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From:
Graeme Freeman
Sent:
Subject:
Cyber security masterclass: key takeaways
Cyber security masterclass: key takeaways
Our recent webinar was one of our most successful yet. It wasn’t merely the number of attendees. The quality of the questions and (if I may) the panel were outstanding. We invite you to watch the recording.
Let’s look at the main takeaways – the clear, practical insights on how leaders can strengthen their organisation’s resilience and make cyber security a Board-level priority.
1 Start with risk, not technology
Before investing in tools, assess your business’s risk and your appetite for risk. Use this to personally ensure your leaders are aware and invested – committed leadership must precede smart tech.
2 You can’t separate cyber from strategy
Your protection measures are merely as strong as your systems, your people, your partners, and your resilience strategy. But when everybody is aligned, security becomes an enabler, not a constraint.
3. Security and efficiency go hand-in-hand
Cyber security may seem distant from growth strategy. Not true! Many of the measures that make your business secure also make it more streamlined, scalable, and efficient.
4. Use accreditation as a launchpad
Certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus are an excellent first milestone, boosting both your protection and credibility with customers. In fact, we’ve seen clients find business because their certifications were a point of difference over their competitors.
If you’re looking for a detailed discussion about keeping your business safe, we suggest a 90-minute cyber risk session. It’s a focused discussion on your current risk posture, the critical gaps, and the reasonable next steps to protect your business.
Find out more: 90-minute cyber risk session for CEOs and CFOs
And of course, you’re always welcome to contact us directly for a confidential conversation about cyber security and leadership. Cyber Security Month may be ending, but it’s an issue to keep your eye on year-round. -
From:
Graeme Freeman
Sent:
Subject:
4 bright spots in UK cyber security
4 bright spots in UK cyber security
It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, and in our last newsletter we warned about the 4 biggest cyber threats to look out for.
In this newsletter, we wanted to highlight some good news. This is our list of positive developments in cyber with an eye toward mid-sized businesses.
1. It’s actually not rocket science.
It’s still the case that most successful cyber attacks exploit basic mistakes and technical weaknesses. And these lapses can be simply addressed by good leadership.
2. The government gets it
Whatever its other faults, the government shows focus on resilience with its recent plans, strategies and frameworks. Additionally, funding to CyberASAP will support more research and innovation in cyber security.
3. Cyber coverage seems to be getting cheaper
Reports show pricing is down across the UK and EU.
4. Awareness is working
More businesses are seeking Cyber Essentials certification, and companies up and down the supply chain are realizing they’re merely as safe as their own partners. High-profile hacks, while damaging, are demonstrating the importance of protecting mid-sized businesses.
Good news indeed. But if you’re still concerned about your own business, we’re offering a Cyber security masterclass for CEOs and CFOs on 22 October, 12:30-13:30pm UK. It’s an hour that will provide you with the practical steps you can take to promote cyber resilience in your business.
You’re always welcome to contact us for a no-pressure chat about cyber security or anything else tech/strategy-related in your business. -
From:
Graeme Freeman
Sent:
Subject:
CEOs: 4 cyber threats to look out for
CEOs: 4 cyber threats to look out for
For many CEOs, the temptation is to cross your fingers and let the IT team handle Cyber Security.
But October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, so let’s talk about what business leaders themselves should do to protect their companies. Even if they’re not technical experts, business leaders need to provide leadership in this critical area as they do in other areas.
We asked our own security experts to outline the biggest threats CEOs should keep an eye on in the coming months:1 Ransomware attacks
Ransomware continues to be a significant threat, and the average payout for even smaller businesses to recover from a breach can be five figures. Most ransomware attacks rely on cultural weaknesses; good leaders create the conditions to prevent these.
2 Supply chain vulnerabilities
You’re as safe or unsafe as your vendors, and many have a lackluster approach to security. Conversely, your partners may have stringent security requirements, so your own cyber security may become a critical part of your market position.
3 Insider threats
These vulnerabilities can be malicious or simply accidental. Either way, sometimes the danger lies within.
4 Complacency
Many mid-sized businesses simply don’t see themselves as potential targets, and many business leaders don’t know how to make a difference. Unfortunately, these days every company is a potential target, but good leaders can move the dial.
The key first step is for the CEO and CFO to make cyber a priority with a purposeful and commercial approach.
With this in mind, we’re offering a Cyber security masterclass for CEOs and CFOs on 22 October, 12:30-13:30pm UK. It’s an hour that will provide you with the practical steps you can take straightaway to promote cyber resilience in your business.
And, as ever, you’re always welcome to contact us for a no-pressure chat about cyber security – or anything else IT-related – in your business.