Understanding the difference between Separation of Duties (SoD) and internal controls is essential for IT managers to maintain a secure and efficient operation. Internal controls refer to a comprehensive set of mechanisms, rules, and procedures to protect financial integrity, prevent fraud, and ensure operational efficiency. These controls help organizations comply with … [Read more...] about Separation Of Duties & Internal Controls: What’s The Difference?
Defense Department Publishes Proposed Rule requiring contractors working with the federal government to implement cybersecurity requirements
The Defense Department has proposed a new rule requiring contractors working with the federal government to implement the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 framework. This rule protects unclassified information within the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain. Contractors must demonstrate compliance with specific cybersecurity levels before being awarded … [Read more...] about Defense Department Publishes Proposed Rule requiring contractors working with the federal government to implement cybersecurity requirements
From Trust to Security: Third-party Risk Management Strategies and Challenges
Managing third-party risk has become a critical concern for enterprises, as the complexity of modern IT environments involves numerous external partners. The 2024 CyberRisk Alliance survey revealed that more than half of respondents experienced a third-party security breach in the past 12 months, underscoring the urgent need for improved risk management strategies. Many … [Read more...] about From Trust to Security: Third-party Risk Management Strategies and Challenges
Fortinet’s 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report
The 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report reveals an alarming rise in OT system intrusions, with nearly one-third of respondents reporting six or more attacks in the past year, up significantly from the previous year. These intrusions had severe consequences, including operational outages affecting productivity and revenue, brand damage, and loss of … [Read more...] about Fortinet’s 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report
Book Review: The Cybersecurity Bible
The Cybersecurity Bible by Alex Intrigue offers a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to excel in cybersecurity, whether preparing for certification exams or building practical, real-world skills. With a blend of theoretical concepts and hands-on practice, this guide covers various topics, from basic cybersecurity principles to advanced security operations. Including over … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Cybersecurity Bible
How cyber insurance shapes risk: Ascension and the limits of lessons learned
In May 2024, Ascension, a nonprofit healthcare system, suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted medical services and forced ambulance diversions across several states. Though attributed to the Black Basta cybercriminal group, the attack also highlighted the significant role that cyber insurance plays in managing such crises. As insurers increasingly dictate incident response … [Read more...] about How cyber insurance shapes risk: Ascension and the limits of lessons learned
The Optimal Cyber Risk Management Tools to Streamline DORA Compliance
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is designed to protect the EU financial sector from operational disruptions caused by cyber risks. Compliance is required by January 2025, so financial institutions and related third-party vendors must adopt robust ICT risk management, incident reporting, resilience testing, and third-party oversight practices. These regulations add … [Read more...] about The Optimal Cyber Risk Management Tools to Streamline DORA Compliance
6 IT risk assessment frameworks compared
IT risk assessment frameworks are critical tools that enable organizations to systematically evaluate and mitigate risks tied to their technology infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity and compliance. These frameworks are designed to address specific aspects of IT risk, such as data breaches, outages, and regulatory violations, by providing a structured methodology to identify, … [Read more...] about 6 IT risk assessment frameworks compared
ISO 27001:2022 Unpacked: Embracing Auditing Themes (Podcast)
In the 2022 revision of ISO 27001, there has been a notable shift from domain-based to theme-based auditing, a change intended to streamline the audit process and make it more conversational. This reorganization into broader themes gives auditors more flexibility to tailor audits to an organization's specific risks, technologies, and operations. According to David Forman, … [Read more...] about ISO 27001:2022 Unpacked: Embracing Auditing Themes (Podcast)
5 Ways to Simplify and Speed Third-Party Risk Management Audits
Third-party risk management (TPRM) in IT security is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential security threats posed by external vendors or partners who have access to an organization’s data or systems. TPRM aims to protect against vulnerabilities introduced by third-party interactions, such as data breaches or compliance failures, by evaluating each … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Simplify and Speed Third-Party Risk Management Audits
Risk Assessments and Formal Process Development
Risk assessments are essential in cybersecurity, enabling organizations to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks to prevent security breaches. This process begins by cataloging potential vulnerabilities and evaluating their likelihood and impact, giving organizations a clear view of where resources should be focused to minimize threats.This structured process offers insight … [Read more...] about Risk Assessments and Formal Process Development
The State of Automation in Security Operations: A SANS Survey
As security operations centers (SOCs) handle larger volumes of data and tasks, automation tools like Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) have become critical for improving efficiency. Despite the promise of automation, many organizations still face challenges in fully realizing its benefits. A SANS Institute survey found that defending an expanding attack … [Read more...] about The State of Automation in Security Operations: A SANS Survey
PMP vs Six Sigma Certification: Which One is Right for You?
