Cyber Tip: 5C’s of Cybersecurity – Change, Continuity, Cost, Compliance and Coverage

We have all heard countless times that cyber threats loom on the horizon, but mastering the art of cybersecurity is not just a strategic advantage—it’s a necessity. 

CHANGE: The Only Constant

Change should be renamed to evolve…Change is constant. However, change doesn’t always mean someone will progress. Evolving is key to cybersecurity. 

CONTINUITY: Ensuring Uninterrupted Operations

Business continuity is challenging to balance. When a cyber-attack happens, something will go offline until it is remediated. A proper incident response plan will significantly lower that downtime. However, setting up a cyber posture that works with the business to ensure the highest level of security and business continuity is vital to keeping things moving. 

COST: Balancing Investment and Risk

Cyber-budgeting is more accessible than most think. The challenge we run into as leaders is wanting to make waves in the pool, so we conform to the “30-second hamburger” mentality. Forcing projects to progress and then worrying about tuning them later. The main focus should start with planning. Look for all facets of how a tool’s rollout should flow and then start the execution phase. This will significantly lower the risk to the business without crushing the budget. Also, it’s not always right to go with the “designer tools.” Find tools that best fit the organization and needs. 

COMPLIANCE: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

Compliance is a list of things that a company should ethically do,to operate. Cybersecurity and compliance are not the same. Compliance is a significant risk transference for other companies. Too often, companies ask for their “AOC” (Attestation of Compliance) and do not focus on their cyber posture. Compliance is barely the bare minimum a company can do to be cyber secure. 

COVERAGE: A Holistic Approach for Cyber Warriors

What is the definition of coverage? Is it to work with the bare minimum and hope they can protect the company? Or is it that you hire very talented cyber warriors to put policies and talent in place to take care of the mundane and repetitive tasks so they can focus on protecting the environment? Coverage should entail enthusiastic and talented cyber warriors and a suite of tools to enable their talents. 

The 5C’s may serve as a compass in the cyber landscape. By embracing Change, ensuring Continuity, balancing Cost considerations, navigating Compliance, and achieving comprehensive Coverage, organizations can master the art of cybersecurity resilience. Mastering these 5C’s is not just a strategy; it’s a path toward cyber resilience and a safeguarded digital future.