Governments face an increasingly complex security landscape - new technology ushering in benefits for citizens, new and emerging threats to contend with, and significant pressure to protect data. But how serious are the risks posed to the public sector by data breaches and other cyber threats? According to estimates, cyberattacks cost the global economy $400 billion each year. The public sector is a primary target, but how can public-sector organizations—large and small—manage digital risks? Here are five key steps to improve the cybersecurity “health” of an organization: Undertake a Risk Assessment • Conduct a risk assessment to determine areas of greatest vulnerability and potential consequences of an attack. • Understand the worst and most likely scenarios to engineer defenses. • Ensure dialogue between security experts and stakeholders. Invest in Cybersecurity Talent • Many public service organizations are finding themselves short on the right skills and competencies to stave off digital threats. • Public service leaders must allocate resources to attract and build a strong cybersecurity team. Take an Intelligence-led, Analytics-based Approach • Effective cybersecurity can no longer rely on a “gates and guards” approach. • Advanced analytics can help with cyber threat identification and intelligence. 50% say digital initiatives are critical to data security.* A recent survey of more than 200 enterprise security professionals showed two-thirds had experienced data theft or corruption within their organization.* Devise a Cybersecurity Strategy • A crisis response plan is not enough. A proactive data security strategy is needed. • Prioritization is important. Increase Stakeholder Collaboration • Government employees need to understand the risks and security protocols when using mobile devices or operating in the cloud. • Educating employees about cybersecurity so everyone can play their part in keeping data safe. • Work with peer organizations, academia and the private sector to minimize risk. In today’s data-driven world, a reactive approach to cybersecurity won’t cut it. By developing a robust, proactive cybersecurity strategy, government agencies will be better equipped to prepare for, prevent and resolve digital threats into the future. * https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insight-cybersecurity-digital-trust-2016 Read more in Ger Daly’s article http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2016/08/4-ways-agencies-can-prepare-cyberattacks/131041/?oref=ng-channelriver

Here are ﬁve key steps to improve the cybersecurity ...€¦ · • A crisis response plan is not enough. A proactive data security strategy is needed. • Prioritization is important

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Page 1: Here are ﬁve key steps to improve the cybersecurity ...€¦ · • A crisis response plan is not enough. A proactive data security strategy is needed. • Prioritization is important

Governments face an increasingly complex security landscape - new technology ushering in benefits for citizens, new and emerging threats to contend with, and significant pressure to protect data. But how serious are the risks posed to the public sector by data breaches and other cyber threats? According to estimates, cyberattacks cost the global economy $400 billion each year. The public sector is a primary target, but how can public-sector organizations—large and small—manage digital risks?

Here are five key steps to improve the cybersecurity “health” of an organization:

Undertake a Risk Assessment

• Conduct a risk assessment to determine areas of greatest vulnerability and potential consequences of an attack.• Understand the worst and most likely scenarios to engineer defenses.• Ensure dialogue between security experts and stakeholders.

Invest in Cybersecurity Talent

• Many public service organizations are finding themselves short on the right skills and competencies to stave off digital threats.• Public service leaders must allocate resources to attract and build a strong cybersecurity team.

Take an Intelligence-led, Analytics-based Approach

• Effective cybersecurity can no longer rely on a “gates and guards” approach.• Advanced analytics can help with cyber threat identification and intelligence.

50% say digital initiatives are critical to data security.*

A recent survey of more than 200 enterprise security professionals showed two-thirds had experienced data theft or corruption within their organization.*

Devise a Cybersecurity Strategy

• A crisis response plan is not enough. A proactive data security strategy is needed.• Prioritization is important.

Increase Stakeholder Collaboration

• Government employees need to understand the risks and security protocols when using mobile devices or operating in the cloud.• Educating employees about cybersecurity so everyone can play their part in keeping data safe.• Work with peer organizations, academia and the private sector to minimize risk.

In today’s data-driven world, a reactive approach to cybersecurity won’t cut it. By developing a robust, proactive cybersecurity strategy, government agencies will be better equipped to prepare for, prevent and resolve digital threats into the future.

* https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insight-cybersecurity-digital-trust-2016 Read more in Ger Daly’s article http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2016/08/4-ways-agencies-can-prepare-cyberattacks/131041/?oref=ng-channelriver