The purpose of defining a Minimum Baseline of Cybersecurity for Small Business is to encourage businesses to improve their cybersecurity posture, inspire collaboration and engage with other entities to strengthen cybersecurity resiliency. This strategy is aligned with the Center for Internet Security’s (CIS) 18 Critical Security Controls, which provide users with a solid, attainable framework. MassCyberCenter organized the 18 CIS controls into nine steps using a multi-layered approach accounting for people, processes and technology.
One example is the implementation of multifactor authentication. In order to effectively deliver this level of security, a business needs to train its personnel to accurately employ the technology in their day-to-day practices. While this is an added step, it is an important one. Adoption of multifactor authentication will better protect a business from the sophisticated attacks in use today.
Trained and Cyber Secure Employees
Training employees in cybersecurity best practices is crucial for safeguarding an organization's sensitive data and maintaining its overall security posture. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, well-informed employees serve as the first line of defense against potential breaches.
Improved Threat Sharing
Cybersecurity threat sharing is vital for enhancing the collective defense against cyber attacks. By exchanging information about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack patterns, organizations can stay ahead of potential risks and implement proactive measures.
Secure Technology Environment and Best Practices
Creating a secure technology environment is essential for protecting an organization's digital assets and ensuring smooth operations. By fostering a proactive security culture and adhering to industry standards, organizations can safeguard their technology infrastructure, maintain data integrity, and build trust with stakeholders.
Incident Response Planning
Incident response planning is critical for minimizing the impact of cybersecurity incidents and ensuring a swift recovery. By having a robust incident response strategy in place, organizations can reduce downtime, mitigate damage, and maintain stakeholder confidence during and after a security incident.