Cybersecurity: Threat and the four layers to a resilient defence

Virtually every business today relies on complex online systems – and with those systems come equally complex cyber risks. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated.

We believe businesses are best positioned for success with a multilayered approach. By building distinct defensive layers, they’re ready to defend against everything from data breaches to ransomware attacks, and mitigate rising cyber risks.

Threat: Where attacks begin

Attacks start with a threat and most attackers start with one of four access methods: (lost, stolen or weak) credentials, phishing, (internet facing) vulnerabilities, and pre-existing bots. By mitigating these access methods, an organisation can mitigate ever being targeted.

Culture: The foundation of cybersecurity

Culture is an important factor in considering cyber risk. Businesses should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all employees, not just those directly responsible for cybersecurity.

For example, when non-IT employees are taught to identify email phishing scams, they understand their role in the overall cybersecurity plan and are more invested in its success.

Cyber culture is most effective when communicated from the top. Leaders that report regular security metrics to the board; participate in cyber table tops to understand their business, legal, regulatory, and technical risks; and then communicate priority levels in addressing those risks to all employees stand a better chance of broad adoption.

Resilience: Balancing innovation and security operations

Innovation drives businesses forward, but it also creates new risks. Ensuring there’s a structure in place to balance innovation with business resilience increases the likelihood that a business can continue to operate during and in the aftermath of a cyber incident.

Cybersecurity technology planning: Frontline protection

When we think about cybersecurity, many people probably think of technical measures: firewalls and antivirus software, for example.

Today, organisations are adding advanced threat-detection technologies like multi-dimensional asset discovery, and zero-trust and passwordless environments, creating a robust defence system that can identify emerging threats as well as existing ones.

Partnerships: Collaborating for a stronger defence

Cyber security risk now extends beyond the corporate estate. Strong partnerships, with vendors, cybersecurity firms, regulators, and academia, can enhance a business’s cybersecurity intelligence and defence capabilities.

As cyber threats continue to grow and change, businesses also need an experienced, stable insurance partner with an established track record in cyber insurance that can offer coverages and services tailored to their organisation’s cybersecurity priorities and challenges.