Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Identify - Devices

Do you keep track of all approved and unapproved devices on the network?

Do you maintain a current list of devices allowed to connect to your network or access your systems? This helps ensure that only trusted devices can access your resources.

A. Yes, we have a comprehensive inventory of all devices.

B. We track most devices, but some may be missing.

C. We only track approved devices.

D. No, we do not keep track of devices.

Recommendation

Enhance detection capabilities for unauthorized devices by implementing more sophisticated network monitoring tools and anomaly detection systems.

Example

IoT devices, often overlooked in security policies, could serve as a backdoor for attackers if not properly inventoried and secured.

Recommendation

Implement a Network Access Control (NAC) solution to automatically identify and block unauthorized devices from connecting to your network.

Example

An unauthorized device could bypass network security controls, allowing for data exfiltration or the introduction of malware.

Recommendation

Strengthen your network security posture by implementing a zero-trust architecture, ensuring all devices are verified and authorized before accessing network resources.

Example

An unauthorized device, if not detected, could serve as a launchpad for network-wide attacks, compromising sensitive data.

Recommendation

Implement an immediate network-wide scan to detect and remove unauthorized devices. Establish continuous monitoring and enforcement policies to prevent future occurrences.

Example

Unauthorized devices on the network serve as entry points for attackers, facilitating a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that disrupts customer-facing services.

Identify - Software

Do you keep track of all approved and unapproved software on the network?

Do you maintain an updated list of software that is allowed to be installed and used within your organization, as well as any software that is not authorized? This helps ensure that only approved and secure software is used, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.

A. Yes, we have a comprehensive inventory of all software.

B. We track most software, but some may be missing.

C. We only track approved software.

D. No, we do not keep track of software.

Recommendation

Regularly audit and review software authorization policies to ensure they keep pace with the changing software landscape and business needs.

Example

Shadow IT practices could introduce software that complies with current policies but poses a security risk due to inadequate vetting.

Recommendation

Deploy endpoint protection solutions with application whitelisting capabilities to ensure only authorized software can run on networked devices.

Example

Unauthorized software, even seemingly benign, could contain vulnerabilities or malicious functionalities, compromising data integrity.

Recommendation

Deploy comprehensive endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for and manage the use of unauthorized software across all endpoints.

Example

Unauthorized software could introduce vulnerabilities, serving as a backdoor for malware or other malicious activities.

Recommendation

Conduct an exhaustive software audit to identify and decommission unauthorized software. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software installations moving forward.

Example

Unauthorized software contains a backdoor that allows attackers to gain persistent access to the network, leading to data exfiltration and espionage.

Identify - Risk

Do you have a plan to manage risks that matches what your organization can handle?

Do you have a structured program in place to identify, assess, and address risks, and if it's in line with how much risk your organization is willing to take? This ensures that your risk management efforts are aligned with your organization's goals and capabilities.

A. Yes, we have a detailed risk management plan tailored to our organization's capabilities.

B. We have a risk management plan, but it is not fully aligned with our capabilities.

C. We have a basic risk management plan, but it needs improvement.

D. No, we do not have a formal risk management plan.

Recommendation

Continually refine your risk management program, incorporating lessons learned from industry incidents and your own security audits.

Example

An evolving threat not previously considered in risk assessments could exploit a critical system before the risk is identified and mitigated.

Recommendation

Develop a formalized risk management program that includes regular assessments and aligns with the organization's risk tolerance levels.

Example

A lack of formal risk management could lead to underestimating a threat's potential impact, resulting in insufficient defenses.

Recommendation

Enhance your risk management framework to include continuous assessment and alignment with business objectives and compliance requirements.

Example

Insufficient risk management may lead to misallocation of security resources, leaving critical vulnerabilities unaddressed.

Recommendation

Establish a formal risk management program aligned with industry best practices and integrate it with corporate governance processes to ensure continuous evaluation and mitigation of cybersecurity risks.

Example

A lack of a formal risk management program results in undetected financial fraud schemes that exploit weak internal controls, causing significant financial and reputational damage.

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Category: Identify

Protect - Employee Training

Do all employees receive regular training to stay aware of security practices?

Do you provide ongoing training to all staff members to keep them informed about security measures and best practices. This includes things like recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and safeguarding sensitive information.

