To secure a client’s network when they downplay cyber risks, start by educating them on current threats and conducting risk assessments using frameworks like NIST to identify vulnerabilities. Implement a layered security approach with Zero Trust, real-time monitoring, and automated incident response for comprehensive coverage. Use risk scenarios and business impact analyses to illustrate potential consequences, conduct regular audits and compliance checks, and provide user training to mitigate human error. Offering managed security services with monthly updates ensures continuous oversight, maintaining network security even if the client is initially hesitant.

Education is essential in combating cyber threats. In organizations that don't take these threats seriously, the first step is to educate staff about them. Once employees understand the nature of cyber threats, their potential impact, and how to detect and mitigate them, significant progress will have been made. Next, it’s important to assess the knowledge gained by conducting simulations, such as phishing and social engineering exercises. This provides valuable feedback for the security team in their efforts to address cyber threats.

In addition to what has been mentioned above, you could show examples of companies that have been operating in a similar way that have been hit and also use ethical hacking techniques to show the vulnerabilities that exist in the companies and how bad guys can exploit such vulnerabilities to cause problems to the company.

To ensure network security for a client who downplays cyber threats, educate them with real-world examples and compliance requirements, implement strong security policies and regular training, deploy robust security technologies and continuous monitoring, enforce strict access controls, establish backup and recovery plans, develop a comprehensive incident response plan, and communicate the cost-benefit analysis of security investments to align with business goals.

To ensure the security of my client's network, I would start with a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of their infrastructure to demonstrate the real risks. Next, I would implement essential security controls such as network segmentation, data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and a vulnerability scanning tool. I'd also reinforce continuous monitoring with solutions like a SIEM to quickly identify threats and act proactively. Finally, I would raise customer awareness with concrete examples of recent attacks, so that they better understand the risks.