How do you secure your R&D assets from cyberattacks?

1 Identify your R&D assets

The first step to securing your R&D assets is to identify what they are, where they are located, and how they are accessed. Your R&D assets may include data, documents, software, hardware, prototypes, patents, and contracts. You need to map out the flow of information and the roles and responsibilities of the people involved in your R&D projects. You also need to assess the value and sensitivity of your R&D assets and classify them according to their risk level.

2 Implement security controls

The second step to securing your R&D assets is to implement security controls that match the risk level of your R&D assets. Security controls are the measures that you take to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks. They may include technical, physical, and administrative controls. For example, you may use encryption, firewalls, antivirus, backup, and authentication to protect your R&D data. You may also use locks, cameras, alarms, and badges to secure your R&D facilities. You may also establish policies, procedures, training, and audits to govern your R&D activities.

3 Monitor and update your security

The third step to securing your R&D assets is to monitor and update your security regularly. Cyberthreats are constantly evolving and adapting, so you need to stay vigilant and proactive. You need to monitor your R&D network, systems, and devices for any signs of intrusion, malware, or unauthorized access. You need to update your security software, hardware, and protocols to keep up with the latest standards and best practices. You also need to review and revise your security policies, procedures, and training to reflect the changing needs and challenges of your R&D projects.

4 Collaborate with trusted partners

The fourth step to securing your R&D assets is to collaborate with trusted partners who share your security goals and values. R&D often involves working with external parties, such as suppliers, customers, consultants, or researchers. You need to ensure that these parties have the same level of security awareness and commitment as you do. You need to verify their credentials, reputation, and track record. You need to establish clear and mutually beneficial agreements that define the scope, terms, and expectations of the collaboration. You also need to communicate and coordinate with them regularly to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.

5 Learn from incidents and best practices

The fifth step to securing your R&D assets is to learn from incidents and best practices that can help you improve your security posture and resilience. Incidents are the events that disrupt or damage your R&D assets, such as data breaches, cyberattacks, or accidents. Best practices are the proven methods or standards that can help you enhance your security performance and outcomes. You need to analyze and document any incidents that affect your R&D assets and identify the root causes, impacts, and lessons learned. You also need to research and benchmark the best practices of other organizations or experts in your field and adopt the ones that suit your needs and goals.

6 Educate and empower your R&D team

The sixth and final step to securing your R&D assets is to educate and empower your R&D team to be the first line of defense and the source of innovation. Your R&D team is the group of people who create, manage, and use your R&D assets. They are the ones who know the most about your R&D projects and the ones who can make the most difference in your security. You need to train and inform your R&D team about the importance, risks, and responsibilities of securing your R&D assets. You also need to encourage and support your R&D team to share their ideas, feedback, and suggestions on how to improve your security and your R&D outcomes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?