The outcome of dealing with a crisis largely depends on what an organization has done prior to the event’s onset. Did we understand the threat fully and did we make the right preparations? If an answer to any of these two questions is no, organizations and some jobs may not survive the cyber crisis intact.
Stratuspeer partnered with Secureworks to deliver our latest webinar "Leading Through a Crisis With Proactive Preparedness and Understanding the Threat Landscape”. The webinar explores the critical aspects of leadership during times of adversity. It addresses the significance of proactive preparedness and leaders’ responsibility to understand the evolving threat landscape to steer organizations successfully through a cyber crisis.
The webinar highlighted several key components of proactive preparedness:
Risk Assessment and Scenario Planning. Comprehensive risk assessments, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to industries and locations, are followed by scenario planning and developing contingency plans.
Crisis Management Teams. Once the anatomy of the potential cyber crisis is defined, a competent multi-disciplinary crisis management team is assembled from individuals who, in addition to their specific technical skills, possess effective communication skills and a team-centric mindset.
Crisis Communication. The crisis management communication protocols are established. A proactive communication plan is devised to educate the wider organization on the potential threat and response and help raise the crisis response agility levels.
Training and Drills. Regular training and crisis simulation drills are developed and carried out.
The discussion covered several crucial aspects of understanding the threat landscape:
Cybersecurity Challenges. The increasing reliance on technology and digital infrastructure can dramatically alter the organization’s cyber security profile. Fully understanding the current and projected digital setup and applying to it the knowledge of the current threat vectors lead to a more precise definition of projected cyber security challenges.
Reputational Risks. The sources, distribution mechanisms, and quantified financial impacts of reputational risks must be reviewed and reflected in cyber security planning.
Economic and Geopolitical Risks. Global events and adverse acts by governments must be included in the organization’s cyber security modeling. Regular reviews ensure that the latest data is utilized.
Collaboration. The complexity of cyber challenges is increasing, and no organization has the resources or reach to fully understand the threats. A well-designed network of collaborators, public and private, must be engaged in understanding the threat landscape and in planning a response.
The webinar "Leading Through a Crisis With Proactive Preparedness and Understanding the Threat Landscape" highlighted the critical role of well-trained and thoroughly prepared leadership in times of crisis. Proactive preparedness and understanding the threat landscape are no longer optional but imperative for any organization's survival and long-term success.