Let’s face the truth: if you own a successful business, it’s likely you’re on the web. And so are zillions of hackers looking for a teeny tiny loophole that could cost you the earth.
A whopping figure of 76,000 cybercrime reports made to the Australian Cybersecurity Centre in FY ’22 is a testimony to the fact. No wonder cybersecurity should be your top priority. Conducting cyber security risk management in real time has become more crucial than ever.
But where do you start? What measures does your business require to keep its data and operations safe from malicious attacks? What is Cybersecurity Risk Management?
If you’re an Australian business seeking answers to the above questions, look no further. The following blog provides a comprehensive guide on real-time cybersecurity risk management to get you rolling.
Understanding Cybersecurity Risk Management
Cybersecurity Risk Management refers to the process of identifying, assessing, managing, and monitoring security risks to safeguard information systems. It’s a continuous and ever-evolving process that should adapt according to the growing demands of your business.
The need for such a strategy becomes inevitable in a country like Australia where the median wealth per adult was highest in the world in 2021. As a result, more and more Australian businesses are becoming targets of some of the biggest cyber frauds and data breaches today.
With an effective cybersecurity risk management program in place, businesses can stay alert, assess and eliminate risks at the earliest.
Cybersecurity Risk Management For Australian Businesses
Given below is an in-depth cybersecurity risk management process that should be followed by Australian businesses to stay resilient against cyber threats.
Risk Framing
Risk Framing, in simple words, means laying out a frame that consists of all the topics of concern regarding cybersecurity. This includes what business areas your risk management program must cover, which assets are most vulnerable, the types of threats that need immediate focus, resources assigned and compliance for risk management. Auditing data and intellectual property offers a proper understanding of your business information systems and in what ways they can be targeted.
Risk Assessment
Once you’ve laid down these general guidelines in detail, it’s time to start assessing potential threats that can knock down your services. Or the vulnerabilities in your system that can easily be taken advantage of. You must also consider the impact of such disruptions like long downtimes, lost revenue, etc. Conducting a risk analysis is crucial since it keeps you informed on the potential threats that can have a huge impact on your business as compared to those that are harmless. Moreover, you get an idea of your present cybersecurity landscape.
Planning Compliance Management
Next, establish a compliance framework that lists out all the guidelines and best standards applicable to your organisation for treating and reducing risks. With this document in hand, you can carry out risk management effectively and legally. Thus, the policies and procedures you create (awareness training, employee responsibilities, etc.) will all comply with the acceptable rules of this framework.
Responding To Risks
With a compliance framework and a solid risk profile on your plate, you can now start implementing solutions for treating risks as per their potential impacts and priority levels. For example, some vulnerabilities might need stronger access control (risk mitigation), while others may require formal risk treatment plans.. You can also automate certain tasks to keep up with the crucial cybersecurity standards for your business. This includes timely data backups and software updates. Prevention is another way of responding to negative risks which is done by avoiding certain activities or conditions that could expose your system to potential risks.
Incident Response Plan
There can be bummers, no matter how careful you are. That’s why it’s crucial to always have an incident response plan ready — a set of instructions and measures to be taken when a particular cyberattack happens.
- This includes:
- Identifying the source of the breach
- Isolating affected assets
- Removing infected files
- Conducting a data audit to gather intel on the scope of damage
- Creating a quick and effective communication strategy to inform the concerned people (police, legal team, insurer, etc.) in time
- Documenting all activities since the attack in detail for future reference
- Ideal response to the attack and business recovery strategy
- Regularly updating the incident response plan as required
Monitor Regularly
Lastly, it’s imperative to keep tabs on the procedures you implement to tackle risks. This helps in identifying the extent to which the solutions are helpful, new developments and reapproaches needed. It helps in assessing the effectiveness of your security controls.
Adopting Real-Time Risk Management in Cybersecurity
Organisations must now adopt real-time or active risk management to counter advanced threats effectively and learn which solutions are helpful for them. This proactive stance allows organisations to detect and promptly address risks and threats as they arise. Utilising appropriate solutions and methods, organisations can strengthen their security measures and safeguard their sensitive assets against cyber-attacks.
Transitioning to Active Risk Management
Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring forms the core of active risk management, providing an essential defence mechanism for organisations to protect their digital assets. Constant surveillance and proactive scanning for threats enable quick detection of any unusual activities or potential breaches in cybersecurity defences. This approach keeps your organisation's cybersecurity status constantly updated.
Adaptive Security Posture
A static security approach is insufficient in the rapidly changing cyber threat environment. Active risk management addresses this by emphasising the need for an adaptive security posture. Cybersecurity measures are thus flexible and constantly evolving in response to the latest threats. Organisations adopting this approach are more capable of handling new threats effectively. Staying adaptable ensures that security measures remain current, strong, and tailored to counter advanced cybercriminal strategies.
Automated Response Systems
Fueled by real-time data, automated response systems can quickly react to identified threats. Automated actions might include isolating compromised systems, halting malicious traffic, or terminating unauthorised access. Such automation allows for immediate threat mitigation, enhancing the efficiency of responses and relieving cybersecurity teams of routine tasks. This enables them to concentrate on strategic and complex cybersecurity challenges.
Advantages of Real-Time Risk Management
Faster Response Times
Traditional methods often involve a reactive approach, potentially leading to extensive damage and data loss. In contrast, active risk management focuses on real-time monitoring and immediate threat detection. This approach enables quick identification and resolution of threats, greatly reducing their impact and preventing widespread damage within the organisation. By considerably shortening response times, active risk management serves as an effective proactive barrier, protecting digital assets and ensuring swift, efficient responses to cyberattacks.
Improved Compliance
Staying compliant with cybersecurity regulations and standards is essential, not just for legal reasons but also for maintaining your organisation's credibility and trust. Active risk management ensures ongoing alignment with the latest compliance requirements. Through continuous risk assessment and mitigation, you can promptly identify and address any compliance gaps. This forward-looking approach helps avoid penalties and protects your reputation, offering assurance to customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Better Decision Making
Active risk management provides organisations with real-time, detailed cybersecurity information, offering insights into the constantly changing threat environment. This access to up-to-date data allows for informed, strategic decision-making. Keeping abreast of emerging threats and vulnerabilities enables you to adapt your cybersecurity strategies and prioritise resources effectively. This proactive stance in cybersecurity management ensures your organisation is well-equipped to handle potential threats, respond aptly to incidents, and maintain a high level of data security and protection.
Bottom Line
Fortifying your business is not an option, but a necessity. While new technologies and trends encourage smooth operations, at the same time, you’re more prone to cyberattacks and malware.
Cybersecurity Risk Management is a proactive method to respond against potential risks and prepare for worst-case scenarios. Right from framing risks to generating the desired action, it allows for the creation of a safe and secure cyberspace that does not compromise your business.
Securemation is a leading security advisor with certified experienced professionals in the field of cybersecurity. Be it vulnerability/risk/threat assessment, compliance audits, or security training, Securemation provides excellent and affordable cybersecurity solutions to keep your business online and on track for growth.
Ashwin Sharma 
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