Why Rodent Control and Cybersecurity really aren't all that dissimilar.

Introduction

My experience has shown time and time again that leadership in modern organisations is at least aware of the significance of cybersecurity risk management. It is true that most business leaders don’t live under a rock, so, they are familiar with all the cyber breaches taking place all the time, and all the regulators talking up compliance and taking action over breaches.

However, we also know that cyber breaches are at an all-time high. A disconnect clearly exists.?

In my opinion, the disconnect occurs because leadership awareness of cyber risk often doesn’t translate to meaningful risk management action. ?

Now why can this be? It really is the multi-billion dollar question. Now, my theory, based on 20+ years of experience, is that commercial organisations often make decisions in terms of what will either make money (preferably) or what will save money.

Sadly, cybersecurity, at first glance, falls into the unfortunate bucket of neither making money for a business (unless you’re a cybersecurity company!) or saving money in any direct way. So, it often gets de-prioritised for other things…..such as shiny new objects like AI (which can both make AND save money!).

Perhaps, its wise to look at something similar to cybersecurity in terms of something that doesn’t make you any money nor will it save you any money – rodent control. Though these two may seem worlds apart, both disciplines share similar principles in identifying, mitigating, and managing risks.

An experience I had many years ago with rodents infesting my first home (a townhouse) was effective at teaching me that rodents, like cybercriminals, are crafty at identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. They are also cunning at hiding the extent of their infiltration and damage.

With that, lets dive into why cyber and rodent control isnt all that different.

Understanding the Risks

Cybersecurity Risks

In the realm of cybersecurity, risks can manifest in various forms, including malware attacks, data breaches, phishing scams, and insider threats. Each of these risks can lead to significant consequences for organizations, such as financial losses, reputational damage, and legal implications. Cybersecurity risk management involves identifying vulnerabilities, assessing threats, and implementing controls to safeguard assets. This ongoing process ensures that organisations are prepared to respond to incidents and minimize damage.

Rodent Risks

Similarly, in the domain of rodent control, risks are also multifaceted. Rodents can carry diseases, cause structural damage, and contaminate food supplies. The potential consequences of a rodent infestation can be dire for businesses, especially in the food service and healthcare sectors. Effective rodent control entails identifying signs of infestation, understanding the behaviour of rodents, and implementing strategies to prevent their entry and eradicate existing populations.

Risk Identification

Cybersecurity

The first step in cybersecurity risk management is understanding your environment and conducting a thorough risk assessment. Organisations must identify their valuable assets, potential threats, and vulnerabilities. This often involves scanning networks for weaknesses, evaluating software security, and understanding human factors, such as employee behaviour and training. Cybersecurity professionals utilise tools such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to discover potential entry points for cybercriminals.

Rodent Control

In rodent control, risk identification similarly begins with a thorough inspection of the premises. Pest control professionals look for entry points, nesting sites, and food sources that may attract rodents. Signs of infestation, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and urine stains, are critical indicators. Just as cybersecurity assessments focus on potential vulnerabilities in systems, rodent inspections focus on identifying structural weaknesses that may allow rodents to enter.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Cybersecurity Measures

Once risks are identified, organisations can implement various strategies to mitigate them. This may involve, but should not be limited to:

1. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Just as barriers prevent rodents from entering a property, firewalls act as the first line of defence against cyber threats.
2. Employee Training: Educating employees about safe online practices is akin to teaching staff about food storage and hygiene to prevent rodent attractants.
3. Regular Updates and Patch Management: Keeping software up to date is essential in cybersecurity, similar to maintaining a clean environment to deter rodent infestations.
4. Incident Response Plans: Establishing protocols for responding to security breaches ensures that organizations can act quickly and effectively, just as a pest control team would have a response plan for a sudden infestation.

Rodent Control Measures

Rodent control employs a variety of mitigation strategies, including:

1. Exclusion Techniques: Sealing entry points, like holes and gaps in walls, serves as the first line of defence against rodents, similar to firewalls in cybersecurity.
2. Sanitation Practices: Keeping areas clean and free of food sources can drastically reduce the likelihood of rodent problems. This mirrors the need for cybersecurity hygiene, such as managing passwords and regularly updating software.
3. Traps and Baits: Just as cybersecurity might utilise honeypots to lure and trap cyber threats, pest control uses traps and baits to capture and eliminate rodents.
4. Regular Inspections: Continuous monitoring of both systems and environments is vital. Cybersecurity teams conduct regular audits, while pest control experts recommend routine inspections to catch potential issues early.

Response and Recovery

Cybersecurity Incident Response

In the event of a cybersecurity incident, organisations must have a clear response plan that includes playbooks for common cyber incident types. This includes identifying the breach, containing the damage, eradicating the threat, and recovering lost data. Post-incident analysis is crucial for learning from the experience and improving future defences.

Rodent Control Response

For rodent control, a swift response is equally essential. Once an infestation is detected, pest control experts must act quickly to eliminate the rodents and prevent future occurrences. This may involve traps, bait stations, and comprehensive cleanup efforts. Additionally, after addressing an infestation, a thorough evaluation of prevention measures is necessary to ensure long-term success.?Critically, remember that there is never only one mouse. This was a mistake I made and only discovered it when my partner saw a mouse wander by the TV a few days after me catching the first one.

Conclusion

Both cybersecurity risk management and rodent control involve systematic approaches to identifying, mitigating, and responding to risks. While the contexts may differ—digital landscapes versus physical environments—the underlying principles remain strikingly similar.

Critically, within the realm of rodent control, businesses understand that while pest control will not make money or save money, it is essential. Unless you are a food business and want massive fines and end up on a name and shame register.

Once a similar regard is applied for cybersecurity, businesses will appreciate that just like pest control, cybersecurity risk mitigation is something that they just have to do, without any questions.