Risk, Governance, and Cyber Compliance

Send us a textThe world is awash in information, but clarity is a rare commodity. We're bombarded with headlines, statistics, and pronouncements, all vying for our attention and belief. But in this age of information overload, a healthy dose of skepticism is not just valuable; it's essential. This is especially true in the realm of cybersecurity, where threats are constantly evolving, and the stakes are higher than ever.Take a listen.Dr. B.

Send us a textReady to explore the fascinating intersection of AI and cybersecurity? My latest podcast episode is live, and it's packed with insights you won't want to miss!**In this episode, we delve into:**- **The AI Advantage:** Discover how AI is revolutionizing threat detection, prediction, and response, acting as a tireless guardian in the digital realm.- **The Human Element:** Understand why AI is not a magic bullet and how human intelligence remains crucial for setting the mission, guiding the strategy, and ensuring ethical AI implementation.- **Mission-Based Cybersecurity:** Learn how to align your cybersecurity strategy with your organization's core purpose, prioritizing the protection of what truly matters.- **The Future of Skills:** Explore cybersecurity professionals' evolving role in the AI age and the essential human skills that will be in high demand.**Listen now and discover:**- How to leverage AI to amplify your cybersecurity capabilities.- Why mission-based cybersecurity is essential for protecting what matters most.- What skills do you need to develop to thrive in the AI-powered future of cybersecurity?

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Send us a textForget the magic numbers. Cyber risk appetite isn't about finding a one-size-fits-all percentage of revenue. It's about protecting your company's dreams. In this episode, we dive deep into the WHY behind cyber risk appetite. We explore how a strong understanding of risk tolerance can safeguard your mission, reputation, and customer trust.Discover:The crucial factors that shape your cyber risk appetite (hint: it's more than just revenue!).Why a mission-driven approach to cybersecurity is essential in today's threat landscape.How to build a robust risk management plan that aligns with your business goals.Don't just mitigate threats - empower your vision. Watch now and learn how to own your cyber risk appetite truly.

