Page 31 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

• Over-reliance on Legacy Systems: An organization’s reluctance to upgrade or patch legacy
systems due to operational dependency, fearing disruptions, can create security risks. This
reluctance might not be openly discussed but is a critical vulnerability.
• Unregulated Shadow IT: The use of unsanctioned software or hardware by employees without
IT approval (known as Shadow IT) can expose the organization to risks. You’ve got Shadow IT in
place when departments start solving IT problems on their own, bypassing official channels.
• Frequent Exception Requests to IT Policies: Regular requests from employees for exceptions
to IT policies may indicate that the policies are outdated or not aligned with business needs,
potentially leading to security gaps.
• High Employee Turnover in IT Security Roles: While not often linked directly to cybersecurity
risks, high turnover can indicate underlying issues with the organization’s security culture or a
lack of clear strategic direction.
• Lack of Security Awareness Among Employees: Subtle indicators, like casual discussions that
reveal ignorance about phishing or the importance of strong passwords, can suggest that the
organization’s security training is insufficient.
• Vendor Management is Overlooked: If discussions with suppliers and partners rarely include
security considerations, it may indicate an underestimation of supply chain risks.
• Limited Engagement with Industry Security Groups and Standards: Not participating in or
following industry cybersecurity groups or standards might indicate an organization’s lack of
proactive engagement with the cybersecurity community.
• Silence Around Cybersecurity: In some organizations, the absence of regular communication
about cybersecurity, whether in meetings, reports, or newsletters, can itself be a warning sign. It
may suggest an underestimation of cybersecurity importance at the executive level.
• Resistance to Security Audits or Assessments: A subtle reluctance or defensiveness when
external security audits or assessments are proposed can signal an organization’s fear of
uncovering and confronting its cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Disproportionate Focus on External Threats Over Insider Threats: Exclusively focusing on
protecting against external attackers without considering the risk of insider threats can be a critical
oversight.

Each of these points to underlying challenges in managing cybersecurity effectively at a strategic level.

A fractional CISO can also help your organization move from being reactive to proactive. It’s hard enough
stomping out day-to-day IT fires, not to mention juggling those same resources for longer term projects.
You need a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of security issues.

They can guide this transition with specialized skills and activities such as conducting deep-dive risk
assessments, building a security strategic plan and roadmap and more. By emphasizing the identification
and resolution of root causes, a fractional CISO enhances the organization’s immediate security posture
and builds a foundation for long-term resilience against cyber threats. This strategic approach ensures
that cybersecurity efforts are efficient, effective, and aligned with the organization’s broader goals and
risk tolerance while creating long-term value.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 31
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