Why Smart Money is Investing in CISO-as-a-Service and What Every Leader Must Know
Through conversations with over 250 security leaders and founders this year, spanning startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and global enterprises, one truth has emerged with crystal clarity: cyber security has evolved far beyond a traditional IT concern. It has become a core boardroom priority and a critical business risk that directly impacts organisational survival and growth potential. Consider your organisation as a bustling metropolitan area, where every business function depends on smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow to maintain operational effectiveness. Cyber threats represent the unexpected roadblocks and system failures that nobody anticipates but everyone must navigate. Without expert CISO leadership providing strategic direction, your business risks costly operational delays, systemic chaos, and irreparable damage to its reputation and market position. This reality explains why access to flexible, senior-level cyber expertise – without the substantial cost commitment of full-time executive hiring – has rapidly become a vital competitive advantage for organisations competing in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Think of CISO-as-a-Service as having access to a world-class strategic coach whenever expertise is needed, guiding your team through complex challenges, identifying risks before they escalate into crises, and helping you build trust with investors, customers, and regulatory authorities. Whether your organisation represents a VC-backed startup, an established SME, or forms part of a larger enterprise portfolio, the most successful companies understand that effective cyber leadership extends far beyond technology implementation. It constitutes a strategic, scalable capability that grows alongside business ambitions and adapts to evolving market conditions. When Does Your Business Need External Cyber Leadership? Determining the optimal timing for bringing in external cyber leadership can prove challenging yet critical for organisational success. Companies often realise they require fractional CISO support when facing periods of rapid growth, evolving cyber threat landscapes, or new compliance requirements that stretch existing capabilities beyond their limits. For startups and scale-ups backed by venture capital and private equity investors, pressure to demonstrate cyber resilience proves immense, yet hiring a full-time, experienced CISO can present prohibitive cost barriers. External CISOs offer on-demand expertise that helps businesses bridge skill gaps immediately without enduring lengthy hiring processes or committing to substantial salary obligations that may strain operational budgets. In more mature SMEs and enterprises, external or fractional CISOs can provide independent, objective oversight of existing security strategies. They bring fresh perspectives and benchmark best practices gathered across industries, helping organisations avoid dangerous blind spots that internal teams may overlook due to familiarity or resource constraints. The business benefit proves substantial: faster, more confident decision-making that directly reduces risk to bottom-line performance whilst simultaneously enabling innovation and sustainable growth. This approach allows organisations to access enterprise-grade expertise without the overhead costs traditionally associated with senior executive appointments. Understanding the Service Model Landscape Understanding available options proves essential for selecting the most appropriate fit for organisational needs and objectives. CISO-as-a-Service typically provides ongoing, flexible cyber leadership that integrates seamlessly with existing teams and operational structures. Fractional CISO support often involves part-time engagement focused on specific strategic or operational requirements with defined deliverables and timelines. Traditional consultancy approaches tend towards project-based engagement with more limited scope and duration, whilst Big 4 firms offer broad advisory capabilities but may lack the hands-on agility and cost-effectiveness that many businesses require for practical implementation. What distinguishes CISO-as-a-Service from other models is the ability to scale expertise up or down based on evolving risk profiles, market pressures, or regulatory changes without requiring renegotiation of fundamental service agreements. This model delivers deep, enterprise-grade experience without the administrative overheads or implementation delays associated with building comprehensive internal teams. For CEOs and CFOs seeking value-driven investments, this translates into precise, targeted spending that aligns closely with specific business goals rather than generic technical requirements or compliance checkboxes. Common Business Challenges Addressed Cyber security in modern organisations represents a complex interconnected system that touches every operational area from finance and operations through to legal departments and procurement functions. Some of the most significant challenges that businesses consistently face include: Escalating Threat Sophistication: From ransomware attacks to supply chain compromises, cyber risks are evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly sophisticated. External CISOs proactively update defensive strategies to maintain effectiveness against emerging threats whilst ensuring business continuity. Regulatory Complexity and Compliance Pressure: Regulations