Send us a textAn article from Gartner named "AI in Cybersecurity: Define Your Direction" explores the impact of AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI), on the cybersecurity landscape. While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI and the hype surrounding it, the article emphasizes that this technology also introduces new risks and challenges. Dr. B. Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textCybersecurity risk management has taken center stage for organizations across all industries in the wake of recent high-profile cyberattacks, such as the SolarWinds breach and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident. As a CISO, you know firsthand the challenges and complexities that organizations face in navigating this ever-evolving threat landscape. Today, I'll share insights and leadership advice on how to build a robust and resilient cybersecurity program using four key thematic words: Align, Agency, Awareness, and Adaptability.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textThe Cyber Defense Matrix (CDM) model tackles the difficulties of cost-effective and resilient cybersecurity planning by offering a structured framework to select and implement the most critical security controls, considering factors like budget, risk tolerance, and usability constraints.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textIn cybersecurity, organizations are constantly grappling with the question of compliance. Is it merely a checkbox exercise, a source of unnecessary overhead, or a fundamental pillar of a robust security posture? The debate surrounding cybersecurity compliance often centers on the perceived tension between agility and adherence to regulatory frameworks. Here, I aim to dive into this complex issue, examining the arguments for and against compliance and ultimately providing insights to help organizations strike a balance between security and operational efficiency.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textIn cybersecurity, organizations face a relentless barrage of threats that can compromise their sensitive data, disrupt operations, and tarnish their reputation. While quantitative data and automated tools play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating risks, the value of human expertise remains paramount. As D. Hubbard eloquently stated in 2014, "The expert is the instrument,” emphasizing the irreplaceable role of experienced professionals in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity. This podcast explores the significance of expert judgment in risk management, highlighting its ability to provide context, insight, and adaptability that quantitative data alone cannot replicate.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textOrganizations face an ever-increasing array of cyber threats. A proactive and strategic approach to cybersecurity risk management is essential to counter these risks. This process not only safeguards an organization's valuable digital assets but also elevates the visibility and influence of the cybersecurity team.The cybersecurity team can demonstrate its indispensable value by strategically aligning risk management practices with the core business objectives. This alignment ensures that security measures are not seen as mere roadblocks but as enablers of business growth and continuity. It showcases the team's expertise in understanding and mitigating risks that could potentially impact the organization's bottom line and reputation, ultimately contributing to its continued success.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textThe rapid advancement of technology brings unprecedented opportunities and significant cybersecurity risks. The World Economic Forum's (WEF) October 2024 white paper, "Navigating Cyber Resilience in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Collaborative Solutions for Complex Challenges," offers a deep dive into these evolving risks and proposes a shift towards a more resilient approach to cybersecurity.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textOrganizations grapple with a complex challenge: striking the right balance between human expertise and algorithmic insights. As highlighted by Hubbard (2014), a prevailing trend is the tendency for individuals within organizations, including senior management, to overvalue their own opinions and ideas, even when confronted with data-driven insights generated by sophisticated algorithms. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "expertise paradox," can have significant implications for cybersecurity risk management.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textThe adage "what gets measured gets managed" holds significant weight in cybersecurity. Organizations invest heavily in metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and risk assessments, aiming to quantify their cybersecurity posture and demonstrate progress. However, a growing concern emerges: the "analysis placebo" effect, as highlighted by Hubbard (2014). This phenomenon suggests that the act of measuring itself can create a false sense of security, leading organizations to believe they are effectively managing risks when, in reality, they may be overlooking critical vulnerabilities.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textCybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and SMBs are often seen as easy targets due to their perceived lack of resources and security measures. However, with the right approach, SMBs can implement robust cybersecurity risk management programs that are both effective and affordable.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textEstablishing a robust cybersecurity risk management program is paramount for any organization. As a CISO, the task of safeguarding critical assets and sensitive data can be daunting. However, leveraging the Cyber Defense Matrix (CDM) as a strategic framework can lay a solid foundation for your cybersecurity program and proactively mitigate risks. This article outlines the first five crucial steps I would take if tasked with setting up a cyber risk management program, emphasizing the integration of the CDM for optimal effectiveness.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textToday, I discuss and present the report's findings and share some of my thoughts on each finding from this survey. Thanks.Dr. B.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textEndpoints such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and servers remain a prime target for attackers. These devices, serving as gateways to critical business data and systems, are constantly under siege from malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other sophisticated threats. As a CISO, safeguarding your organization's endpoints is a matter of cybersecurity and a strategic financial imperative. Here, I will discuss endpoint security, exploring how solutions like antivirus, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and device management align with the Cyber Defense Matrix to protect your organization's assets and financial well-being.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textApplications have become the lifeblood of businesses, driving innovation and operational efficiency. However, this reliance on applications also exposes organizations to a myriad of cyber threats. Attackers are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities within applications to gain unauthorized access, exfiltrate sensitive data, and disrupt critical business functions. As a CISO, safeguarding your organization's application portfolio is paramount. Here, we dive into the domain of application security, exploring best practices, the role of the Cyber Defense Matrix, and actionable strategies to fortify your defenses against application-level attacks.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textAs CISOs, you are entrusted with safeguarding our organizations' digital assets. However, this responsibility extends beyond mere technical implementation; it encompasses a financial imperative. In today's threat landscape, network security vulnerabilities can lead to devastating financial losses, from data breaches and regulatory fines to operational disruptions and reputational damage.Here, I'll dive into the critical role of network security within the Cyber Defense Matrix framework. We'll explore how robust network security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and segmentation, mitigate cyber risks and contribute to a fiscally responsible security strategy.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textThe critical role of Identity and Access Management (IAM) in today's complex digital landscape. IAM is essential for controlling access to valuable assets, both in the cloud and traditional datacenters. The cloud's dynamic nature requires a robust IAM strategy incorporating centralized identity management, dynamic authorization, and strong authentication, including multi-factor authentication (MFA). For datacenters, best practices include privileged access management (PAM), network segmentation, and regular audits.This podcast highlights IAM's integral role within the Cyber Defense Matrix, supporting functions like Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. It also underscores the financial benefits of a strong IAM strategy, mitigating the risk of costly data breaches and streamlining operations through automation. The author concludes by positioning IAM not just as a best practice but as a strategic imperative for CISOs, enabling innovation while safeguarding digital assets.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textIn the boardroom and the server room, today's CISO faces a dual challenge: safeguarding the organization's digital assets while demonstrating the tangible value of cybersecurity investments. The Cyber Defense Matrix emerges as a strategic bridge between these imperatives, offering a structured framework to identify security gaps, prioritize spending, and align defensive strategies with business goals.This podcast explores how CISOs can leverage the Cyber Defense Matrix to make informed financial decisions, ensuring that every dollar spent on cybersecurity contributes to a resilient and risk-aware enterprise.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textToday, we're tackling a crucial topic for any Chief Information Security Officer—how to validate your Cyber Defense Matrix using Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. This episode is for you if you're looking for actionable ways to measure and enhance your security posture.The Cyber Defense Matrix is an invaluable framework for organizing and understanding your cybersecurity strategy. But its true power comes into focus when its effectiveness is quantifiable. Today, we'll explore some fundamental KPIs and see how they align with the layers of the matrix, giving you the tools to validate your security measures in a practical and powerful way.Advisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-servicesWhite Paper: https://www.execcybered.com/cybersecurity-metrics>>Schedule CallSchedule Call

