Applying cybersecurity controls is like setting up defenses in a video game or protecting a castle from different kinds of threats. Each defense or control works differently depending on what you're trying to protect and the tools you have available. Here's how you can think about it:
Some cybersecurity measures are pretty straightforward, like installing antivirus software. It's like adding a shield to your character in a game—just hit the 'install' button, follow the setup guide, and you're better protected.
Then there are measures like encrypting your documents or setting up permissions for who can access certain information. These are a bit like setting up traps and doors in a castle. They require a few more steps but can still be done without needing a knight's training.
For more complex defenses, like building walls around the castle or setting up cloud defenses, you might need expert help. This is when organizations bring in specialists, like hiring a wizard to cast protective spells.
Identify Needs: First, figure out what you're protecting and the threats you face. If your castle is mostly threatened by dragons, you focus on sky defenses.
Choose the Right Control: Select defenses based on your needs. If remote work is your weak spot, you might look into secure communication tools, remote device locking, and training for your team on securing their devices.
Set Up Permissions: Decide who gets the keys to which castle doors. This involves talking to the lords and ladies (managers) and the townsfolk (employees) to understand who needs access to what.
Budget and Planning: Work with the kingdom's treasury (management) to figure out what defenses you can afford and which ones will give you the best protection for your gold.
Implementation and Testing: Once your defenses are up, test them to make sure they can withstand an attack. If you've installed a moat, make sure it stops invaders before they reach the castle walls.
Training: Teach everyone in the castle how to spot threats and use the defenses properly. If you're defending against phishing scams, make sure everyone knows not to open suspicious messages.
By following these steps, you can tailor your organization's cybersecurity measures to fit exactly what you need, ensuring that your castle is safe from dragons, invaders, and any other threats that come your way.