INT 135: What Leaders Should Know About Cyber Security

Whether you’re a leader at a small startup or a CEO in an enterprise, a working knowledge of cyber security can protect your organization’s money and reputation. In this episode of Int-HER-Rupt, our host Linda Yates meets with Deepa Kuppuswamy, Director of Security at ManageEngine (Zoho Corp.). She shares tips for staying educated and maintaining a security-conscious culture in your business.

What is Cyber Security?

• Businesses of all sizes are undergoing a digital transformation. Our world increasingly revolves around digital data.
• Cyber security is the protection of data from unauthorized access or criminal exploitation.
• Part of understanding cyber security is understanding the ramifications of data breaches. Regulatory fines and negative PR are typical consequences.

3 Cyber Security Tips for Leaders

• Know your enemy. Cyber-criminal organizations are no longer just trying to steal data to sell for financial gain.
• Create a security-conscious culture. Teach people about cyber security and set up processes so they know what to do if something suspicious happens.
• Fail fast. Assume your company will be attacked. Have knowledgeable people take a look at your organization to find any weak points.

Staying Educated

• Never let a crisis go to waste. Learn from the mistakes of others and don’t make the same errors.
• If your organization does get breached, take the necessary steps to make sure it won’t happen again.
• Tabletop exercises can simulate data breaches. In a controlled environment, you can test your team and your processes to see whether they’re prepared to handle a breach.

“Whenever we talk about security, it’s a combination of people, process, and technology. Leaders should look at cultivating a ‘security-conscious culture’ in their organizations. Train people so they are aware of what to do, and if they find an anomaly, they report it.” – Deepa...