Shauneel Kumar’s Post

Sharing some insights from the recent ANAO audit on the security authorisation of ICT systems within the Department of Defence. The findings highlight crucial areas for improvement in our approach to cyber security, which is vital for safeguarding our national interests. Key Findings: - Partly Effective Arrangements: Defence's management of ICT systems security authorisations has been inconsistent, leading to delays and compliance issues. - Policy Deficiencies: Many policies are outdated or internally inconsistent, failing to align with current security requirements. - Defence’s arrangements for system authorisation have not been regularly reviewed and do not reflect current PSPF requirements. - Defence’s reporting did not comply with DSPF requirements, omitted key system authorisation data, and indicated a more optimistic outlook than was reflected in other Defence documentation. - Defence did not comply with the PSPF and DSPF system authorisation requirements for the five case studies examined in the audit. Lessons Learnt and Way Forward applying to all industries - Personal Perspective: 1. Continuous assessment and authorisation of our systems are paramount to ensure they operate securely. It’s not enough to treat these processes as a tick-and-flick exercise; we need ongoing management and active implementation. Establishing a proactive approach to security assessments is crucial to maintaining operational integrity and timely authorisation of systems. 2. We must maintain a central record of all systems because we cannot protect what we don't know about. This visibility is essential for effective risk management and safeguarding our operations. Knowledge is power in cybersecurity. 3. Policy Alignment is Essential: Regularly updating policies to reflect current security standards is vital. Consistency across all sections of the organisation ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces confusion. This alignment should also encompass all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards. 4. Continuous education and awareness for external/internal assessors and personnel is imperative. Cultivating a culture of awareness where employees are encouraged to follow processes, report suspicious activities and understanding their roles in maintaining security. 5. Communication and Collaboration is key to a unified posture for monitoring the status of system authorisations. I hope these insights help shape your security assessment and authorisation processes within your organisations. I’m keen to hear thoughts from others on this paper or more generally about system assessment and authorisations and how we could improve the current processes in place in industry. Your perspectives could contribute to refining our approaches and fostering a stronger security culture. #LessonsLearned #CyberSecurity #Defence #ContinuousImprovement #RiskManagement #Collaboration #CyberSecurity #SecurityAuthorisation #Securityfundamentals #Accountability

🎯Unlock the Power of Policy with the "Information Security Policy" 📜 🔑 1. Introduction to the Document The Information Security Policy is the backbone of any organization's cybersecurity framework. It provides the structure and guidance needed to safeguard information assets, aligning with industry standards like ISO 27001. This document is essential for fostering a culture of security and ensuring that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities. 📖 2. What's in the Document? 1. Policy Framework: Covers the purpose, scope, and key principles of the Information Security Management System (ISMS). 2. Roles and Responsibilities: From the Board of Directors to individual employees, this section clarifies accountability. 3. Key Policy Areas: Detailed guidance on access control, risk management, incident handling, physical security, and more. 4. Compliance and Monitoring: Processes for ensuring adherence to regulations and internal standards, with regular reviews and audits. ✅ 3. Conclusion This policy is a cornerstone for building a secure and resilient organization. By clearly defining expectations and providing actionable steps, it empowers teams to proactively manage risks and protect critical information. Stay Connected to Sidharth Sharma, CPA, CISA, CISM, CFE, CDPSE for content related to Cyber Security. #CyberSecurity #JPMC #Technology #InfoSec #DataProtection #DataPrivacy #ThreatIntelligence #CyberThreats #NetworkSecurity #CyberDefense #SecurityAwareness #ITSecurity #SecuritySolutions #CyberResilience #DigitalSecurity #SecurityBestPractices #CyberRisk #SecurityOperations 

🚨 Unlock the Power of Policy with the "Information Security Policy" 📜 Before diving in, follow Cyber Security Champions for more such infosec contents. Source Credit: Ministry of Security 🔑 1. Introduction to the Document The Information Security Policy is the backbone of any organization's cybersecurity framework. It provides the structure and guidance needed to safeguard information assets, aligning with industry standards like ISO 27001. This document is essential for fostering a culture of security and ensuring that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities. 📖 2. What's in the Document? 1. Policy Framework: Covers the purpose, scope, and key principles of the Information Security Management System (ISMS). 2. Roles and Responsibilities: From the Board of Directors to individual employees, this section clarifies accountability. 3. Key Policy Areas: Detailed guidance on access control, risk management, incident handling, physical security, and more. 4. Compliance and Monitoring: Processes for ensuring adherence to regulations and internal standards, with regular reviews and audits. ✅ 3. Conclusion This policy is a cornerstone for building a secure and resilient organization. By clearly defining expectations and providing actionable steps, it empowers teams to proactively manage risks and protect critical information. 💬 Ready to enhance your organization's security posture? Download the document and start implementing best practices today! #InformationSecurity #ISO27001 #CyberSecurity #RiskManagement #Compliance #DataProtection #ISMS #SOC2 #NIST #PCIDSS #Policy

