As the calendar turns to a new year, now is the time to reflect on the past and look to the future. January is an opportune time to evaluate current business initiatives and strategically implement changes that impact the upcoming year and beyond.
One key area of focus should be security. It’s the backbone of every business and requires continuous refining to ensure optimal protection. The security policies in place greatly impact your business’s readiness in the event of an attack. As the times change, so too should your organization’s security defenses, which is why it’s important to review your policies and update them as needed.
Key Security Challenges to Consider at the Start of the Year
Businesses today encounter a myriad of physical and cybersecurity challenges. A deep-dive into understanding the diverse security challenges modern businesses face allows you to enact robust policies to better safeguard assets, maintain employee and stakeholder safety, and navigate the intricate security landscape with confidence. Below are some key areas you should focus on as you review your security practices:
1. Adapting to Emerging Threats:
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and diverse with each passing day. Businesses face a multitude of risks that can compromise sensitive information, disrupt operations, and tarnish their reputation. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest emerging threats, so you can better align your defenses with the current landscape, helping keep your organization one step ahead of potential breaches.
2. Compliance and Legal Obligations:
Laws and regulations related to data protection and privacy are continuously evolving. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines and legal action. Ensure your business practices align with the latest legal requirements and compliance standards.
3. Remote Work Challenges:
The rise of remote work has brought about a paradigm shift in how businesses operate. While remote work offers flexibility, it also introduces new security challenges. Employees accessing company networks from various locations and devices can expose vulnerabilities. You should review your remote security policies to account for the unique risks associated with remote work. We have a more in-depth guide to help manage a remote workforce with safety in mind.
4. Employee Training and Awareness:
Employees are the first line of defense against security threats. Reinforce the importance of security awareness at the start of the year and conduct training sessions to ensure everyone understands the best course-of-action when faced with a real security incident. Education plays a key role in maintaining a secure environment and enhances the overall security posture of your organization.
Review Your Security Policies Annually
Security policies serve as crucial navigational tools for organizations. They act as a compass, helping guide employees through tricky and often dangerous scenarios. These policies should be adaptable, as physical and cybersecurity threats are constantly changing. It’s important to review these policies at least once a year to ensure everything is aligned with the current best practices.
When reviewing your security practices, here’s a few key questions to ask to gauge effectiveness and whether a policy should be updated, remain the same, or removed entirely:
- Is the policy outdated? If so, how can we improve it to fit current security standards?
- Are the procedures hard to follow? Do employees express concern over them?
- Have you begun using new technologies or processes that are not yet written into your procedures?
- Does proper implementation of new policies or procedures require additional employee training?
- Is the policy being implemented as intended? Is it having the desired effect? How can we measure its effectiveness?
By recognizing the adaptability and importance of security policies, businesses can ensure they remain agile, resilient, and well-protected in an ever-changing digital environment.
Conduct Additional Security Reviews as Needed
It’s important to note that a once-a-year security review is a suggestion and not set in stone. It’s essential to take a thorough look at your policies during significant changes, incidents, or whenever you recognize the need for adjustment. The occasions that warrant a security review within your organization should include:
- Integrating New Technologies
- Cybersecurity/Security Incidents
- Workforce Changes
- New Business Initiatives
- Contract Changes with Providers
- Mergers or Acquisitions
- Changes to Infrastructure
- During an Audit
A deep dive into your business’s security policies is often an arduous task. But you don’t have to tackle it alone. Partnering with the right security expert can save you time and help you better plan for the future, with your business’s safety and security top-of-mind.
Looking into the new year, we want to ensure your business is prepared for success. Security is an integral part to any business, and you need a team that is always there looking out for your best interest. Vector Security has a track record of success, and we want to help keep your business protected. If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact us today.