PMP (Project Management Professional) and Six Sigma certifications cater to different aspects of business operations, making them suitable for distinct career paths. PMP certification, provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI), focuses on project management methodologies, equipping professionals with the skills to manage projects across various industries. It covers … [Read more...] about PMP vs Six Sigma Certification: Which One is Right for You?
Continuous Improvement vs. Operational Excellence: Streamlining Business Operations
While related, continuous improvement and operational excellence serve different but complementary roles in business operations management. Continuous improvement is incremental enhancements to existing processes to reduce waste, improve quality, and optimize human potential. It involves a systematic approach that includes customer focus, leadership engagement, employee … [Read more...] about Continuous Improvement vs. Operational Excellence: Streamlining Business Operations
12 Strategies for Successful CAPA Management
Successful Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) management is critical for companies to maintain compliance, especially during certification audits or customer inspections. A well-managed CAPA system helps avoid compliance issues and plays a pivotal role in continuous improvement, leading to safer, higher-quality products. Poorly managed CAPA processes, however, can result … [Read more...] about 12 Strategies for Successful CAPA Management
Process intelligence in the continuous improvement cycle: A comprehensive approach
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, staying competitive requires companies to be agile and adaptable. Process intelligence plays a crucial role by providing a software-based methodology that helps organizations thoroughly understand and analyze their internal processes. This capability allows businesses to collect, visualize, and assess real-time operational data, … [Read more...] about Process intelligence in the continuous improvement cycle: A comprehensive approach
Optimize Your QMS by Identifying Internal, External Issues and Interested Parties
ISO 9001:2015 provides a structured framework for managing and improving the quality of business processes by focusing on internal and external factors that impact a Quality Management System (QMS). One of the key elements of this standard is understanding how these factors and interested parties influence your ability to meet objectives and ensure success.To optimize your QMS, … [Read more...] about Optimize Your QMS by Identifying Internal, External Issues and Interested Parties
Understanding ‘Scope’ in a Quality Management System
In ISO 9001, the term "scope" is used in several contexts, and understanding each is crucial for effective quality management. The first context is the scope of the ISO 9001 standard itself, which outlines the requirements applicable to an organization. Unless certain activities are exempt, the standard typically applies to a company’s Quality Management System (QMS).The second … [Read more...] about Understanding ‘Scope’ in a Quality Management System
Guide to Clause 4.4: ISO 9001 Quality Management System and its Processes
Clause 4.4 of ISO 9001 is crucial for developing a robust Quality Management System (QMS), yet many organizations struggle to grasp its requirements fully. This clause emphasizes a process-based approach to ensure all activities within a company contribute effectively to meeting customer and regulatory requirements. A well-executed QMS, grounded in this clause, helps meet … [Read more...] about Guide to Clause 4.4: ISO 9001 Quality Management System and its Processes
How to Start with Process Improvement: Tools
In the process industry, successful process improvement is not just about people and processes; it heavily relies on the right tools to support these efforts. These tools are essential for identifying, analyzing, and addressing inefficiencies within manufacturing operations. They range from traditional manual tools, like 5S and Kanban, to advanced digital solutions, including … [Read more...] about How to Start with Process Improvement: Tools