July 14, 2023 | By christa

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How Cyber Resiliency Is Crucial for Business Continuity

• Tech(know)logy

Today, 70% of companies stated cyber attacks threatened them. With cyber threats lurking around every corner, businesses must understand the connection between cyber resilience and business continuity.

Cyber resiliency helps avoid business disruptions, enabling companies to continue operations despite digital challenges.

Let’s explore the benefits of cyber resilience and how you can improve business continuity.

Why cyber resiliency is vital for your organization

Cyber resiliency is an organization’s ability to maintain functions during and after a cyber attack, minimizing the impact on business operations. Organizations must prioritize cyber resiliency as ransomware, data breaches, and phishing attacks become more common. This approach protects assets and ensures business continuity.

Cyber threats can harm a company’s reputation, finances, and operations. Embracing cyber resiliency allows organizations to lessen the effects of cyber attacks, reduce downtime, and maintain stakeholder trust.

Risk assessment

The first step toward building cyber resiliency involves identifying potential cyber threats and weaknesses. A thorough risk assessment helps organizations comprehend their risk exposure and effectively allocate resources.

A risk assessment should evaluate factors like the organization’s industry, size, location, and the sensitivity of the data it processes.

Additionally, an experienced cybersecurity team can help identify vulnerabilities.

Incident response planning

An incident response plan details an organization’s actions during a cyber attack. This plan should outline roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and procedures for containing, eradicating, and recovering from incidents.

Regular testing and updating of the incident response plan ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing new threats.

Employee training and awareness

Employees often serve as the first defense against cyber threats, making their training and awareness crucial for cyber resiliency. Organizations must invest in cybersecurity training programs that teach employees to identify and respond to potential threats. Attacks like phishing emails or suspicious attachments are incredibly prevalent with new AI developments.

Establishing a security-minded culture helps employees comprehend the importance of their role in maintaining cyber resiliency and encourages vigilance in protecting the organization’s digital assets.

How to maintain cyber resiliency for long-term business continuity

Ongoing improvement and adaptation are vital for maintaining strong cyber resiliency in the face of evolving threats. Staying informed about the latest cyber risks, updating technologies and processes, and reviewing and adjusting strategies are essential.

In addition to these proactive efforts, businesses may consider partnering with IT service providers. These professionals can provide the expertise and support necessary to manage and mitigate cyber threats. They offer a range of services, including regular system audits, updates to security measures, and immediate responses to detected threats.

Lastly, collaboration between IT and other departments within the organization is necessary for a comprehensive and effective approach to cyber resiliency. And if you want to ensure your company stays safe, consider investing in IT management solutions.

The bottom line

Integrating cyber resiliency into business continuity plans is essential for organizations to protect themselves from the potentially devastating effects of cyber attacks. Prioritizing cyber resiliency and investing in strategies such as risk assessment, incident response planning, and employee training can ensure long-term success and safeguard their reputation in today’s digital world.

LeadingIT offers 24/7, all-inclusive, fast, and friendly technology and cybersecurity support for nonprofits, manufacturers, schools, accounting firms, religious organizations, government, and law offices with 20-200 employees across the Chicagoland area.