such as NIS2, GDPR, and sector-specific requirements create an increasingly complex regulatory environment that demands continuous attention. CISO-as-a-Service ensures ongoing compliance maintenance, helping organisations avoid costly penalties whilst maintaining operational flexibility. Talent Shortage and Cost Management: Skilled cyber security leaders remain scarce and command substantial salaries that may strain organisational budgets. External support provides immediate access to seasoned professionals without the long-term financial commitments associated with full-time executive appointments. Strategic Alignment with Business Objectives: Security cannot operate in isolation from broader business strategy. External CISOs help integrate security risk management into core business planning processes, driving measurable outcomes that protect and enhance organisational value. Crisis and Incident Preparedness: In the event of security breaches or cyber attacks, having expert leadership ready to manage response coordination and stakeholder communication can save millions whilst protecting brand reputation and market position. By addressing these challenges systematically, external CISOs function as trusted strategic partners, enabling businesses to thrive in unpredictable operating environments whilst maintaining robust security postures. Five Critical Insights for C-Suite Executives Cost Efficiency with Maximum Impact: Investing in cyber leadership only when specific expertise is required prevents budget overruns whilst delivering enterprise-grade capabilities. Recent research indicates that companies with flexible cyber security leadership models reduce breach-related costs by up to 30% compared to traditional approaches. Access to Global Talent Networks: External providers offer diverse pools of experienced CISOs with cross-industry insights and specialised expertise that extend far beyond what single internal hires can provide. This diversity brings broader perspective and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. Accelerated Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Maintaining alignment with evolving regulatory requirements represents a full-time professional challenge. External CISOs ensure continuous compliance monitoring and adjustment, reducing both regulatory exposure and associated financial risks. Strategic Focus on Core Business Activities: Delegating cyber leadership to specialists allows CEOs and CFOs to concentrate on growth initiatives and
European Cyber Security Startups to Watch and the VCs Shaping the Space
Through extensive conversations with founders, investors, and innovators across the Five Eyes nations and Europe, one trend has become unmistakably clear: the venture capital landscape is undergoing rapid and fundamental transformation. Traditional investment and growth playbooks that worked effectively in previous decades are no longer sufficient for today’s complex market environment. The classic sales-led growth model is being superseded by integrated approaches where marketing sophistication, brand awareness cultivation, and strategic trust-building carry equal importance to direct sales outreach activities. This evolution demands that investors develop deeper understanding of these shifts and strategically back startups capable of navigating this transformed landscape successfully. Modern startups operate in an environment characterised by technology saturation and increasingly sophisticated buyers who conduct thorough due diligence before making purchasing decisions. Winning business now requires authentic storytelling capabilities, meaningful community engagement strategies, and relentless brand cultivation efforts that build genuine credibility over time. Trust and credibility have evolved from nice-to-have attributes into genuine competitive moats that determine long-term market success. Organisations that excel in building these intangible assets – alongside product innovation excellence – will demonstrate superior resilience and growth potential compared to those focusing solely on technical capabilities. The New Partnership Paradigm This market evolution necessitates fundamentally different partnerships between founders and their investors. Whilst capital provision remains essential, strategic support in growth marketing, customer experience optimisation, and comprehensive brand-building activities has become equally critical for sustainable success. A founder’s capability to build and maintain loyal audiences often determines long-term value creation potential more than pure technical innovation. Venture capital firms that recognise and actively support this transformation will establish meaningful competitive advantages in deal sourcing, portfolio company development, and ultimate return generation. The most successful partnerships now combine traditional financial backing with hands-on expertise in modern growth strategies. Five Key Growth Areas for Strategic Investment Based on market analysis and industry conversations, five sectors emerge as particularly promising for venture investment consideration: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI represents the fundamental engine powering innovation across industries, from complex workflow automation to personalised experience delivery. This technology serves as the cornerstone for future industry development, making it essential for long-term investment strategies. Cyber Security Including OT and IoT: Escalating digital threats targeting operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems create substantial market opportunities. Startups developing solutions for these complex security challenges address massive potential markets whilst solving critical infrastructure protection needs. Fintech and RegTech Innovation: Financial services continue experiencing technology-driven disruption through solutions that enhance compliance capabilities, strengthen security measures, and improve user experiences. This creates ongoing opportunities for innovative fintech and regulatory technology startups. Healthtech and Biotech Advancement: Revolutionary developments in AI-driven diagnostics, personalised medicine approaches, and telehealth service delivery are transforming healthcare outcomes and accessibility. These advances represent both significant market opportunities and genuine societal impact potential. Climate Technology and Sustainability: Startups innovating in energy efficiency enhancement, carbon reduction solutions, and sustainable materials development address both environmental imperatives and substantial market opportunities. These companies often demonstrate strong alignment between profitability and positive impact. European Cyber Security Startups: Companies to Monitor The European cyber security landscape demonstrates remarkable vibrancy, with early-stage companies driving innovation across multiple security domains. Ten startups deserve particular attention for their innovative approaches and market potential: CyberSmart (UK): Led by Jamie Akhtar, this company simplifies cyber security compliance for small and medium enterprises, empowering smaller organisations to manage risk effectively without requiring extensive internal expertise. Cylus: Under Amir Levintal’s leadership, Cylus focuses on protecting railway and transportation networks through specialised operational technology security solutions addressing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. Sekoia.io (France): David Bizeul and Freddy Milesi lead this company in delivering advanced threat intelligence and automation capabilities specifically designed for Security Operations Centres, enhancing detection and response capabilities. Build38 (Germany): Christian Schlaeger guides this AI-driven endpoint protection company that provides real-time threat detection and mitigation capabilities using advanced machine learning algorithms. EclecticIQ (Netherlands): Cody Barrow leads innovations in cloud security and identity protection, addressing the complex security challenges inherent in modern cloud-first infrastructures. ReaQta (an IBM Company): This company specialises in behavioural analytics and AI-powered endpoint defence solutions that identify threats through pattern recognition rather than signature-based detection. WISeKey SA (Switzerland): Carlos Creus Moreira and his team bring deep expertise in cryptography, digital identity management, and secure communications infrastructure essential for modern digital trust frameworks. Tines (Ireland): Eoin Hinchy leads this innovative company offering no-code automation solutions for incident response, significantly boosting security team efficiency and response capabilities. Periphery (UK): Toby Wilmington, Kane Ryans, and Adam Massey represent an emerging force in embedded AI threat management specifically designed for critical industrial and enterprise IoT technologies. CounterCraft (UK): David Brown, David Barroso, and their team pioneer cyber deception technology designed to detect and mislead attackers, providing proactive threat intelligence capabilities. Venture Capital Firms Driving Innovation Several venture capital firms and investment partners demonstrate deep domain expertise and extensive networks crucial for shaping the next generation of cyber security and AI companies across Europe: Evolution Equity Partners: Richard Seewald and Dennis Smith bring substantial experience in deep technology investments, particularly in companies developing fundamental technological innovations with long-term market potential. SYN Ventures: Jay Leek and his team focus specifically on early-stage technology companies, providing hands-on support that extends beyond financial investment to include operational guidance and strategic development. Forgepoint Capital: Damien Henault leads a team specialising in cyber security investments with global perspective, bringing both sector expertise and international market understanding to portfolio companies. Insight Partners: Deven Parekh and Adam Berger have established strong reputations for scaling software and security companies internationally, providing both capital and operational expertise for growth-stage expansion. DataTribe: Founded by Bob Ackerman and Robert Ackerman, this unique firm combines traditional investment activities with startup incubation specifically focused on cyber security and data-driven technologies. UK Government AI Skills Initiative The UK government recently launched an ambitious initiative designed to boost AI skills across the national workforce, targeting training for 7.5 million workers by 2030. This comprehensive partnership between government agencies and technology leaders – including Amazon, Google, Microsoft,
Dumfries & Galloway NHS Patient Data Stolen in Cyber Attack Published on Dark Web
