IT security is not an easy task. According to RiskIQ, every minute, there are 375 new cybersecurity threats, and the average internet-connected device is attacked every 7-8 minutes. Yet, security management requires so much more than identifying potential vulnerabilities and threats to your IT systems. You also have to monitor, prepare for, and handle possible attacks. Is your organization well defended? Put your security strategies to the test with our 6-step “Risk Ready” Test!
Think you have your IT security all mapped out? We are going to put your security preparedness through its paces, and it will help you gauge how “developed”, or mature, your plans are…
Start the 6-Step Security Management “Risk Ready” Test!
Check off all boxes that apply…
Step One) Is your organization well-equipped to manage risk?
- You conduct regular “penetration tests” (pen tests) to identify potential system vulnerabilities and create solutions based on reported findings
- Have you identified the primary areas of threat? Is it malware, ransomware, etc.?
- Do you have “endpoint security” in place? Have you ensured that all wireless technologies connected to your IT systems (such as laptops and smartphones) are equally protected from threats?
- Are you up to date on identity theft and phishing scams? Many cyberthieves use fake emails to masquerade as legitimate companies or banks, in order to steal a target’s identity or security details
Step Two) Do you have a clear security management strategy and risk policies?
- Does your organization have an IT Security policy tailored to your specific business operations?
- Does your organization or security manager perform regular risk assessments?
- Do you have a “risk register” – an updated log of all the possible risks to the company and its IT infrastructure?
- Do you have a strategy for assessing and dealing with each potential risk or threat scenario?
Step Three) Do you know how to implement your risk policies?
- Do you know how your IT security policies will be implemented?
- Do you have a plan of action for educating and “checking in” with managers and employees, so they continue to follow your organization’s security measures?
- Are all your associated vendors and partners also aware of your security policies? Do you have a plan to ensure that they abide by them?
- Do you have future plans or programs in place to ensure your security protocols are maintained and sustained over time?
Step Four) Are company employees supported so they can also identify and minimize risk?
- Are staff and management aware of potential threats? Have they been trained to identify potential risks?
- Is your IT Security policy available to all employees (remote, in-house and at the executive level)?
- Are you sending out security alerts so staff can remain informed about the latest threats?
- Do you insist on complex passwords and logins for all your staff, and regularly prompt employees to keep their security programs and antivirus up to date?
Step Five) Does your organization have processes in place to gauge the effectiveness of your risk management strategies?
- Do you have not only IT security plans, but also security programs? Plans on paper are great, but security programs ensure that policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and practiced, as well as routinely tested.
- Are your security programs active at all times, and are they based on results?
- Can your security procedures be scaled up or down as your organization changes over time?
- Are you performing regular “security audits” to ensure that all security protocols remain current, relevant, and reflective of your work environment?
Step Six) When they arise, are risks handled well?
- In a security emergency, do employees know who to consult or who to report to?
- Is there a clear protocol in place if a serious threat occurs? Do employees know what to do?
- Do you have a business continuity plan in case of a serious cyber threat or breach?
- Do you regularly review past threats and assess how well it was handled, so you can learn from past successes and/or mistakes?
Your Results
Add up your score based on the questions above. For each box you ticked, add 1 point. This will determine how “mature” or well-developed your security management strategies are.
If you scored 1 to 6 points your security maturity level is LOW
If you scored 6 to 12 points your security maturity level is MILD
If you scored 12 to 18 points your security maturity level is MODERATE
If you scored 18 to 24 points your security maturity level is HIGH
Interpreting your results…
If you scored high on the security maturity index then bravo! But stay vigilant! You can never take your cybersecurity for granted as threats are constantly evolving all around you.
If you scored lower on the index, you might want to review some of the areas you did not check on the above list. It will help you to spot the weak areas in your IT security protocols.
If you see quite a few gaps, you might want to consider partnering with an experienced Managed IT provider like Com Pro, to gain the level of technical expertise and security awareness necessary to design and implement effective security strategies and policies.
Remember, your duty as an IT manager, or IT support, is not only to protect your organization’s data and network, but also to ensure that proper security management principles are in place so that your company is prepared when a security threat arises.
Need help monitoring and managing your IT & IT security? Check out our Managed IT solutions and the ways Com Pro can ensure your IT hums along without a hitch! Contact us.