Security is a way of life
Business Domains
Strategy
Refers to the long-term plans and goals set by an organization to achieve its mission. It involves the analysis of internal and external factors, formulation of strategic objectives, and implementation of initiatives to gain a competitive advantage.
Operations
Encompass the day-to-day activities and processes that drive the organization towards its strategic goals. It involves managing resources, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring the smooth execution of core business functions.
Continuity
Ensures the organization's ability to respond to and recover from disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, or unforeseen events. It involves developing contingency plans, establishing backup systems, and implementing measures to minimize downtime and maintain business continuity.
Together, strategy, operations, and continuity form a comprehensive framework for organizations to achieve their objectives, sustain operations, and navigate through unforeseen challenges.
Technology Domains
Information Technology (IT)
Encompasses the management, development, and use of technology to store, process, transmit, and retrieve data and information. It involves a wide range of tools, systems, and technologies, including hardware, software, networks, databases, and cybersecurity, all aimed at facilitating efficient and secure information handling and communication within an organization.
- Protect sensitive data, networks, and systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber attacks
- Requires robust security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and secure authentication protocols, to safeguard against malware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats.
- Regular security updates, patch management, and vulnerability scanning are vital to address emerging security vulnerabilities
- Employee training and awareness programs help educate users about cyber risks, safe browsing habits, and best practices for data protection,
Converged Technology (CT)
The integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems into a unified framework, enabling seamless communication and collaboration between traditionally separate domains. By combining IT and OT, organizations can achieve greater efficiency, improved data visibility, and enhanced decision-making capabilities, leading to optimized operations and increased productivity.
- Creates a larger attack surface and potential vulnerabilities as it combines IT and OT.
- Requires robust security measures, including network segmentation, access controls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats.
- Regular security assessments and audits should be conducted to identify and address security gaps and vulnerabilities.
- Collaboration between IT and OT teams is essential for effective cybersecurity in converged technology, as both domains must work together to implement and maintain strong security measures, share threat intelligence, and respond to incidents promptly.
Operational Technology (OT)
Refers to the hardware and software systems used to monitor and control physical devices and processes in various industries. Unlike information technology (IT), which focuses on data processing and communication, OT is tailored to manage and optimize real-time operational processes, including industrial control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and disruption of services.
- Has unique security considerations, including the need to protect against physical tampering, ensure system availability, and maintain the safety of personnel and equipment.
- Requires implementing network segmentation, access control mechanisms, intrusion detection systems, and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to potential threats.
- Regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and security awareness training are essential to identify weaknesses, patch vulnerabilities, and educate employees on best practices.