Page 88 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

companies can protect their valuable assets, maintain customer confidence, and contribute to the overall
resilience of the UK economy.

Breaking down barriers is the key to effective cybersecurity

The implementation of effective cybersecurity measures within organisations is often hindered by various
challenges, particularly the existence of silos that divide different departments. Such silos manifest as a
lack of communication and collaboration between different departments, leading to a fragmented
approach to cybersecurity. When each department operates in isolation, establishing a comprehensive
and unified strategy to combat cyber threats becomes a daunting task.

To overcome these challenges, cybersecurity teams led by a CISO must take the lead in breaking down
these silos by effectively communicating with the business in a language that it understands. This involves
painting the picture of cybersecurity risks and opportunities, using automation to bridge the gap between
departments in order to align all cybersecurity strategies with the organisation’s overall business
objectives. In doing so, cybersecurity teams can foster understanding and obtain buy-in from relevant
organisational stakeholders.

However, this process must start at the top, with the board of directors. The board plays a crucial role in
setting the tone for the entire organisation, and their understanding and prioritisation of cybersecurity are
essential for driving change. The CISO must engage with the board, educating them on the current threat
landscape and the potential impact of cyber incidents on the business. By helping the board understand
the risks and opportunities associated with cybersecurity, the CISO can secure their support and ensure
that cybersecurity is treated as a strategic priority.

Once the board is on board, the importance of cybersecurity can filter down throughout the entire
organisation. With the backing of the board, the CISO can work with other department heads to develop
a unified approach to cybersecurity that aligns with the organisation's overall goals. This top-down
approach helps to break down silos, foster collaboration, and ensure that everyone within the
organisation is working towards a common goal.

Strengthening an organisation’s cyber security posture

As investigations into the MoD breach unfold, one thing becomes abundantly clear: organisations need
to adapt their cybersecurity posture - and fast.

To achieve this, businesses must first adopt a proactive approach that provides real-time visibility into
the effectiveness of their security controls. For example, implementing continuous control monitoring
(CCM) tools that assess the performance of security measures in real-time is crucial. By doing so, teams
can identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors, empowering
them to stay ahead of the ever-changing cyber security challenges and maintain a robust defence against
potential attacks.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 88
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