As a CISO with a tight budget, I’d focus on what helps reduce the most risk while getting the best bang for my buck in both training and technology. It’s not about splurging on the latest, most expensive tools that everyone wants; it’s more about making sure the team knows what they’re doing and how to keep things safe. Human error is often the biggest threat, so I’d make sure everyone is aware and trained to handle the basics of cybersecurity so that we do not risk the company flipping upside down.
I’d kick things off by focusing on training the employees, this would be the most important part of the budget for me. Since they’re the ones using the systems every day, if they don’t know the basics of security, even the best tech won’t do much in helping the company stay safe and survive. Teaching them how to spot phishing emails, set up strong passwords that are not easily guessed or hacked, and avoid common threats is a small investment that can make a big difference. In my opinion, it’s a simple way to cut down on the risks caused by human mistakes.
Next, I’d focus on finding cost-effective security tools. Instead of spending a lot on fancy, all-in-one systems, I’d focus on the essentials like protecting devices, keeping an eye on the network, and encrypting sensitive data. These basics give us strong protection without going over the budget that I have set for myself. I’d also look into managed security services for things like threat detection, especially if we don’t have the right people hired to handle it. This way, we get extra protection without the big cost of building a whole team for one thing.
Finally, I’d set aside a small part of the budget for unexpected issues. Cyberattacks or new security problems can pop up out of nowhere, especially if there are mistakes being made, so having a little emergency fund would help us respond fast if something goes wrong. Whether it’s getting outside help or adding a quick tool, this way we’d be ready for anything that comes our way to the company.
In the end, my plan would be to make sure the team is well-trained, the basics are covered with the right security tools, and we’re prepared for emergencies. By balancing these things, we can protect the company without wasting money on tech we don’t really need or can’t use properly.