How do I check the status of my company’s cyber-security?

Checking your company’s cyber-security involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of your company’s digital infrastructure, systems, and practices. You can contact us here to arrange your free security audit.

Here are the key steps you can take to evaluate your company’s cyber-security:

1. Perform a risk assessment: Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities by conducting a thorough risk assessment. Assess your company’s assets, such as data, systems, and applications, and determine the impact and likelihood of various cyber-threats.
2. Review your security policies and procedures: Evaluate the existing cyber-security policies and procedures within your company. Ensure that they align with industry best practices and cover areas such as data protection, access controls, incident response, employee training, and secure software development practices.
3. Evaluate physical security: Consider physical security measures such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and visitor management protocols to protect sensitive areas and equipment.
4. Assess network security: Review your network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless networks. Ensure that appropriate security controls are in place, such as strong authentication, encryption, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and regular patch management.
5. Examine endpoint security: Evaluate the security measures on individual devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. Check if anti-virus/antimalware software is installed and up to date, and if security features like full disk encryption and strong password policies are enforced.
6. Evaluate access controls: Review the access controls in your company. Ensure that employees have appropriate levels of access based on their roles and responsibilities. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to enhance security.
7. Test for vulnerabilities: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in your systems. This can be done internally or by hiring third-party security experts to perform these tests.
8. Review data protection practices: Assess how your company handles and protects sensitive data. Ensure that data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and that you have proper backup and disaster recovery processes in place.
9. Employee awareness and training: Educate your employees about cyber-security best practices and potential risks. Regularly train them on topics such as identifying phishing emails, using strong passwords, and reporting suspicious activities.
10. Incident response planning: Develop an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of a security breach. Test the plan through simulations and exercises to ensure its effectiveness.
11. Engage third-party services: Consider utilising external cyber-security services, such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) or cyber-security consulting firms, to augment your company’s cyber-security capabilities.
12. Stay updated: Keep up with the latest trends and threats in cybersecurity. Regularly update software and firmware, apply security patches, and monitor industry alerts and advisories.

Remember that cyber-security is an ongoing process, and it requires regular monitoring, updates, and improvements. It’s also beneficial to consult with cybersecurity professionals or engage specialised firms to conduct thorough audits or provide guidance tailored to your company’s specific needs.