The world of cybersecurity can be difficult to navigate. You know you need it, but you have questions. We’re here to help. Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions we hear from C-Suite Executives and CISOs, about both defensive security and offensive security, and what those questions mean for your company's cybersecurity needs. Whether you’re a beginner or need to brush up on your cybersecurity terms, this what you need to know.
What do I have and how do I find it? or How do I protect something when I don’t even know what I have?
You need an Asset Management program: a process for tracking what your business owns (hardware, software, and data). Once you have these items listed, you can set priorities for protection. A cybersecurity company can help with this, or you can create your own internal program. Just make sure someone on your team is tasked to make sure the program and policies are enforced.
How vulnerable am I to a cyber attack?
You need a Vulnerability Assessment. This is a systematic review of your organization’s security weaknesses. Generally a professional cybersecurity company performs these. The resulting report will include recommendations for how to fix gaps and weaknesses.
What happens if someone gets access to my customer information?
Any time an unauthorized person gains access to secure or confidential information, this is a Data Breach. You will likely need some professional help to stop the malicious activity and/or close the security gaps that allowed it to happen. You should also consider an automated cybersecurity solution.
How do I know how easy it is to gain access to my company data?
A Penetration Test (PenTest) is a form of ethical hacking. You give explicit permission to security professionals from an offensive cyber company who will simulate a cyber attack on your organization. The PenTest report will explain the results of the test and where your network is vulnerable. This is good cybersecurity hygiene (periodic maintenance for the health of your computer network).
People keep trying to sell me an IOC. What is that?
An Indicator of Compromise Tool will provide you a list of network breaches.
What is threat hunting?
Threat Hunting is a proactive search for advanced cyber threats. Offensive cyber companies provide this service. Instead of waiting for attackers to be discovered during the course of regular business, professional hunters search for threats that haven’t been found yet.
What if I have already had a data breach?
It’s time for DFIR (Digital Forensics & Incident Response). Professional cybersecurity companies can help fix the network gaps and damage that occurred. It's a good idea to form a working relationship with a team of cyber professionals, so you know who to call in the event of a breach.
Antivirus is for individuals. What if I’m a major enterprise? Is there something stronger or built for larger companies?
Antivirus is not enough for larger enterprise businesses. You probably need an EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) Software if you’re a medium or large business. EDR provides security for individual machines and devices. More on that here.
What if I’m looking for the highest level of protection available?
This is our favorite question. Our Automated Security Operations Center (aSOC) includes EDR and goes even farther, to protect the entire network and not just individual machines. This can save you time and money with a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
The Automated SOC includes managed EDR, asset management, patch management, vulnerability management, alert monitoring, incident response, and threat hunting.
What next?
Once you have answered these questions, ask your cybersecurity team or cybersecurity company to evaluate them on an ongoing basis. Since new threats are always arising, it’s vital to stay ever-vigilant.
For more detailed and technical recommendations to increase your security posture, read our article in PenTest Mag.
These FAQs are also part of our Cybersecurity Strategy downloadable PDF.
We at StandardUser Cybersecurity are on a mission to share cybersecurity and cyber safety education with everyone, to make our world a better place. Are you with us? How can we help? Let us know today.
Whatever your cybersecurity challenge, we can help you keep your business running. We are a defensive and offensive cybersecurity company, using over 30 years of experience with active commercial and government work and proven security methodologies. We also educate teams and professionals who want to build on their skills.
We set the standard for cybersecurity excellence.