Cyber Security: A Complete Definition

It’s not just your firewall. It’s your whole business.

To understand cyber security, you must start with your business.

Understanding cyber security

All too often, companies and organisations implement cyber security programmes that don’t cater for what really matters: their business. Fueled by a desperate need to stay safe online, protect company data, and ensure compliance, we see companies making the mistake of relegating their cyber security programmes to a single division within their business. It’s not just your IT department that must take cyber security seriously; it’s every team member, programme, project, and company policy. 

Avoid the panic stations

Of course, before your business can take cyber security seriously, understanding the fundamental principles that surround implementing robust cyber security programmes must be your first priority. You’ve read horrifying reports of data hacks, information leaks, and even terrifying revelations, but defining your business’ unique cyber security requirements begins long before you have to call in a crisis communications consultant. 

An all-encompassing approach

Cyber security, by definition, relates to the programmes, measures, and mechanics behind your business’ approach to securing data, ensuring the safety of equipment, and your staff management procedures. You read correctly: Cyber Security is a Human Resources issue too, and there’s no division or department throughout your company that can ignore it. The US government provides a great example of just how seriously Cyber Security should be taken: it spends more than $20 billion per year on Cyber Security, and yet hacks and data leaks continue to be prevalent.  Just as technology evolves, so too must our operational processes and approach to Cyber Security. 

When it goes wrong

Owing to the scale and often simplistic nature of a Cyber Security incident, there is simply no way your business can avoid one. Cyber Security incidents can take on all shades of horror, and all shapes of accidental slip-ups. An employee, unwittingly posting a letter of promotion through their Facebook profile, could reveal important information relating to another employee or company policy. The simple sharing of a USB memory stick between computers could infect your entire network – was that downloaded episode of someone’s favourite episode really worth it? And, a vulnerability in your network that is exploited by a bored hacker could render your business inoperable, and facing down the worst crisis of your career. 

A matter of authorisation

Ultimately, Cyber Security programmes begin with a matter of authorisation. The notion of who is able to access what, how they use company assets to access it, and how that information is used or shared, defines your business approach to Cyber Security. Your company’s data includes all information that is shared with you, for whatever reason that may be, and the people who have authority to access your information won’t only be employees. Cyber Security programmes extend into your operational relationships too, whereby your approach will govern how you share information with your suppliers, clients, and the general public too. 

It’s in your office

You’ve spent significant amounts of money on ensuring your physical office space is secure, but that too affects your Cyber Security vulnerability levels. It’s not just your firewall, server room, and code base that protects your business – it’s the front door too. A Cyber Security audit will analyse and assess how equipment moves around your office space, and in and out of it too. 

It’s in your code

Protecting your employees’ email accounts from unauthorised access starts with good network security, but it doesn’t end there. How your company laptops are used, accessed, and transported affects your company Cyber Security too. But, to protect your network, you’ll need to start with securing your network, and ensuring that the best possible defence systems are not only set up, but also constantly monitored. 

It’s in your machines

A sneaky download of the latest album by their top artist may seem harmless, but it’s not. It not only uses bandwidth that should be used for company purposes, it opens up your network to a potential vulnerability too. A through-the-business implementation of IT protocols and procedures must be adhered to, at all levels of your business. Engaging your employees in playing an active, aware role in securing, and ensuring the security of your information, must become an operational directive. 

It’s in your data

Your Human Resources departmental files are a dream for anyone with an eye on committing fraud. Your client list is filled with personal data. Your emails are filled with referrals to new clientele and information on new products. As the market for personal data grows each day, securing that information must become a priority, and not an afterthought.  

It’s in your response

Recovering from a data leak, or unauthorised access incident, starts with your planning for one. Disaster recovery procedures should be in place long before an incident occurs. Don’t wait to find out what could happen next: act now. 

It’s in your cyber risk

Every business has to cater for a certain level of risk, in their everyday operations. In the same way, every company has to cater for a particular level of cyber risk, to enable the business of doing business. But. just how much cyber risk can your company withstand? 

It’s in your audit

Summon the specialists and book your business’ Cyber Security Health Check. At Regan Stein, we gather the right tools to give your business the right approach to Cyber Security. Our first-class specialists take your business from uncertain to secure, creating and implementing Cyber Security programmes that match your needs.