Yesterday we organised in cooperation with https://hr.usembassy.gov/ and our partners @Trellix @Netwrix and @Exabeam an event in @Zagreb where we talked about #NIS2 directive. Besides a lot of planning, security measures and work to be done, one thing really popped out and it is the one where NIS2 directive introduces a new level of responsibility for corporate management, requiring not only oversight and approval but also direct involvement in cybersecurity training and risk management. Non-Compliance could lead to severe consequences for management, including: - personal liability, - penalties, and - even temporary bans from holding management positions." Under Article 20, top management of essential and important entities must approve and oversee cybersecurity measures, with an explicit emphasis on compliance with Article 21. In practical terms, this means CEOs and boards are not only responsible for cybersecurity initiatives but are also accountable for ensuring that these initiatives align with NIS2 standards. As the digital landscape evolves, this heightened accountability emphasizes the crucial role of leadership in protecting organizational and national security. for more contact us: [email protected] or visit www.real-sec.com #NIS2 #Cybersecurity #CorporateGovernance #RiskManagement #Accountability

I completed ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) which consist of 5 domains starting with Security Principles. Key Takeaways from Security Principles Domain In this chapter, I covered security principles, starting with concepts of information assurance. We highlighted the CIA triad as the primary components of information assurance. I explored the safeguards and countermeasures prescribed for an information system to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the system and its information. By applying risk management, I was able to assess and prioritize the risks (asset vulnerabilities that can be exploited by threats) to an organization. An organization can decide whether to accept the risk (ignoring the risks and continuing risky activities), avoid the risk (ceasing the risky activity to remove the likelihood that an event will occur), mitigate the risk (taking action to prevent or reduce the impact of an event), or transfer the risk (passing risk to a third party).  I then learned about three types of security controls: physical, technical and administrative. They act as safeguards or countermeasures prescribed for an information system to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the system and its information. The implementation of security controls should reduce risk, hopefully to an acceptable level. Physical controls address process-based security needs using physical hardware devices, such as a badge reader, architectural features of buildings and facilities, and specific security actions taken by people. Technical controls (also called logical controls) are security controls that computer systems and networks directly implement. Administrative controls (also known as managerial controls) are directives, guidelines or advisories aimed at the people within the organization. I was then introduced to organizational security roles and governance, the policies and procedures that shape organizational management and drive decision-making. As discussed, we typically derive procedures from policies, policies from standards, standards from regulations. Regulations are commonly issued in the form of laws, usually from government (not to be confused with governance) and typically carry financial penalties for noncompliance. Standards are often used by governance teams to provide a framework to introduce policies and procedures in support of regulations. Policies are put in place by organizational governance, such as executive management, to provide guidance in all activities to ensure the organization supports industry standards and regulations. Procedures are the detailed steps to complete a task that will support departmental or organizational policies. Finally, I covered the ISC2 Code of Ethics, which members of the organization commit to fully support. Bottom line, we must act legally and ethically in the field of cybersecurity. #Cybersecurity #ISC2 #Certification #ProfessionalDevelopment #SecurityPrinciples

🔐 CISO Talks: Developing an Effective Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (IRP) An effective Incident Response Plan (IRP) is a crucial part of any organization’s security program. Cybersecurity incidents are inevitable, but how your organization responds to them can significantly reduce the damage and speed up recovery. Key Recommendations: 📝 Create a Clear Plan: Outline clear roles, responsibilities, and steps for your incident response team to follow when a security breach occurs. 📊 Incident Classification: Classify incidents based on their severity and potential impact on your business, which helps prioritize resources and response efforts. 📢 Communication Strategy: Establish a communication plan that includes internal and external stakeholders (e.g., legal, PR, and regulatory bodies) to ensure coordinated action during a breach. Best Practices: 🎯 Conduct regular incident response drills and tabletop exercises to test and refine your response processes. 🔧 Ensure that your incident response team has the tools and knowledge they need to effectively mitigate risks and restore operations. 🔄 Implement a post-incident review to assess the effectiveness of the response and identify areas for improvement. 📚 Explore comprehensive training on incident response planning at https://lnkd.in/dpy6zzcT. 📰 Join our mailing list for more CISO strategies: https://lnkd.in/dmwAxKsS #CISOTalks #IncidentResponse #Cybersecurity #IRP #SecurityPlanning #TechTraining #Infosec

