Cyber security budgets over-stretched as cyber attacks soar?

As businesses are expected to do more with less, they’re increasingly turning to technology to help secure their organisations. But this approach is not without its pitfalls…

Cyber incidents are up 25% year-on-year, yet a quarter of UK businesses surveyed in a new report felt their cyber security budget was inadequate to protect their organisation.

Technology is often seen as the solution. Most businesses surveyed were generally enthusiastic about tech adoption, and almost all had invested in new products. But crucially, only half said their investments have been effective.

So, in summary, more incidents, not enough budget and half of technology investments ineffective. The future looks challenging!?

Getting the balance right

Spending scarce budgets on smarter tech or tech alone isn’t the answer. It’s akin to buying a huge padlock to secure the door while leaving the windows open. Businesses need a blended approach. That’s the right technology to fit their business and objectives, the right processes and training.

People are key to information and cyber security success, but are organisations spending enough in this area?? Respondents said that a lack of internal skills and resources constituted the biggest challenge in meeting their cyber security goals, up-skilling and re-skilling employees is one approach to addressing the gap.

However, many are drawing on external specialists and third-party consultants. Almost one-third said they would hire in-house cyber security specialists in the next two years. And half would do the same for third-party consultants.?

Cortida can help

With demand for information and cyber security professionals outstripping supply, engaging a virtual or embedded security leader could be a powerful, pragmatic solution to bridging the security gap.

Effective outsourcing is an alternative to insourcing, especially if you’re recruiting to fill open positions. Or you simply need more security bandwidth and resource on a flexible basis.?

Cortida offers a flexible embedded security leader or expert resource service. From short contracts of a few days a month, to longer contracts of five days a week, engagements can be tailored to fit your budget and circumstances.

Some of the support that Cortida has provided on such engagements include:

??????????? Designing and enacting a cyber strategy.

?????????? Implementing and managing strong governance practises.

?????????? Benchmarking current security posture

?????????? Conducting risk, vulnerability and threat assessments

?????????? Introducing and maintaining strong secure architecture practices.

?????????? Coordinating incident response

?????????? Leading standards projects such as ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS

?????????? Delivering user awareness training programmes.

?????????? Reviewing and developing policy and procedures

?????????? Assessing and managing suppliers

For more information on Cortida's embedded consultant services please get in touch: [email protected]

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