Great Lakes Wire

Cybersecurity has become an essential aspect for organizations of all sizes, with only 34% having a formalized program. The average cost of a cyber breach is $290,000, highlighting the need for robust security measures.

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, targeting vulnerabilities in systems and human behavior. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is crucial to protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity.

A resilient cybersecurity framework is built on six foundational pillars: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover, and Govern. Each pillar plays a vital role in maintaining security.

The first step is identifying assets and vulnerabilities through risk assessment. This helps organizations understand their attack surface and prioritize areas needing attention.

Protection involves implementing safeguards like firewalls and encryption while training employees to recognize threats such as phishing scams.

Detection focuses on identifying unauthorized activities early using tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS) and real-time monitoring solutions.

Responding swiftly to incidents involves containing threats and restoring systems with a well-maintained incident response plan (IRP).

Recovery ensures normal operations resume after an incident through data restoration and communication with stakeholders. Backup systems and disaster recovery plans are crucial here.

Governance establishes policies and accountability measures to align with regulatory requirements. Regular audits ensure compliance with industry best practices.

Cybersecurity requires continuous vigilance across all organizational levels. By focusing on these six pillars, businesses can defend against threats and maintain resilience in the digital landscape.

"Source: 2025 SensCy SMO CyberSecurity Readiness Report"

By Dana Weidinger, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.