Cybersecurity-Risk Management

SecOps is an approach that aligns IT security and IT operations by embedding security practices within ITSM processes. This integration is essential as cybersecurity risks escalate alongside digital innovations. IT security teams focus on maintaining data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, while ITOps teams prioritize service performance and efficiency. SecOps … [Read more...] about SecOps integration: Bridging the divide between ISTM and IT security

Identity management (IDM) is an essential process for managing and protecting user identities and access privileges within an organization. By centralizing identity and access management (IAM), organizations can ensure that only verified users access critical resources. IDM systems handle identity creation, entitlement management, and access control, reducing unauthorized … [Read more...] about Identity management: What you need to know

In its review of the FDIC’s cloud computing security controls, an independent audit by Sikich CPA LLC, commissioned by the FDIC Office of Inspector General, assessed nine key security control areas. While effective security practices were observed in four areas, five exhibited notable control weaknesses. Key vulnerabilities were associated with identity and access management, … [Read more...] about GAO Cybersecurity Program Audit Guide

In this report, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outlines a data protection strategy tailored for cloud-native applications. Recognizing the complexities of multi-cloud and hybrid network architectures, the document presents methods to safeguard data as it travels across various systems. A primary focus is on data in transit, a critical aspect of … [Read more...] about A Data Protection Approach for Cloud-Native Applications

With cyber threats becoming more advanced, businesses face increasing risks of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Hackers now use AI-based tools to infiltrate networks, and high-profile cyberattacks in 2024 have affected major companies like TikTok, Microsoft, and Nissan. As data breaches grow in scale, legal consequences become more severe for … [Read more...] about Why Do You Need A Cybersecurity Lawyer?

In an uncertain world, managing risks effectively is critical for any business. Risk register templates provide an organized way to document, assess, and track risks, serving as a vital tool in risk management. A risk register is a centralized repository that logs all potential risks during a project’s lifecycle or within an organization. Businesses can identify, assess, and … [Read more...] about Risk Register Templates: Enhancing Your Risk Management Strategy

Phishing scams are a widespread tactic where scammers use deceptive emails or text messages to trick people into sharing personal information like passwords or account numbers. These messages often look like they come from well-known companies claiming a problem with your account or offering fraudulent deals. Scammers hope you’ll click on links or open attachments, which can … [Read more...] about How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

The cyber insurance landscape in 2024 is marked by rapid growth as digital threats become more complex and frequent. Businesses of all sizes, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognize cyber insurance's importance. However, SMEs remain largely uninsured, presenting a significant market opportunity for insurers to develop tailored products that meet their … [Read more...] about The Dynamic Landscape of Cyber Insurance in 2024: Innovations, Opportunities, and Challenges

Controls tests are a critical part of an audit process, ensuring that internal controls are operational and effective in preventing risks and vulnerabilities. These tests help verify the functionality of controls, safeguarding systems against cyber threats. If controls are ineffective, this may indicate a higher risk of control failure, exposing the organization to … [Read more...] about The 5 Tests Of Controls To Verify Cybersecurity Measures

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

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

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

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 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

Patch compliance refers to ensuring that all devices and systems within an organization are updated with the latest software patches to protect against security vulnerabilities. Unpatched software is a common entry point for cyberattacks, making patch management essential to cybersecurity best practices and regulatory compliance. As security regulations evolve, maintaining … [Read more...] about What Is Patch Compliance?

In recent years, the landscape of cybersecurity has shifted dramatically, with cyberattacks becoming more frequent and severe. This has led to a surge in demand for cybersecurity insurance as businesses seek ways to offset the risks associated with potential cyber incidents. Cyber insurance, once a niche offering, has become a critical component of many organizations' risk … [Read more...] about What to Know About Cybersecurity Insurance and Who Needs It

Sensitive personal data refers to a particular category of personal information that, due to its nature, demands additional protection under the GDPR. This type of data includes details about an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data used for identification, and health data. The GDPR … [Read more...] about What Is Sensitive Personal Data? Examples and Data Protection (GDPR) context

Vendor risk assessments are vital for maintaining cybersecurity and overall risk management when engaging with third-party vendors. These assessments help identify and mitigate risks related to cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, operational, financial, and reputational areas throughout the vendor lifecycle. Conducting thorough assessments ensures that potential risks are … [Read more...] about Vendor Risk Assessment: The Definitive Guide

The CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) offer a simplified, prioritized set of best practices to enhance an organization's cybersecurity posture. Developed through a community consensus process involving thousands of cybersecurity practitioners worldwide, the CIS Controls provide actionable recommendations to protect against today's top threats. The latest version, … [Read more...] about Center for Internet Security (CIS) Releases Critical Security Controls Navigator

Legacy systems, commonly found in critical national infrastructure (CNI), present significant security risks due to outdated components and unpatched vulnerabilities. This makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. For instance, the UK’s Ministry of Defence and the NHS still operate many legacy systems susceptible to attacks, increasing the risk of severe disruptions.Patching … [Read more...] about Legacy Systems: Learning From Past Mistakes