Question: What protections would you implement to ensure availability of your systems (and why)?

Reply: The first priority as a CISO would be ensuring that my team is well-informed, aligned, and knowledgeable about cybersecurity practices. Providing top-notch employee training will help ensure that everyone understands security protocols, risk management, and incident response procedures. A well-trained team can identify potential threats early, follow best practices, and respond effectively to incidents, reducing the likelihood of human error leading to security breaches.

Another crucial measure is implementing robust DDoS protection to prevent service disruptions. A well-structured defense, including web application firewalls (WAFs) and real-time traffic monitoring, will help mitigate attacks and ensure that operations continue smoothly. Preventing downtime is critical for maintaining customer trust, business operations, and regulatory compliance.

Finally, regular backups are essential to guarantee business continuity. If a cyberattack, system failure, or human error occurs, having secure, up-to-date backups allows for a rapid recovery. Cloud-based and offsite backups will ensure redundancy, minimizing downtime and preventing data loss. By prioritizing employee training, strong DDoS protection, and reliable backups, I would ensure that the company’s systems remain available, resilient, and secure against disruptions.