A large volume of data stolen during a cyber attack on a Scottish health board has been published by a ransomware group. Cyber criminals accessed a significant amount of data including patient and staff-identifiable information during the attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway which began at the end of February. Data relating to a small number of patients was released in March, and the hackers had threatened that more would follow. The health board said that data accessed by the cyber criminals has now been published on the dark web. It has set up a helpline for anyone concerned about the attack and is working with police and other agencies as investigations continue. NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Julie White said: “This is an utterly abhorrent criminal act by cyber criminals who had threatened to release more data. “We should not be surprised at this outcome, as this is in line with the way these criminal groups operate. “Work is beginning to take place with partner agencies to assess the data which has been published. “This very much remains a live criminal matter, and we are continuing to work with national agencies including Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Scottish Government. “NHS Dumfries and Galloway is conscious that this may cause increased anxiety and concern for patients and staff, with a telephone helpline sharing the information hosted at our website available from tomorrow. “Data accessed by the cyber criminals has now been published onto the dark web – which is not readily accessible to most people. “Recognising that this is a live criminal matter, we continue to follow the very clear guidance being provided to us by national law enforcement agencies.” The health board urged everyone to be alert for any attempts to access their work and personal data, or for approaches by anyone claiming to be in possession of either their personal data or NHS data – whether this approach comes by email, telephone, social media or some other means. In all instances, people are advised to take down details about the approach and contact Police Scotland by phoning 101.
From today, Internet Enabled Devices Must Meet new Cyber Security Standards by Law!
New legislation in the UK requires manufacturers of smart products to implement minimum security standards against cyber threats. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has put into force new regulations stipulating that all internet-enabled smart devices, from phones and broadband routers to games consoles and connected fridges, must meet minimum security standards. This means that it is now a legal requirement for manufacturers to protect both individuals and businesses from cyber attacks on their devices. These new laws include manufacturers banning the use of weak or easily guessable default passwords such as ‘admin’ or ‘12345’. If the password is common, the user must be given the opportunity to change it on start-up. Manufacturers are also required to publish information on how to report bugs and issues so to increase the speed they can be dealt with. They must also be open with consumers on the minimum time they can expect to receive important security updates. Cyber attacks are hugely disruptive to both consumers and businesses, and with the increased proliferation of smart devices this will only increase. For instance, an investigation by Which? showed that a home filled with smart devices could be exposed to more than 12,000 hacking attacks from across the world in a single week, with a total of 2,684 attempts to guess weak default passwords on just five devices. DSIT claims that by giving consumers greater confidence that their internet-connected devices will have better security measures built in will make it more likely that they will use these devices, which in turn will help grow businesses and the economy. These new laws are coming into force as part of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, which has been designed to improve the UK’s resilience from cyber attacks and ensure malign interference does not impact the wider UK and global economy.
The University of Wolverhampton has confirmed that it experienced a Cyber Security Incident last week!
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the latest victims in the recent wave of cyber attacks on UK Universities. The university confirmed a cyber security incident last week, leading to the temporary shutdown of its IT systems. This unfortunate event follows similar attacks on the University of Cambridge and the University of Manchester on the same day. Experts emphasise the urgency for institutions to prioritise cyber security rather than treating it as an afterthought. The accelerated shift to online learning, coupled with the ongoing global digital transformation, demands a proactive approach to safeguard sensitive data. Then National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reports the education sector as a prime target for cyber threats, underscoring the importance of pre-emptive measures. At C-STEM, we can assist educational institutions in enhancing their cyber security posture. Our proactive approach aims to secure sensitive data, from personal to financial information, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. The recent spate of cyber attacks targeting universities underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within higher education. These attacks not only disrupt vital academic and administrative functions but also threaten the integrity of research data and jeopardise the personal information of students and faculty. As we confront this escalating threat, it is imperative that universities prioritise cybersecurity investments and collaborate with industry experts to strengthen their defences.