Send us a textCybersecurity risk assessment is a very effective tool; however, it can not be done using a survey instrument. Here are my thoughts on the matter. 

Send us a textRead more: https://buff.ly/3UST8aEFREE MASTERCLASShttps://www.execcybered.com/cybersecurity-project-success-from-pitch-to-approvalAdvisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Send us a textRead more: https://www.execcybered.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-device-identifyFREE MASTERCLASShttps://www.execcybered.com/cybersecurity-project-success-from-pitch-to-approvalAdvisory Services: https://www.execcybered.com/advisory-services>>Schedule Call

Alarmed by "Have you heard cybersecurity is a business issue?" But WORRIED your education left you UNPREPARED to face it? Colleges and certificate programs rarely teach business, communication, or sales skills crucial for cybersecurity careers. Don't fret! My YouTube video talks about the essential soft skills missing from your education. Learn how to navigate business dynamics, communicate effectively, and even close deals in the cybersecurity field with my free training below. Stop feeling powerless and unlock your true career potential! Click the link in the description to watch now and master the skills to thrive in the competitive cybersecurity landscape. #cybersecurity #careers #education #skills #business #communication #sales #softkills #youtube #video #learning #development #opportunity #success FREE MASTERCLASS https://www.execcybered.com/cybersecurity-project-success-from-pitch-to-approval

Zone Defense - Another strategy to add to your cybersecurity program. How to defend your organization from cybersecurity breaches and today's cyber attacks. One quick sec cybersecurity rule to add to your strategy arsenal is discussed here.

In this week's podcast, I discuss the required steps to establish a risk or vulnerability program in your organization. Check it out!

Areas to Address: Adoption challenges Risks Governance Roles and responsibilities Scope to Consider: Can the users use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)? (External GAI vs. Internal GAI) Which department is responsible for documenting the need for GAI and aligning it with corporate objectives? Third-party & GAI, including software features Privacy Contractual obligations Responsible AI Regulatory Output quality Inherited bias Governance: Who is responsible? Who should be part of the governance team? What are the roles and responsibilities?

