Connecting the Dots Between Preparedness and Awareness

Imagine this: you’re at home, and suddenly, a major storm is forecasted to hit your area. The first thing you do is assess your emergency supplies—flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, maybe even a generator. You double-check your evacuation plan and make sure your family knows where to meet if you’re separated. You feel confident that, should the worst happen, you’ll be ready.?

But what if the threat wasn’t a storm, but a cyber-attack? What if, instead of losing power, you lost access to your data? Or worse, your business suffered a breach that jeopardized sensitive information??

Just as we prepare for natural disasters, we must prepare for cyber threats that can strike without warning. In many ways, cybersecurity preparedness mirrors how we respond to physical emergencies.??

September is National Preparedness Month—a vital reminder to plan for life’s unexpected events. Interestingly, few people are aware of this initiative, and even fewer realize its significance. What struck me most, however, is that in the cybersecurity industry, there isn’t an equivalent focus on preparedness. Just as we prepare for natural disasters with care and foresight, we need to approach cybersecurity with the same level of caution and readiness. That’s why I’ve decided to take the lead in emphasizing cybersecurity preparedness, ensuring that we’re just as ready to defend against digital threats as we are physical ones.?

I believe preparedness is not just about being ready for physical disasters, but also about protecting ourselves in the digital world. It’s no coincidence that Cybersecurity Awareness Month follows immediately in October—these two months are tightly connected in purpose: they’re both about readiness, resilience, and safeguarding what matters most.?

Here are some key cybersecurity preparedness steps you can take to protect your business:?

1. Develop a Digital Incident Response Plan?

Much like an evacuation plan for your home or business, a well-structured incident response plan is critical when dealing with cyber-attacks. The goal is to minimize downtime and prevent further damage. This plan should outline:?

• Immediate actions to take when a cyber incident occurs, such as isolating affected systems to prevent the spread of malware.?

• Roles and responsibilities: Every team member should know their specific role in responding to an attack, from IT to legal teams.?

• Communication strategies: Clear guidelines for informing internal teams, stakeholders, and possibly clients, in the event of a breach.?

Regularly review and update this plan to ensure it's relevant to the evolving threats your business may face.?

2. Back Up Data Regularly and Securely?

Backing up critical data is like stocking emergency supplies for your digital footprint. In case of a ransomware attack or other breach, having clean and recent backups can save your business from catastrophic losses.?

• Ensure automatic and frequent backups for all critical data and systems.?

• Store backups in multiple locations, including off-site or in the cloud, to protect against physical or cyber incidents.?

• Regularly test the restoration process to make sure that data can be quickly retrieved and re-integrated in the event of a breach.?

3. Keep Systems Updated and Patched?

Outdated software is like leaving your front door unlocked during a storm—cyber criminals can exploit known vulnerabilities in unpatched systems.?

• Implement automated updates wherever possible to ensure that all systems, software, and devices are running the latest security patches.?

• Ensure your team understands the importance of updating their personal devices if they use them for work-related tasks. However, a key recommendation is to have your remote employees use company-issued devices that are already secured and configured to meet safety standards.?

• Review third-party software and applications, ensuring they meet your security standards.?

4. Empower Your Employees Through Culture and Training?

Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber threats. A well-informed team is less likely to fall victim to common attacks like phishing.?

• Implement regular cybersecurity training sessions to ensure employees can recognize and avoid scams, suspicious links, or attachments.?

• Create simulated phishing exercises to test how well your team handles real-world attacks.?

• Foster a culture of security awareness where employees feel confident reporting potential threats without fear of repercussions. I regularly share examples with our team when I come across a convincing phishing email, which helps create open conversations about security. It also shows them that no one is immune—my role as CEO of One Step likely makes me an even bigger target. Hackers know that if they can breach my defenses, they may gain access to valuable company information, which is why it’s so important for all of us to remain vigilant.?

5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

MFA acts as an extra layer of protection, much like a second lock on your door. Even if a password is compromised, MFA ensures that access requires an additional form of verification.?

• Require MFA for all critical systems, including email, VPNs, cloud services, and internal networks.?

• Encourage the use of app-based authentication over SMS, as it offers a higher level of security.?

• Review MFA logs to ensure that this layer of security is functioning correctly and detect any abnormal access attempts.?

6. Monitor and Respond to Threats Proactively?

Preparedness is not just about responding to incidents, but also about identifying potential threats before they escalate.?

• Use a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to monitor network activity and detect potential security breaches in real-time.?

• Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to spot unusual behavior on employee devices and swiftly address it.?

• Establish a 24/7 monitoring system or partner with a managed security service provider (MSSP) to ensure constant vigilance.?

7. Review Cyber Insurance Policies?

Just as businesses take out insurance against physical damages, cyber insurance is crucial for protecting against digital threats.?

• Ensure your cyber insurance policy is up-to-date and adequately covers risks like ransomware, data breaches, and business interruption.?

• Regularly review policy terms to make sure they align with the latest business security trends and your organization's growth.?

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Preparedness is a Continuous Process?

As we transition from September’s National Preparedness Month into October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that preparedness isn’t a one-time effort. It’s an ongoing process that involves continuous learning, proactive measures, and regular updates to both physical and digital safeguards.?

Emergencies—whether natural or cyber—often come without warning, and the best defense is always a well-prepared team. At One Step Secure IT, we’ll be sharing more resources and insights throughout the coming weeks to help you stay ahead of the curve.?

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