The Crucial Need for Cyber Security Awareness Training in Retail.
Cyber security is a concern for all industries, but retail is quickly becoming one of the most targeted industries. Companies in this sector often have part-time workers who feel less involved in their workplace’s mission and goals and are more vulnerable to cyber threats. From logistics to staffing and physical security, a large portion of tasks executed within a retail store are executed by third-party vendors. This connectivity opens doors to potential cyber threats, from full system shutdown via ransomware to more subtle personal or payment information theft. The statistics on third-party breaches are so high that it is safe to say one of your partners has been breached in the last 24 months. The retail industry also has access to sensitive customer information, especially if they have a reward program. The potential payment information alone makes retail stores attractive targets for cyber criminals. Retail stores have a high turnover rate and deal with many different purveyors. This leads to dangerous situations like a novice employee ordering stock with company funds or updating point-of-sale software. These routine tasks can quickly create cyber risks if employees aren’t trained properly. If executed correctly, establishing a cyber security culture in your workplace can be a fun and rewarding experience for your employees. Cyber security awareness training can also foster a sense of belonging since your workforce will feel more involved in the company’s future. A good program will also allow you to identify highly engaged employees who might be ready for advancement within the company.
New Year, New Tech. The Latest Protection for the Latest Tech!
How to protect your new tech? Broadly speaking, you can protect most of your tech with a handful of steps. Whether it’s a new Wi-Fi router, smartwatch, or even a connected fridge, they can all benefit from the following basics. Use strong, unique passwords When it’s time to set up a new account or device, go with a strong, unique password. Strong means a mix of at least 12 characters, if not more. That includes a mix of numbers, symbols, and both letter cases, upper and lower. Unique means you don’t repeat it across accounts. That way, if one password gets compromised, the rest will remain secure. Use multi-factor authentication Online banks, shops, and other services commonly offer multi-factor authentication to help protect your accounts with the typical combination of your username, password, and a security code sent to another device you own (often a mobile phone). If your device or account supports multi-factor authentication, consider using it there too. It throws a big barrier in the way of hackers who try and force their way into your device with a password/username combination. Keep everything updated Update your apps and devices regularly. In addition to fixing the odd bug or adding the occasional new feature, app and device updates often address security gaps. Out-of-date apps and devices might have flaws that hackers can exploit, so regular updating is a must from a security standpoint. If you can set your apps and devices to receive automatic updates, even better. Secure your internet router Another device that needs good password protection is your internet router. Make sure you use a strong and unique password there as well to help prevent hackers from breaking into your home network. Also consider changing the name of your home network so that it doesn’t personally identify you. Reset the factory password Many smart home and internet of things (IOT) devices come with preset usernames and passwords from the factory. So much so, that you can easily find lists of stock usernames and passwords for these devices posted online where hackers can get a hold of them. In the past, we’ve seen all kinds of attacks occur when these credentials don’t get changed. Among them are stories of hacked baby monitors where attackers take control of the camera and speakers. So just as you do for your other devices and accounts, create a fresh username and pair it with a strong, unique password as outlined above. Upgrade to a newer internet router Likewise, older routers might have outdated security measures, which might make them more prone to attacks. If you’re renting yours from your internet provider, contact them for an upgrade. If you’re using your own, visit a reputable news or review site such as Consumer Reports for a list of the best routers that combine speed, capacity, and security. Set up a guest network specifically for your IoT devices Just as you can offer your guests secure access that’s separate from your own devices, creating an additional network on your router allows you to keep your computers and smartphones separate from IoT devices. This way, if an IoT device is compromised, a hacker will still have difficulty accessing your other devices on your primary network, the one where you connect your computers and smartphones. Research the manufacturer One of the strongest security measures you can take is research. Before purchasing, look up the manufacturer. Have they had security issues with their devices in the past? Are their devices well-reviewed? How about their privacy policy? What are they doing with your data? Keep an eye on app permissions Another way hackers weasel their way into your device is by getting permissions to access things like your location, contacts, and photos — and they’ll use malicious apps to do it. If an app asks for way more than you bargained for, like a simple puzzle game that asks for access to your camera or microphone, it might be a scam. Delete the app. Lock your phone and keep an eye on it too Some bad actors will try to install spyware on phones themselves. However, this requires access, time, and effort to pull off. Locking your phone and always keeping it close can help prevent bad actors from infecting your phone this way. Another step you can take is to familiarize yourself with the remote locking and wiping features of your mobile device. Many manufacturers offer this feature on mobile devices. Strongly consider using it in the event of loss or theft.