In an interconnected world, the impact of various global trends is not limited to individual domains. The convergence of COVID-19, the green transition, the rise of AI, microeconomic uncertainties, and cybersecurity have created a complex landscape with challenges and opportunities. Let's explore the intricate relationship between these forces, shedding light on cybersecurity's significant role in this new era. Read more here: https://www.execcybered.com/blog/unveiling-the-intersection-the-impact-of-covid-19-the-green-transition-the-rise-of-ai-microeconomic-uncertainties-and-cybersecurity

With increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, organizations must prioritize protecting their sensitive data and networks. As a result, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed, creating a unique opportunity for individuals to upskill or reskill in this high-demand field. Today, I will explore the significance of upskilling and reskilling in cybersecurity and provide valuable insights into navigating this dynamic industry effectively. Want to read more? Go to our block at https://www.execcybered.com/blog/upskilling-and-reskilling-in-cybersecurity-unlocking-the-path-to-professional-excellence

Have you heard? ChatGPT 4.0 is here, so what is your corporate strategy? Let me give you a few pointers to think about.

5 Cybersecurity Controls - Reduce 85% of Cyber Risk

A Hard Look Honest communication between board members and information officers is critical to good cybersecurity. Cyber experts must relay their insights through non-technical storytelling and make a pertinent business case. Business leaders should aim for a cyber-aware culture permeating an entire organization. Read more: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/cybersecurity-board-collaboration/ ==========How can a vCISO help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Contact us: https://www.execcybered.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #vciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership

Is your organization using threat intelligence to run threat modeling? If not, that's a miss-opportunity. Your organization should establish desktop exercises or an informal cross-functional team to run threat modeling scenarios. This team would do the following four steps: Identify and characterize the systems supporting the organization's mission and objectives as a starting point. Identify the cybersecurity stack capabilities protecting these systems. Identify and select the attack vectors to be included in the model. The most plausible is not every scenario. Analyze the threat model. Any gaps identified should be reported to management as potential vulnerabilities must be addressed. Bonus Point: Map the identified vulnerabilities to the cybersecurity risks to the mission and corporate objectives being reported to the executive leadership or board of directors. ==========How can a vCISO help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Contact us: https://www.execcybered.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #vciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership

The Neglected Pages of NIST When you download a NIST document, whether NIST 800-53, NIST 800-39, NIST 800-37, or the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, what page do you start reading first? ==========How can a vCISO help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Contact us: https://www.execcybered.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #vciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership

How a vCISO can help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. ==========How can a vCISO help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Contact us: https://www.execcybered.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #vciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership

Theft of Information is present in every organization and varies widely concerning value. The value of information is directly related to its criticality to the business. However, information can be further characterized along a continuum of data, information, and knowledge that reflects variances. “Data becomes information when endowed with relevance and purpose;” there are numerous motivating factors for threat actors and criminals to steal data, such as aiding in the theft of funds, disrupting operations, and increasing capabilities for further data theft. While the value of financial or physical assets is typically straightforward and quantifiable, the value of various forms of information is harder to measure. Information theft is unique compared to other types of theft; information theft generally does not result in depriving the asset owner of the asset because the theft is usually executed as a data copy or as an action intended to deprive legitimate users of accessing the system or data. Organizations must understand where their crown jewels are in the organization so they can be protected accordingly. ==========How can a vCISO help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Contact us: https://www.execcybered.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #vciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership

Do you have an operational or strategic view when protecting your organization's systems? ==========How can a vCISO help your organization? The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Contact us: https://www.execcybered.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #vciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership

Acronyms, Jargons & Idioms Impacting Communication Between Board, C-Suite, and Specialists. Communication is a two-way street, and company executives must be prepared to ask their own questions exploring the data being presented to them. The questions can be simple and direct, such as Can you elaborate on how this presented data impacts our company's objective(s)? What percentage of these vulnerabilities impact the systems supporting our company's mission and objectives? These simple questions will ignite an insightful discussion and provide the information you may want to make educated decisions. ========== The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/ Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership Thanks. Dr. Bill Souza CEO | Founder www.execcybered.com

