5 Ways Organizations Fall Short Addressing Cybersecurity Threats

According to a recent survey, less than one-third of CEOs (31.8%) said their company is well-prepared for any cybersecurity threat they might face in the foreseeable future, while 58.1% said they are adequately prepared but could be doing more.

Common shortcomings typically occur in a number of different areas.

1. Lack of a Comprehensive Plan

Organizations may not have a comprehensive plan in place for addressing cybersecurity risks. This can leave them vulnerable to attacks and may make it more difficult to respond effectively to a breach. And while developing a plan is an essential first step, companies need to socialize that plan and make sure everyone knows exactly what they need to do to execute that plan in the event an actual threat is identified.

2. Insufficient End User Protection

No matter how many systems and safeguard your corporate IT people put in place, end users are typically the weakest link in a company’s security. That’s because employees may not be aware of the importance of cybersecurity or may not know how to identify and report potential risks. This can increase the likelihood of a breach occurring. One way to address this is through security awareness training. This can be extremely helpful in helping shore up the front line of your cybersecurity defense.

3. Inadequate Resources

Many organizations do not have the resources necessary to effectively address cybersecurity risks. In fact, many small businesses do not have a full-time cybersecurity expert on staff. And trying to keep up-to-date on the changing threat landscape can be overwhelming. This is often a result of a lack of budget due to top executives failing to prioritize cybersecurity.

4. Outdated Security Systems and Software

Cybersecurity is not something that you put in place once and just forget about it. It requires constant monitoring and updates to stay one step ahead of potential threats. Using outdated security systems and software can leave an organization vulnerable. It is important to regularly update these systems and software to ensure that they are able to effectively protect against new threats.

5. Failure to Regularly Test and Review Security Measures

Regularly testing and reviewing security measures helps companies proactively identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that may not be immediately obvious. Failing to do so can leave an organization at risk. The result is that many organizations end up being reactive and only noticing potential issues once an incident has occurred.

Addressing these shortcomings will ensure that your organization is prepared to protect itself from threats and quickly respond to any that may occur.