What Is Splunk & What Is It Used For?
What Is Splunk? In today’s data driven cyber landscape, organizations across the globe are faced with an ever increasing volume of data from various assets and network infrastructure. To harness the power of this data and enable cyber resilience, they need tools and technologies that can help them collect, analyze, and visualize the logs and events effectively to detect and prevent cyber security threats. Splunk is a powerful SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tool that is widely used to solve this purpose. It offers a comprehensive platform for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing machine generated data to gain valuable insights and detect potential security threats. What is Splunk used for? Splunk is designed to ingest and index large volumes of data from various sources, including logs, sensors, devices, applications, and systems. It provides real-time monitoring, analysis, security, and observability capabilities, allowing organizations to identify and respond to security incidents proactively. One of the key features of Splunk is its ability to correlate and aggregate data from different sources like servers, firewalls, load balancers, network devices, enabling security analysts to investigate and identify patterns, anomalies, and potential threats. Its advanced search and query functionalities allow users to perform complex searches and create custom reports and dashboards. Splunk also offers a wide range of security-specific applications and add-ons that provide additional functionality and help automate various security tasks. These include threat intelligence, incident response, compliance monitoring, observability, and user behavior analytics, among others. In addition to its security applications, Splunk is also widely used for other purposes, such as IT operations monitoring, application performance monitoring, business analytics, and log management. Its versatility and scalability make it a popular choice for organizations of all sizes and across various industries. Core Features of Splunk Splunk is a powerful SIEM software platform that offers a wide range of features that help businesses gain valuable insights from their data and ensure cyber resilience. Enormous Amounts of Data Collection and Ingestion Splunk excels in collecting and ingesting diverse data sources crucial for cyber security. Its versatility, from logs to events and metrics, ensures comprehensive coverage, enabling real-time threat detection. Lightning Fast Real-Time Indexing The heartbeat of Splunk’s SIEM capabilities lies in real-time indexing. Immediate visibility into security events allows for swift responses, minimizing the impact of cyber incidents. Powerful Analytical Search and Investigation In the cyber security realm, quick and precise investigations are essential. Splunk’s search and investigation features, powered by the Splunk Query Language (SPL), enable security professionals to identify and analyze threats quickly and accurately. Appealing Data Visualizations and Dashboards Splunk’s intuitive data visualization tools play a pivotal role in cyber security. Interactive dashboards facilitate monitoring security metrics, threat landscapes, and incident trends at a glance. Real-Time Alerts and Notifications Proactivity is key in cyber security. Splunk enables the creation of alerts and notifications, ensuring that security teams are promptly informed of potential threats or anomalous activities.