Mission-Centric Cyber Risk Metrics Understanding what to measure in a mission-critical risk program is important, so today, I'll discuss a framework you can use. 1. Identify the system's environment (production, development, test, etc.) 2. System's criticality 3. Business Area ownership 4. Solution(s) being hosted on the identified systems 5. Top controls being violated 6. Vulnerabilities identified 7. Minimum Security Baselines non-conformance 8. Internal audit findings 9. Penetration test findings 10. Threat hunts. These data points will assist your organization in understanding how much risk exposure your mission-supporting solutions may be exposed to. ========== The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/ Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership Thanks. Dr. Bill Souza CEO | Founder www.execcybered.com

Retail banking takes care of regular daily banking, for which most people know banks. This includes providing checking and saving services and issuing credit cards. Retail banking divisions may also be in charge of providing loans, mortgages, and other financings. Some other products and services may be offered under retail banking divisions: Lines of credit, Investment management and accounts, Insurance Retirement, and education accounts. Ask a simple, broad, and open-ended question; what do you perceive as your cybersecurity risk? This question probes for a direct answer to an intentional board and open-ended question. You don't need to know or even judge the merit of any answer, but you do need to judge the organization's ability to provide a sufficient answer. ========== The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/ Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership Thanks. Dr. Bill Souza CEO | Founder www.execcybered.com

Technologies and the methods used to hack into them continuously evolve. If you're looking for an effective and efficient way to check the cybersecurity health of your organization, I suggest the following three checkups: Vulnerability and Penetration: Test Once you know the mission-critical systems in your organization, I suggest performing these two cybersecurity tests on a continuous basis. Vulnerability Scans & Software Updates Scanning: your mission-critical systems for vulnerabilities and then prioritizing and patching them is a critical practice to maintain cybersecurity hygiene. Risk Assessments: A holistic approach will require that your team consider the results of your penetration test, vulnerability scans, and other vulnerability and threat information and develop an educated conclusion of the organization's risks. ========== The CISO role is all about the strategy, leadership, management, and communication of how potential threats will be assessed and solved. The CISO will absorb the big picture and dismantle it and restructure it to ensure it meets the initiatives of the department and the organization. Let E|CE help your Small Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/ Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPA #cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance #cybersecurity #chiefinformationsecurityofficer #ceos #chiefexecutiveofficer #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #cybersecuritystrategy #cybersecurityculture #cybersecurityawarenesstraining #cybersecuritythreats #cyberattacks #cybersecurityleadership #insiderthreats #insiderrisk #informationsecurity #businessstrategy #securitymanagement #leadership Thanks. Dr. Bill Souza CEO | Founder www.execcybered.com