A. Yes, all employees receive regular training on security practices.

B. No, only certain departments or roles receive regular training.

C. Not sure, I don't recall receiving any security training

D. I'm not aware of any security training program at our organization.

Recommendation

Evolve security training programs to include the latest social engineering tactics and ensure they are mandatory for all new hires.

Example

Social engineering techniques continually evolve, and a workforce unaware of the latest tactics could inadvertently compromise security.

Recommendation

Regularly schedule and update security awareness training to include the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Example

Employees unaware of phishing techniques might inadvertently disclose login credentials to attackers.

Recommendation

Intensify security training programs, incorporating simulated phishing and social engineering attacks to better prepare employees.

Example

Employees lacking in advanced security awareness may fall victim to sophisticated phishing schemes, inadvertently granting attackers access to secure systems.

Recommendation

Launch an intensive, organization-wide security awareness program focusing on modern attack vectors and prevention strategies. Include regular, mandatory training sessions and phishing simulations.

Example

An employee falls victim to a sophisticated phishing attack, inadvertently granting attackers access to the corporate network and sensitive data repositories.

Protect - Patching

Are systems and applications regularly updated to fix known security issues?

Do you frequently update your systems and applications to fix any security problems that have been discovered? This includes installing patches and updates from software vendors.

A. Yes, systems and applications are regularly updated to fix known security issues.

B. No, updates are not regularly performed, leaving systems vulnerable to security risks.

C. I'm unsure, I'm not involved in the update process for systems and applications.

D. I'm not aware of any regular update schedule for security issues.

Recommendation

Leverage automated patch management tools and services to ensure immediate application of critical security patches across all systems.

Example

Even a brief delay in applying a critical patch could be exploited by attackers, leading to a preventable security breach.

Recommendation

Implement an automated patch management system to ensure timely application of security patches and updates.

Example

Unpatched software can be exploited by cybercriminals using known vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.

Recommendation

Streamline and automate your patch management process to ensure timely application of critical security patches and updates across all systems.

Example

Slow patch management processes can leave systems vulnerable to exploitation through known vulnerabilities, leading to avoidable security incidents.

Recommendation

Overhaul your patch management process to ensure rapid identification and application of critical security patches across all systems and software.

Example

Exploitation of a known, unpatched vulnerability leads to widespread system compromise and data theft, highlighting the need for timely patch application.

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Category: Protect

Detect - Threat Detection

Can you quickly find out if there's a cybersecurity problem or potential incident?

Do you have the ability to promptly detect cybersecurity events and possible incidents within your systems and networks? This includes using tools and procedures to monitor for suspicious activities or anomalies that could indicate a security breach.

A. We have established protocols and tools to detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents quickly.

B. No, there are no established protocols or tools in place for quickly identifying cybersecurity problems or potential incidents.

C. I'm unsure, I haven't been trained on how to identify cybersecurity problems or potential incidents.

D. I'm not aware of any specific procedures for identifying them quickly.

Recommendation

Invest in predictive analytics and threat hunting capabilities to proactively identify and mitigate potential security incidents before they escalate.

Example

Advanced persistent threats (APTs) could remain undetected within compliant detection systems, slowly exfiltrating data or waiting for the right moment to strike.

Recommendation

Improve detection capabilities by integrating advanced security information and event management (SIEM) systems with real-time alerting mechanisms.

Example

Delayed detection of a breach could allow attackers to move laterally within the network, increasing the scope of the compromise.

Recommendation

Upgrade to a more sophisticated SIEM system, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance anomaly detection capabilities.

Example

Delayed detection of anomalous activities could allow attackers to establish a foothold and extract sensitive data undetected.

Recommendation

Invest in advanced detection technologies, incorporating machine learning and AI to enhance the early detection of sophisticated threats and anomalous behaviors.

Example

Slow detection and response capabilities allow attackers to dwell in the network undetected for months, exfiltrating sensitive data and causing irreversible damage.

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Category: Detect

Respond - Planning

Do you have a plan for dealing with security incidents, and do you practice it regularly?

Do you have a documented incident response plan to guide your actions in case of security breaches or incidents? Additionally, do you regularly test and update this plan to ensure its effectiveness in responding to different types of incidents?

A. Yes, we have a comprehensive security incident response plan and regularly practice it through simulations and drills.

B. No, we don't have a formal plan for dealing with security incidents, nor do we practice any response procedures regularly.