6 Signs That Your Cybersecurity Posture Needs an Upgrade
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is not just a buzzword- it’s a critical necessity, especially as cyber threats grow in complexity and frequency. Companies must constantly evaluate and upgrade their cybersecurity measures. This is where ISO 27001 plays a pivotal role in providing a structured framework for assessing, implementing, monitoring, and continually improving an organisation’s information security posture. Nonetheless, remaining vigilant for signs that your cybersecurity measures may need upgrading is essential. Below are six signs that you need to upgrade your cybersecurity measures. 1. Frequent Data Breaches and Security Incidents One of the most obvious signs that your cybersecurity needs an upgrade is the occurrence of frequent data breaches and security incidents. The last few years have experienced an increase in cyber attacks, leading to the exposure of sensitive information and financial losses. If your business has experienced multiple security incidents or data breaches within a short period, consider reevaluating your cybersecurity strategy. 2. Insufficient Network Security As the backbone of your digital operations, inadequate network security can expose you to a wide range of threats. Whether an unsecured Wi-Fi network, lack of intrusion detection systems, or outdated firewall rules, neglecting network security can be a costly mistake. Here’s how to enhance your network security: Secure Wi-Fi networks: Ensure your Wi-Fi networks are properly secured with strong passwords and encryption protocols, such as WPA3. Regularly change default router login credentials and consider setting up a separate guest network for visitors. Firewall and intrusion detection: Invest in a robust firewall and intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. Installing a firewall and intrusion detection system can help identify and mitigate potential threats before reaching your network. Regular security audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure. Consider hiring third-party experts to perform penetration testing and evaluate your network’s resilience against cyberattacks. 3. Outdated Software and Systems Running outdated software and systems is like leaving your front door open for cybercriminals. Aging software and operating systems are more susceptible to vulnerabilities, as software developers often discontinue support and updates for older versions. Cybercriminals actively exploit such vulnerabilities, gaining access to your systems to steal data and launch attacks. If you find yourself using outdated software, such as an unsupported operating system or obsolete applications, it’s time to upgrade. Thus, ensure you’re using the latest versions of all software and systems and regularly apply security patches and updates. In addition to using the newest software version, consider transitioning to cloud-based solutions with built-in security features and easier to maintain and update. 4. Weak or Reused Passwords Passwords are the frontline defence for most of your online accounts, and weak or reused passwords can be an open invitation for cybercriminals. If you’re still using easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password” or using the same password across multiple accounts, your cybersecurity needs a serious upgrade. Here’s how to strengthen your password security: Complex passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for each account. A strong password should include a combination of upper and lower-case letters, special characters and numbers. Avoid using easily guessable characters or information like birthdays or names. Password manager: Consider having or using a reputable password manager to generate, store, and autofill complex passwords for your accounts. Password managers not only make keeping track of your passwords easier but also prevent password reuse. Two-factor authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, permit 2FA for your online accounts since requiring a second verification step, such as a temporary code sent to your mobile device, adds an extra layer of security. 5. Lack of Employee Training and Awareness Your cybersecurity is only as strong as your weakest link, and often, that weak link is human error. Employing social engineering tactics like phishing emails, cybercriminals trick employees into revealing crucial company information or clicking on malicious links. Thus, your organisation may be at risk if your employees lack proper training and awareness of these threats. Investing in cybersecurity training and awareness programs for your employees is a proactive approach to upgrading your security. Provide a detailed cybersecurity training programme for all employees – covering topics such as identifying phishing emails, secure password practices, data handling procedures and cyber incident planning and response. Regularly conduct cyber attack simulation exercises to test the vigilance and decision-making skills of your staff, and provide ongoing education to keep them informed about the latest threats and best practices. Since cyber threats evolve rapidly, consider providing regular updates and refresher courses to ensure employees are up to date with the latest cybersecurity threats and strategies. Ensure your staff can recognize phishing attempts, understand the significance of data protection, and how to report suspicious activity. 6. Inadequate Endpoint Security Endpoints (laptops, desktops, and mobile devices) are often the entry points for cyber attacks. If you’ve noticed that your organisation’s endpoint security is lacking or if you rely solely on traditional antivirus software, it’s time to upgrade your cybersecurity strategy. Modern threats, like advanced malware and zero-day vulnerabilities, require advanced endpoint security solutions. Ensure that all endpoints are equipped with up-to-date endpoint protection software, often referred to as antivirus or antimalware solutions. Endpoint protection software is designed to detect and block malicious software, providing a crucial defence against threats. Apart from endpoint protection software, implement a robust patch management system for all endpoints. Regularly update operating systems and software applications to patch known vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often target outdated software to gain access to endpoints. Consider enabling encryption on all endpoint devices, especially laptops and mobile devices. Since encryption scrambles data to make it unreadable without the proper decryption key, it protects sensitive information in case of theft or unauthorized access. Access control is equally important. Consider enforcing robust access controls and authentication mechanisms. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorised personnel can access sensitive data and systems. To reduce the risk of breaches, consider implementing EDR solutions that provide real-time monitoring and response capabilities since they can identify and mitigate threats at the endpoint level.
