examine customer reviews or stock prices of major businesses before and after a publicized breach or outage. Security is a collective effort, and helping your team stay safer inside and outside of work will benefit both them and the organization. For many employees, this may be their only interaction with the security team outside of onboarding, submitting a help ticket, or a potential incident. Carefully selecting and tracking meaningful security metrics improves security posture and demonstrates the tangible value of a security program to the organization. This effort ensures that the benefits and value of the security program remain a priority for leadership, rather than being overshadowed by the next quarter's budget concerns or the hope of avoiding bad news. In reality, security works tirelessly to keep the organization and people within it safe and protected from innumerable risks. Security is a core business function, as crucial to an organization's success as finance, revenue generation or product departments. Greater understanding and buy-in cultivate a stronger security mindset across teams, defining security as a shared, proactive function rather than a specialized, reactive one. Cybersecurity In-Depth: Getting answers to questions about IT security threats and best practices from trusted cybersecurity professionals and industry experts. In some organizations, a CISO or CIO can advocate for security at the executive level, informing other leaders and stakeholders of its needs and value. Teach them about good security hygiene, not only on work systems but also on sites they’re likely to use in their daily life like social media or personal banking. Shifting the relationship of security from one of avoidance to one of reinforcement, safety and reliable guidance will motivate people to listen more carefully to security messaging. Security has a particularly significant impact on whether the company is seen as reliable and safe for business. And if most security interactions are perceived as “tedious and/or confusing” or “frustrating and/or terrifying,” people will go out of their way to avoid future interactions. By redefining security as a trusted ally rather than a dreaded email or meeting invite, we can create a more resilient and secure environment for all. But every person plays a part in the security function of the business every day, whether they realize it or not. The difference between a successful security program and a vulnerable one comes down to whether that value is communicated regularly and effectively. Zoe Lindsey is a security strategist at Blumira with over a decade of experience in information security. Throughout her career, Zoe has advised organizations of all sizes on strong security tactics and strategies. As they do, they have the potential to be an asset or risk to the team’s security posture. She began her infosec career at Duo Security in 2012 with a background in medical and cellular technology. There’s an oft-repeated cliche of security as The Department of No: a roadblock to productivity, best unseen and unheard. When choosing metrics, ask whether they truly advance effective security goals.
This Cyber News was published on www.darkreading.com. Publication date: Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:40:56 +0000