BLUF
Balancing the tradeoff of training and additional cybersecurity technology requires a well-thought-out approach. Despite advances in technology, many security breaches and incidents still occur due to human error or malicious actions. Allocating funds for proper training and cybersecurity are both necessities to maintain a stable organization.
Staff Training
I would allocate a portion of my budget to cybersecurity training and awareness programs for all employees in the organization. This would involve specialized training on topics such as phishing awareness, secure coding practices, incident response, and compliance requirements. “Most organizations conduct a one-off phishing exercise to satisfy compliance needs and forget that cyber threats are continuously evolving. Employees must continuously update their defenses against these evolving threats. A regular training on good cyber hygiene is very important for reducing the chances of a human error causing a breach” (Hamayun, 2023). Cybersecurity training should be an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Schedule regular training sessions and provide updates on emerging threats and best practices to ensure that employees remain vigilant and informed. In addition, having a well-defined incident response plan in place ensures that employees know what steps to take in the event of a security incident, minimizing the impact and facilitating a swift and effective response.
Cybersecurity Technologies
I believe Allocating funds to acquire or upgrade cybersecurity technologies that identify and address cyber threats is important for keeping any business running. This could include investing in intrusion detection systems, endpoint security solutions, encryption tools, or advanced threat intelligence platforms. Two major threats involving employees include, “unauthorized access to software, be it human access or intentionally induced changes, virus infections, or other problems that can affect the control host machine. The second threat is related to the packet access to network segments that host SCADA devices” (Scada Systems, 2024). That’s why it is important to have both employee supervisors as well as cybersecurity programs to maintain database security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effective management of cybersecurity requires a balanced approach that addresses both the human element and technological aspects. Despite advances in cybersecurity technology, human error and malicious actions remain significant contributors to security breaches. Therefore, allocating funds for both staff training and cybersecurity technologies is essential for maintaining a stable organization.
Reference
Hamayun, M. (2023, November 20). The Importance of the Human Factor in Cyber Security. Check Point Blog. Retrieved April 8, 2024, from https://blog.checkpoint.com/security/the-human-factor-of-cyber-security/
Scada Systems. (n.d.). SCADA Systems – SCADA Systems. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.scadasystems.net