What Can You Do with a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity?
An graduate certificate in cybersecurity is a versatile qualification that opens up a realm of exciting career opportunities. This credential is unique; it’s more than just a standard certificate in cybersecurity. It’s tailor-made for IT professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, be it in computer science or a completely different field like art history. Perhaps you’re a graphic designer, a web developer, or a programmer, or maybe you’re someone with a keen interest in technology and programming. Cybersecurity is in such high demand that organisations are allocating substantial portions of their budgets to invest in skilled cybersecurity professionals. This makes a graduate certificate an excellent springboard for a career shift, providing the potential to transition from roles such as a web developer to an ethical hacker, penetration tester, or cybersecurity analyst. The cybersecurity arena is expanding at a pace that leaves other professions in the dust. Projected to throw open nearly 41,000 new opportunities in the upcoming years, this field is far from being labelled ‘archaic’ even as we grapple with the turbulent whirlwinds of a global pandemic and sweeping economic changes. From individuals and non profits to the government and corporate giants, all are donning their battle armours to fend off the increasingly intricate web of cybercrime. This growing need for digital defenders brings into focus the importance of robust educational programmes. Wondering if your cybersecurity certificate can actually land you a job? Without a doubt! A graduate certificate in cybersecurity is your ticket to an abundance of roles that are in high demand across businesses, institutions, and individuals alike. Information Security Manager Embarking on a career path as an Information Security Manager places you at the forefront of digital defence. It’s a role tailor-made for those who are keen on using their cybersecurity prowess to safeguard companies and organisations from the lurking dangers of hackers, viruses, cyber fraud, and security breaches. As an Information Security Manager, your workspace is the digital fortress of a specific company or organisation. Your mission? To craft and bolster cyber security protocols that protect their most valuable asset: information. It’s a meaningful responsibility that makes a real difference in the era of cyber threats. Information Security Engineer At the heart of every robust cybersecurity system, you’ll find the Information Security Engineer. Also known as information security analysts, these professionals are the masterminds behind the defences that guard a business or organisation’s network and computer systems. They don’t just implement one size fits all solutions; they custom build security systems catered to the unique needs of each organisation. With an eye on data and sensitive information, Information Security Engineers are our first line of defence against cyber-attacks and external infiltrations, ensuring the digital landscape remains a safe space to navigate. Cybersecurity Analyst The role of a Cybersecurity Analyst is much like that of a digital detective. With a keen, data-driven mindset, these professionals meticulously formulate robust protection strategies. They use top-notch assessment skills to construct security measures that help companies dodge cyber-attacks and security breaches. Typically, you’ll find them nestled within an organisation’s IT department, working full-time and enjoying the associated perks. Being a Cybersecurity Analyst is not just a job – it’s a craft that involves keeping the digital world a bit safer every day. Certified Ethical Hacker Stepping into the shoes of a Certified ethical hacker, you’re signing up for the role of a digital superhero. These tech wizards leverage their profound understanding of the hacker mindset to shield businesses and organisations from the looming spectre of cyber threats. They’re not just tech specialists they’re guardians of security, relentlessly hunting down vulnerabilities and patching up potential cyber chinks in the armour.