Do you believe these are business challenges?UpskillingLow morale or quiet quittingHiring and talent retentionKeeping up with technology and toolsIf so, why aren't you considering cybersecurity as a core business challenge?It takes 280 on average days to identify and contain a data breach, and the average cost is $3.86 million. Stolen or compromised employee credentials initiate the lion's share of those breaches.Small business advisory boards and panels must start pushing management to treat cybersecurity as a business risk.========#cybersecurity #cyberrisk #cyberriskmanagement #risk #riskmanagement #smallbusiness #smaillbusinesses #ceo #cio #ciso #ece #governance #cybergovernance========Let E|CE help your Small Business*** Book a Call ***https://booking.execcybered.com/#/customer/drbillsouzaexeccyberedLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Antivirus has become a necessary tool for preventing cyber incidents; while the market is crowded, you need to look for antivirus software that fits your organization's needs. NIST has guidance that you can leverage; NIST 800-83 recommends key capabilities that an antivirus software must have:Scanning startup files and boot recordsReal-time scanning of emails and email attachments for malwareBehavior monitoring of emails, browsers, and instant messaging softwareScanning for known malwareDisinfecting filesQuarantining filesIdentifying common types of malware and attacker toolsNIST also recommends that organizations deploy antivirus software from a host and network-based perspective.NIST 800-83: https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-83/rev-1/final========Let E|CE help your Small Business*** Book a Call ***https://booking.execcybered.com/#/customer/drbillsouzaexeccyberedLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Greater than CybersecurityWhen we realize that our cybersecurity challenges are complex and intertwined with conscious living people who view their actions in light of stories with emotions and ideas attached, one sees the need for many different perspectives. Therefore, the solution for your cybersecurity challenges will require knowledge beyond its discipline; it will involve communication, marketing, business, psychology, and sociology, among others. However, as an industry, we tend to become insular; as subject matter experts, we can't know everything, so the first impulse is to specialize, narrowing our point of view to a defined subject. When cybersecurity reports are published depicting the most significant cybersecurity events of the year, they rarely focus on the critical narratives that accompanied those events or what actions, or lack thereof, led to those events.It is not enough to assess what controls or tools are deployed in an organization. You need to understand the governance and management oversight of these controls and tools to ensure that they are effectively being used as prescribed; otherwise, you only see half of the story. Be critical, think critically, and have the right strategy in place. ========Let E|CE help your Small Business*** Book a Call ***https://booking.execcybered.com/#/customer/drbillsouzaexeccyberedLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Protective TechnologyThe last item I want to mention under the Protect function that supports the attack surface reduction and limits the cyber events' impact on your systems is “protective technologies.” Remember, protecting your organization involves six critical cybersecurity categories:Access ControlAwareness and TrainingData SecurityInformation Protection Processes and ProceduresMaintenance Protective TechnologiesThe restriction of removable media according to policy is a good first step. Restricting the use of USB drives and external hard drives are the first ones that come to mind; however, if we holistically see this category, we can include company or vendor-specific support equipment, such as tablets and laptops that are used in your data center to support diagnose or troubleshoot your equipment. Second, and perhaps most prevalent in small businesses or micro-businesses, is to ensure your systems are single function; therefore, avoiding, for example, hosting an email server and web servers on the same device. An attack on one device would cause an interruption of service for both services.Lastly, you can implement mechanisms to achieve business resilience; technology will fail, so having technology and the right architecture in place will minimize the impact to your business, such as:Implementing load balancing, which will distribute workload across various systemsHot-swap, which allows you to make maintenance repairs while your system continues to functionThese are a few strategies that will turn your business more resilient. ========*** Book a Call ***https://booking.execcybered.com/#/customer/drbillsouzaexeccybered*** FREE GUIDE ***https://www.execcybered.com/asset-managementLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Ideally and preferably, your cybersecurity program should follow established policies, standards, and procedures. These documents will govern all organization members, including staff, vendors, volunteers, and anyone working on the organization's behalf.The first step towards information protection is to develop and maintain a baseline configuration for IT and OT systems if this applies to your organization that incorporates appropriate cybersecurity principles, such as least privilege. The baseline configurations are documented, formally reviewed, and agreed-upon sets of specifications for IT systems or configuration items within those systems. It serves as the basis for all future changes to the systems, and it is considered the stable version of any system. However, changes will occur over time, so a method is imperative to manage system changes. This task is part of a much larger discipline known as configuration management. Configuration management addresses the methods for controlling asset changes throughout the assets' lifecycle. There are three roles your organization should consider in the change management process:Configuration managerBaseline managerVerification managerOnce your organization establishes good baseline practices, the challenge is to keep track of all the changes required for the business; therefore, I suggest using a standard exception process to document the exceptions to the baseline while calculating the risk and requiring sign-offs. ========*** FREE GUIDE ***https://www.execcybered.com/asset-managementBlog: https://www.execcybered.com/blogTraining: https://www.execcybered.com/iso27001foundationcourseLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Ideally and preferably, your cybersecurity program should follow established policies, standards, and procedures. These documents will govern all organization members, including staff, vendors, volunteers, and anyone working on the organization's behalf.The first step towards information protection is to develop and maintain a baseline configuration for IT and OT systems if this applies to your organization that incorporates appropriate cybersecurity principles, such as least privilege. The baseline configurations are documented, formally reviewed, and agreed-upon sets of specifications for IT systems or configuration items within those systems. It serves as the basis for all future changes to the systems, and it is considered the stable version of any system. However, changes will occur over time, so a method is imperative to manage system changes. This task is part of a much larger discipline known as configuration management. Configuration management addresses the methods for controlling asset changes throughout the assets' lifecycle. There are three roles your organization should consider in the change management process:Configuration managerBaseline managerVerification managerOnce your organization establishes good baseline practices, the challenge is to keep track of all the changes required for the business; therefore, I suggest using a standard exception process to document the exceptions to the baseline while calculating the risk and requiring sign-offs. ========*** FREE GUIDE ***https://www.execcybered.com/asset-managementBlog: https://www.execcybered.com/blogTraining: https://www.execcybered.com/iso27001foundationcourseLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Data SecurityThe third of the six critical cybersecurity categories I presented previously is “data security.” An organization's most valuable asset is data; hackers seek data sources to steal from businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations, including small and midsized companies. Data must be protected in transit and at rest. The NIST CSF addresses data security in its Protect function under its data security category (PR.DS). The first and second subcategories handle data in transit and data at rest, respectively. Organizations must implement security controls to address the integrity and confidentiality of the data. However, when putting this advice into practice, the challenge becomes how to protect against all the vulnerabilities; at the time of this recording, the Common Vulnerability Exposure (CVE) contains 183,630 CVE records.One approach proposed by Scott Musman is to protect against the attack effects, which he classifies as the following categories:DegradationInterruptionModificationFabricationInterceptionUnauthorized useThe proposed concept is that regardless of the vulnerability of the 183,630, the impact will be one of the categories listed.The other area that NIST CSF addresses under data security is environment segmentation, keeping the development and testing environments separate from the production environment. Not only by installing a DEV or TST system in production but also by avoiding the communication between these environments.Last but not least, NIST CSF addresses hardware integrity. Not every company will need to implement this control, so I suggest adopting an ISO 27001 practice: create a spreadsheet with all the NIST CSF controls from the informative reference column and mark them as implemented or justify why it was not implemented. This practice will give you a good inventory of what you have implemented and a business justification for why not. ========*** FREE GUIDE ***https://www.execcybered.com/asset-managementBlog: https://www.execcybered.com/blogTraining: https://www.execcybered.com/iso27001foundationcourseLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com

