NEW

Cyber Experts Say You Should Use These Best Practices for Event Logging

Today’s businesses are no stranger to the word cybersecurity. They are facing a growing wave of cyberattacks. These come from ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes. How do you stand ahead of these threats? A strong cybersecurity strategy is essential. One...

7 Great Examples of How AI is Helping Small Businesses

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for companies with big budgets. Today, small businesses can access AI tools that help in several ways. Such as streamlining operations, improving customer experiences, and boosting profits. The rise of...

Top Technologies Transforming Customer Service Today    

Customer service is at the heart of any successful business. Customer expectations continue to evolve. Companies must evolve strategies and tools used to meet those expectations. 55% of customers like self-serve customer service over speaking to a...

Data Breach Damage Control: Avoid These Pitfalls

Data breaches are an unfortunate reality for businesses of all sizes. When a breach occurs, the immediate response is critical. How a company manages the aftermath can significantly impact its reputation. As well as financial stability and legal standing.The average...

Copilot in Teams – New Features, Agents & More

Microsoft Teams continues to evolve. It is a powerful hub for collaboration and communication in the modern workplace. With the integration of AI-driven Copilot, Teams is pushing the boundaries. It’s innovating how we interact with technology to streamline workflows....

Navigating the Challenges of Data Lifecycle Management   

Data is one of the most valuable assets a business can have. Managing this data throughout its lifecycle can be challenging. Data lifecycle management (DLM) refers to several processes and policies. They govern the handling, storage, and eventual disposal of...

6 Simple Steps to Enhance Your Email Security

Email is a fundamental communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. But it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks are increasing in sophistication. This means enhancing your email security has never been more critical.Ninety-five percent of...

8 Strategies for Tackling “Technical Debt” at Your Company

Did your company’s software system once seem sleek and nimble? But now it resembles a tangled web of shortcuts, patches, and workarounds. Welcome to the realm of technical debt. It’s a silent saboteur that accumulates over time, threatening your efficiency.What Is...

Enhancing Employee Performance with a Mobile-Optimized Workspace

In the whirlwind of today's business landscape, adaptability reigns supreme. Today’s workspaces transcend physical boundaries. Employees work and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. Whether they're sipping coffee at a local café or lounging on their living room...

Essential Settings to Maximize Your Microsoft 365 Experience 

Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools. It helps to enhance productivity and collaboration. This is especially true for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). But to get the most out of Microsoft 365, it’s important to optimize its settings. Otherwise, you may only...

In the pulsating digital landscape, every click and keystroke echoes through cyberspace. The battle for data security rages on. Businesses stand as both guardians and targets. Unseen adversaries covet their digital assets.

To navigate this treacherous terrain takes a two-pronged approach. Businesses must arm themselves with a sophisticated arsenal of cybersecurity strategies. On one side, the vigilant guards of prevention (Left of Boom). On the other, the resilient bulwarks of recovery (Right of Boom).

Together, these strategies form the linchpin of a comprehensive defense. They help ensure that businesses can repel attacks. And also rise stronger from the ashes if breached.

In this blog post, we’ll explain how to organize your cybersecurity approach into Left and Right of Boom.

What Do “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” Mean?

In the realm of cybersecurity, “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” are strategic terms. They delineate the proactive and reactive approaches to dealing with cyber threats

The Boom

“Left of Boom” refers to preemptive measures and preventative strategies. These are things implemented to safeguard against potential security breaches. It encompasses actions aimed at preventing cyber incidents before they occur.

“Right of Boom” pertains to the post-breach recovery strategies. Companies use these after a security incident has taken place. This phase involves activities like incident response planning and data backup.

Together, these terms form a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. They cover both prevention and recovery aspects. The goal is to enhance an organization’s resilience against cyber threats.

Left of Boom: Prevention Strategies

User Education and Awareness

One of the foundational elements of Left of Boom is employee cybersecurity education. Regular training sessions can empower staff. They help them identify phishing emails. As well as recognize social engineering attempts and adopt secure online behaviors. An informed workforce becomes a strong line of defense against potential threats.

Employee training reduces the risk of falling for a phishing attack by 75%.

Robust Access Control and Authentication

Implementing strict access control measures reduces the risk of a breach. It helps ensure employees only have access to the tools necessary for their roles.

Access control tactics include:

  • Least privilege access
  • Multifactor authentication (MFA)
  • Contextual access
  • Single Sign-on (SSO) solutions

Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

Outdated software is a common vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals. Left of Boom strategies include ensuring all software is regularly updated. They should have the latest security patches. Automated patch management tools can streamline this process. They reduce the window of vulnerability.

Network Security and Firewalls

Firewalls act as the first line of defense against external threats. Install robust firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. They can help track network traffic and identify suspicious activities. Additionally, they help block unauthorized access attempts. Secure network configurations are essential to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. This helps to identify potential weaknesses in your systems. By proactively addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can reduce risk. They can reduce the chance of exploitation by cybercriminals.

Penetration testing can also simulate real-world cyber-attacks. This allows businesses to evaluate their security posture effectively.

Right of Boom: Recovery Strategies

Incident Response Plan

Having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial. This plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a security breach.

It should include things like:

  • Communication protocols
  • Containment procedures
  • Steps for recovery
  • IT contact numbers

Regularly test and update your incident response plan. This ensures it remains effective and relevant.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Regularly backing up data is a vital component of Right of Boom. Another critical component is having a robust disaster recovery plan.

Automated backup systems can ensure that critical data is regularly backed up. As well as making sure it can be quickly restored in the event of a breach. A disaster recovery plan allows businesses to resume operations swiftly after an incident.

Forensic Analysis and Learning

After a security breach, conduct a thorough forensic analysis. It’s essential to understand the nature of the attack. As well as the extent of the damage, and the vulnerabilities exploited.

Learning from these incidents enables organizations to strengthen their security posture further. This makes it harder for similar attacks to succeed in the future.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape after a security breach is important. Organizations must follow data breach notification laws and regulations. Timely and transparent communication with affected parties is essential. It’s vital to maintaining trust and credibility.

Get Help with a Strong 2-pronged Cybersecurity Strategy

Using Left and Right of Boom strategies can improve your security stance. These terms help you consider both important aspects of a strong defense.

If you’d like some help getting started, give us a call today to schedule a chat.


Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.