Blog Posts
Cybersecurity isn’t just an add-on; it’s the foundation upon which your entire IT infrastructure rests.
Businesses and organisations must continually upgrade their IT infrastructure to stay competitive and meet the demands of modern technology. However, amidst the excitement of adopting new technologies and improving operational efficiency, one critical aspect that often gets overlooked is cybersecurity. The integration of robust cybersecurity measures should be a central component of any IT infrastructure upgrade timeline.
Here is our foolproof timeline of how your infrastructure planning should go, when considering cybersecurity as a core component:
Initial Assessment: Before embarking on an IT infrastructure upgrade, conduct a thorough cybersecurity assessment. Identify vulnerabilities, evaluate current security measures, and determine potential risks. This assessment forms the basis for your cybersecurity strategy.
Integration from the Start: Cybersecurity should not be an afterthought. It should be integrated from the initial planning stages of your upgrade project. This includes considerations such as network architecture, data storage, access controls, and more.
Risk Mitigation Strategy: Develop a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy that outlines how you’ll address identified vulnerabilities. This may involve a combination of technology solutions, employee training, and incident response plans.
Technology Upgrades: When selecting new technologies, prioritize those with built-in security features. Whether you’re upgrading hardware, software, or cloud services, ensure they meet modern security standards.
Employee Training: Cybersecurity is a team effort. Train your employees to recognize and respond to cyber threats, such as phishing attempts and social engineering. An educated workforce is a powerful defence against attacks.
Access Management: Upgrade your access management systems to enforce the principle of least privilege. Ensure that employees only have access to the resources necessary for their roles, reducing the attack surface.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a well-defined incident response plan that outlines steps to take in the event of a cyber incident. Regularly test and update this plan to ensure its effectiveness.
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Implement continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time. Regularly update and patch software to address new vulnerabilities.
Third-Party Vendors: If your upgrade involves third-party vendors, ensure they also adhere to robust cybersecurity standards. Weak links in your supply chain can be exploited by attackers.
Post-Upgrade Assessment: After completing your IT infrastructure upgrade, conduct a post-upgrade assessment that specifically focuses on cybersecurity. This will help you verify that all security measures have been correctly implemented.
With increasing threats and absolute reliance on technology for any organisation, a solid cybersecurity foundation is non-negotiable. Integrating cybersecurity into your IT infrastructure set up or upgrade timeline is not only a prudent business decision but also a necessary step to protect your data, operations, and reputation. By treating cybersecurity as a core component of your infrastructure plan, you’re not only fortifying your organisation against cyber threats but also ensuring a more resilient and secure future.
Secure State can consult on your infrastructure plans to ensure that the proper protocols are in place for a proactive and seamless upgrade to a cyber resilient operational environment. Our team of experts have experience across all industries and sectors and can provide valuable advice.