Cyber risks for businesses are increasing at an alarming rate – 83% of organizations experienced more than one data breach in 2022.
Practicing good cyber hygiene and staying up to date on evolving cyber threats is essential for any organization.
In this post, we’ll show why it’s crucial to include cybersecurity initiatives in your technology roadmap and outline the eight most important projects you should integrate as a priority.
Conduct Vulnerability Assessments
Vulnerability assessments should be a regular feature of your technology roadmap. At least once a year, schedule penetration testing and security audits to check for vulnerabilities and areas needing improvement.
If you do find issues, prioritize remediating high-risk vulnerabilities on your list of roadmap projects since these are essential to the safety of your company.
During your assessment, you should also review the security of your software providers and integrations and switch to more secure options if you find your current providers lacking.
If it’s time to update your cybersecurity software, but you’re unsure which provider is right for you, our business analysts will assess your current system and suggest the best providers for your needs based on extensive research and experience.
Implement Strong Access Controls
The use of two-factor authentication has increased by 51% since 2017, but only around 54% of SMBs currently use it. As part of your technology roadmap initiatives, enable multifactor authentication for all users to boost security.
You should also tighten permissions with just-in-time (JIT) access. In this fundamental security practice, access to applications or systems is limited to predetermined periods of time on an as-needed basis.
Upgrade Your Network Perimeter
Routinely check firewalls and replace any nearing end of life. You could also expand your web application firewall coverage to boost its efficiency.
Cybercrimes have increased by 600% since the pandemic rose in 2021. Since around 88% of breaches are due to human error, you can’t afford to forget about your network perimeter.
Hardened Endpoint Security
Another important security project is implementing endpoint detection and response tools. Endpoint security involves securing endpoints or entry points of end-user devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
Endpoint security now goes much further than antivirus software, providing comprehensive protection from sophisticated malware and evolving zero-day threats.
Bolster Awareness Training
As we’ve already discovered, around 88% of breaches are down to human error, so bolstering security awareness training on phishing is another crucial IT roadmap security project.
The best training incorporates testing to reinforce retention, so consider including a brief test to ensure users understand the risks.
Test Incident Response Plans
One of the best ways to test the robustness of your security protocols is by simulating ransomware and data breach scenarios. Not only will you be able to spot close gaps revealed in these exercises, but you will also be able to better plan should a real threat occur.
There are different ransomware simulators on the market that allow you to safely and effectively test your security protocols and identify vulnerabilities.
Encrypt Sensitive Data
If your data isn’t already encrypted, this should be a high-priority security project for your technology roadmap. Classify and encrypt the highest-risk data at rest and in transit and remove any plaintext storage exposure.
According to a 2021 survey, only 35% of respondents had encryption technologies extensively deployed on their emails, showing the need for massive improvement in this area.
Conclude with Risk Management
Security and risk management should be an ongoing program in your technology roadmap, not a one-time project. So, adapt your roadmap regularly to emerging threats and plan an annual review of your existing security measures.
Making security reviews a routine project in your technology roadmap ensures your company is best protected and resilient to growing threats.
Need Help Integrating Cybersecurity in Your Technology Roadmap?
Focusing on security ensures infrastructure resilience against growing cyber threats. By including these essential projects in your roadmap, you’ll give your company the best protection against malware and other risks.
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