Cyberattacks always happen when you least expect them. And when they happen, they happen quickly. Responding appropriately is not just the responsibility of your cybersecurity team; everyone in the organization has a role to play. Is your team prepared? Do they know what to do and what not to do? Most importantly, has your whole team practiced their response? Everyone — the board of directors, company executives, managers, and team members — has to know their roles and responsibilities and work out any potential problems with their response before a live cyberattack puts immense stress on the organization.
Cyberattacks Are Inevitable. Is Your Company Prepared?
The first time you test your plan shouldn’t be during a crisis.
March 09, 2021
Summary.
Preparing for the unexpected is much easier said than done. In the case of cyberattacks, many companies have vulnerabilities in their defenses and reactions they haven’t prepared for that hackers will test. Many organizations can benefit from instituting fire drills and tabletop exercises, which test a company’s response plan at every level. These exercises will almost certainly reveal gaps in security, response plans, and employees’ familiarity with their own roles. While investing in external facilitators for these exercises will often allow for a more rigorous test separate from internal dynamics, there is guidance for organizations who wish to execute internal exercises to better prepare for a cyberattack.
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New!
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Digital Intelligence Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Digital Intelligence . Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Excel in a world that's being continually transformed by technology.