Day 14 of 171 Days of #CybersecurityChallenge: Incident Response Planning Welcome to Day 14 of the #CybersecurityChallenge! 🌟 Today, we're focusing on Incident Response Planning. An effective incident response plan (IRP) is crucial for swiftly addressing security breaches and minimizing damage. Let’s dive into the key components of incident response planning and how to implement it effectively. 🚨 Why is Incident Response Planning Important? Quick Response: ⏱️ Enables swift actions to mitigate the impact of security incidents. Minimize Damage: 🛡️ Reduces the potential damage caused by breaches. Regulatory Compliance: ✅ Helps meet legal and regulatory requirements for incident handling. 🛠️ How to Implement an Effective Incident Response Plan: Preparation: 📋 Develop policies, train your team, and set up necessary tools. Detection and Analysis: 🔍 Identify and assess the nature and scope of the incident. Containment, Eradication, and Recovery: 🚧 Contain the breach, remove the threat, and restore systems to normal operation. Post-Incident Activity: 📚 Conduct a thorough review and analysis to improve future response efforts. 📊 Metrics and KPIs: Response Time: ⏱️ Measure the time taken to detect, contain, and eradicate the incident. Incident Frequency: 📉 Track the number of incidents over a specified period. Recovery Time: ⏳ Monitor the time required to restore systems to normal operation. Post-Incident Review: 📊 Evaluate the effectiveness of the incident response process. 📚 Resources for Incident Response Planning: NIST Computer Security Incident Handling Guide: Comprehensive guide on incident response planning. (https://lnkd.in/g4XJvaaP) ISO/IEC 27035: International standard for information security incident management. (https://lnkd.in/gtF9iHxS) 💬 Discussion Question: How does your organization approach incident response planning? What strategies have been most effective for you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Stay tuned for tomorrow's topic: Threat Intelligence. Let’s continue to learn and grow together! 🚀 #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #DataProtection #CyberAwareness #171DayChallenge #IncidentResponse #CyberSec #ITSecurity #NetworkSecurity #DataSecurity #Privacy #SecurityManagement ImageGenerationAndPostEnhancement- @GPT-4

Defining Information Security Objectives / KPIs / Metrices for ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Management System In today's digital landscape, setting up effective information security objectives is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining organizational integrity. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like the number of security incidents, mean time to detect and respond, and user awareness training completion rates play a vital role in assessing and enhancing your Information Security Management System (ISMS). By tracking these metrics, organizations can identify vulnerabilities, improve incident response times, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, thereby strengthening their overall security posture. Regularly monitoring KPIs such as patch management metrics, phishing simulation results, and compliance rates provides invaluable insights into the effectiveness of your security measures. Additionally, assessing third-party risks, managing backup and recovery success rates, and evaluating security budget utilization help in making informed decisions to optimize resource allocation and enhance security strategies. Investing in these objectives not only protects your organization from potential threats but also fosters a culture of continual improvement and resilience in the face of evolving cyber risks. Click below to read / download complete article that discusses with examples, how to define meaningful KPIs/metrices to monitor and measure the performance of ISMS and comply with key requirements of ISO 27001 clause 6.2 and 9.1 https://lnkd.in/gAU4jQJ6 #ISO27001 #CyberSecurity #ISMS #InfoSec #DataProtection #RiskManagement

Elevating cybersecurity isn't just about fortifying internal defenses—it's also about safeguarding your entire ecosystem. That's where Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) steps in. 🛡 Organizations should embrace TPRM wholeheartedly because: 1️⃣ Expanded Threat Landscape: With interconnected supply chains and partnerships, your security is only as strong as your weakest link. TPRM ensures all stakeholders meet security standards. 2️⃣ Compliance Assurance: Regulatory bodies increasingly demand accountability beyond organizational boundaries. TPRM demonstrates a commitment to compliance by mitigating risks across the ecosystem. 3️⃣ Reputation Protection: A data breach or security lapse in a partner organization can tarnish your brand just as much as your own missteps. Prioritizing TPRM safeguards not only your data but also your reputation. 4️⃣ Resilience Building: In an age of heightened cyber threats, resilience is key. TPRM fosters a proactive approach to security, helping organizations adapt and respond effectively to evolving risks. By integrating TPRM into their strategies, organizations can fortify their defenses, enhance resilience, and foster trust across their entire ecosystem. Let's make cybersecurity a shared responsibility. #CyberSecurity #TPRM #RiskManagement #Resilience #Compliance 🌐🔒

🔒 Is Your Business Prepared for the NIS2 Directive? Take Our NIS2 Readiness Assessment - https://bit.ly/4daxm7R With the new NIS2 Directive set to impact businesses across various sectors, enhancing security and ensuring compliance has never been more crucial. But how prepared are you for these changes? Our NIS2 Readiness Questionnaire is designed to help you assess your current cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement. It’s quick, easy, and provides personalised insights to enhance your security measures. ✨ Why Take the Questionnaire? ✅ Quick & Easy: Complete it in just a few minutes. 🎯 Tailored Feedback: Receive custom insights on your cybersecurity strengths and vulnerabilities. 💼 Discovery session: Qualify for a complimentary discovery session if your business is affected by NIS2. 💡 What Does It Cover? - Governance and leadership in cybersecurity - Risk analysis & information security - Incident handling & business continuity - Supply chain security & vulnerability management By completing the assessment, you’ll gain a clear understanding of your cybersecurity readiness and see how your business aligns with the NIS2 Directive. 🔗 Take Action Today - The threat landscape is evolving, and NIS2 aims to ensure businesses are equipped to meet these challenges head-on. Don’t wait—take the first step toward compliance and resilience. Assess your NIS2 Readiness today - https://bit.ly/4daxm7R #CyberSecurity #NIS2 #Compliance #BusinessContinuity #RiskManagement #CyberResilience #DataProtection #NIS2Directive