Data SecurityThe third of the six critical cybersecurity categories I presented previously is “data security.” An organization's most valuable asset is data; hackers seek data sources to steal from businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations, including small and midsized companies. Data must be protected in transit and at rest. The NIST CSF addresses data security in its Protect function under its data security category (PR.DS). The first and second subcategories handle data in transit and data at rest, respectively. Organizations must implement security controls to address the integrity and confidentiality of the data. However, when putting this advice into practice, the challenge becomes how to protect against all the vulnerabilities; at the time of this recording, the Common Vulnerability Exposure (CVE) contains 183,630 CVE records.One approach proposed by Scott Musman is to protect against the attack effects, which he classifies as the following categories:DegradationInterruptionModificationFabricationInterceptionUnauthorized useThe proposed concept is that regardless of the vulnerability of the 183,630, the impact will be one of the categories listed.The other area that NIST CSF addresses under data security is environment segmentation, keeping the development and testing environments separate from the production environment. Not only by installing a DEV or TST system in production but also by avoiding the communication between these environments.Last but not least, NIST CSF addresses hardware integrity. Not every company will need to implement this control, so I suggest adopting an ISO 27001 practice: create a spreadsheet with all the NIST CSF controls from the informative reference column and mark them as implemented or justify why it was not implemented. This practice will give you a good inventory of what you have implemented and a business justification for why not. ========*** FREE GUIDE ***https://www.execcybered.com/asset-managementBlog: https://www.execcybered.com/blogTraining: https://www.execcybered.com/iso27001foundationcourseLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceccybered/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBillSouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbillsouza/Youtube: https://bit.ly/3BGOtPAThanks.Dr. Bill SouzaCEO | Founderwww.execcybered.com