The potentially devastating ramifications of cyberattacks mean organizations must proactively prioritize strong strategies to assess, evaluate, and enhance cybersecurity maturity. Many organizations do not know where they stand with cybersecurity. Some may over-confidently believe they are safe because of an investment in a security package, outsourced services, or an in-house IT department. None of those assets necessarily equate to a substantial cybersecurity maturity. As people gain wisdom and maturity with experience, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) should develop security capabilities to grow their cybersecurity maturity.
What is Cybersecurity Maturity?
Cybersecurity maturity, also referred to as cyber readiness, outlines how well a business manages and implements effective cybersecurity practices and responds to risks. Cyber maturity encompasses an organization’s technologies, policies, and security measures to protect against cyber threats.
Organizations with a higher level of cybersecurity maturity not only address current threats but also proactively anticipate future risks. Understanding your organization’s current level of cybersecurity maturity is valuable as it helps:
- Manage risks and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Protect your organization’s reputation by preventing data breaches and maintaining customer trust.
- Enhance operational efficiency by integrating security awareness into everyday processes.
How To Determine Cyber Maturity
Knowing the cybersecurity maturity level of an organization requires evaluating the current security posture and deciding whether to make further investments or adjust security priorities.
For SMBs and those beginning their cybersecurity journey, understanding cyber maturity is an essential first step. Some customers, like those in the public sector, may be required to work with providers who can prove specific cybersecurity capabilities and maturity.
Four Steps Toward Cyber Maturity
- Perform an initial inventory.
- Document how data is stored and its type, such as customer information, financial details, and employee data.
- List all business devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and network devices like routers or connected printers.
- Identify software applications, including operating systems, accounting tools, and similar business applications or cloud services.
- Use online resources, guides, frameworks, and assessment tools. Several leading organizations provide free self-assessment insight and cybersecurity essentials for small businesses. Some of these resources include:
- NIST CSF: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a comprehensive, adaptable, framework that provides a clear structure for managing and reducing cyber risk.
- NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Corner: NIST’s Small Business Cybersecurity Corner offers accessible guides and resources for small businesses, including the CSF’s Small Business Quick-Start Guide.
- CISA: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) offers individuals and organizations free cybersecurity services and tools, including tailored Cyber Guidance for Small Businesses and CISA’s Cyber Essentials.
- Evaluate your existing security measures. Examine vulnerabilities like outdated software, weak passwords, and insufficient incident response plans. Consider the most common cyber threats impacting other businesses, such as phishing emails or data breaches, and any recent notable cybersecurity incidents in the industry.
Working with a third-party assessor or hiring an outside cybersecurity consultant can help an organization evaluate its cybersecurity maturity, implement basic and advanced cyber hygiene practices, and develop an improvement plan. - Prioritize action steps. Maturing cybersecurity requires taking actionable steps toward improving cybersecurity policies and processes. After receiving the results of the cybersecurity assessment, one can develop a cybersecurity roadmap with short, medium, and long-term goals with realistic resource allocation. Assign responsibilities and set timelines for each necessary action.
Start by addressing areas that could significantly impact critical operations and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Quick fixes for immediate improvements may include software updates, strong password management, and employee security awareness training. Employee training and awareness programs including phishing simulations can create a security-conscious culture. For cost-effective cybersecurity services, consider seeking assistance from a managed services provider (MSP) or cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) vendor.
Evaluating and maintaining cyber maturity is an ongoing process requiring resources and a long-term commitment. If your organization is unsure about its security and cyber maturity posture, reach out to a RAMPxchange representative today. Connect with trusted, responsive assessors and service providers within our collaborative cybersecurity marketplace.