C. I'm unsure, I haven't been briefed on our organization's security incident response plan or any practice sessions.

D. I’m not aware of any formal plan or practice sessions for dealing with security incidents.

Recommendation

Conduct unannounced, simulated attack exercises to test the effectiveness of your incident response plan under real-world conditions.

Example

An unforeseen type of cyberattack could reveal weaknesses in an otherwise compliant incident response plan, delaying effective response.

Recommendation

Regularly test and update your incident response plan to ensure effectiveness and familiarity among all stakeholders.

Example

An outdated incident response plan might cause delays in responding to a breach, exacerbating its impact.

Recommendation

Conduct regular, scenario-based incident response drills that involve all organizational levels to ensure a swift and coordinated response to incidents.

Example

An inadequate incident response could exacerbate the impact of a breach, increasing recovery time and costs.

Recommendation

Develop a comprehensive, tested incident response plan that includes clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures for addressing and recovering from cybersecurity incidents.

Example

A disorganized response to a data breach prolongs system downtime, increases data loss, and exacerbates customer trust issues.

Respond - Containment

How fast can you separate affected systems to stop the problem from spreading?

How fast can you isolate systems that are affected by a cybersecurity incident to prevent the issue from spreading further across your network or infrastructure? This includes procedures and tools used to quickly contain and mitigate the impact of the incident.

A. We have automated processes in place to quickly isolate affected systems, minimizing the spread of the problem within minutes.

B. It typically takes us a few hours to identify and isolate affected systems to prevent further spread of the problem.

C. I'm unsure, I haven't been involved in any procedures for isolating affected systems during cybersecurity incidents.

D. I'm not aware of any specific timeframe or procedures for this.

Recommendation

Develop more advanced, automated isolation and containment strategies that can be triggered by specific indicators of compromise.

Example

Manual isolation processes might be too slow to prevent the spread of fast-moving network worms or ransomware.

Recommendation

Improve the capability to quickly isolate affected systems during an incident to minimize spread and impact.

Example

Slow isolation of a compromised system could allow malware to spread to interconnected systems, increasing the incident's scope.

Recommendation

Enhance system segmentation and isolation capabilities to limit the spread of attacks and facilitate quicker containment and recovery efforts.

Example

Inadequate isolation of compromised systems can allow an attacker to move laterally within the network, expanding the scope and impact of a breach.

Recommendation

Develop and implement rapid isolation and containment strategies to minimize the impact of a breach, ensuring that compromised systems can be quickly quarantined to prevent further spread.

Example

The inability to quickly isolate a compromised segment of the network allows a malware outbreak to spread, infecting multiple systems and crippling operations.

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Category: Respond

Recover - Disaster Recovery

Do you have a thorough plan for recovering from disasters, including cybersecurity incidents?

Do you have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that covers how to recover from various types of disasters, including cybersecurity incidents? This includes steps for restoring systems and data, as well as procedures for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity in the event of a security breach or attack.

A. Yes, we have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that includes specific provisions for recovering from cybersecurity incidents.

B. No, there is no formal plan in place for recovering from disasters, including cybersecurity incidents.

C. I'm unsure, I haven't been briefed on our organization's disaster recovery plan or its provisions for cybersecurity incidents.

D. I'm not aware of any specific plan for recovering from disasters, including cybersecurity incidents.

Recommendation

Regularly test and update your disaster recovery plans to address new scenarios and ensure rapid recovery from cyber incidents.

Example

An untested recovery plan might not cover a scenario where both primary and backup systems are compromised, leading to extended downtime.

Recommendation

Ensure your disaster recovery plan includes specific considerations for cybersecurity incidents and is regularly tested.

Example

A disaster recovery plan that doesn't specifically account for cyber incidents might fail to restore critical digital assets, prolonging downtime.

Recommendation

Ensure that your disaster recovery plans are comprehensive, regularly updated, and include specific procedures for cyber incidents, focusing on rapid restoration of critical services.

Example

A disaster recovery plan that lacks specifics for cyber incidents might lead to prolonged system downtime and operational disruption following an attack.

Recommendation

Revise and strengthen your disaster recovery plan to specifically address cyber incidents, ensuring rapid restoration of operations with minimal data loss.

Example

An incomplete disaster recovery plan results in prolonged recovery times following a cyberattack, significantly impacting business continuity and customer service.

Recover - Backups

Do you check if your backup systems work well and are current?

Do you regularly test your backup solutions to ensure they are functional and contain up-to-date copies of your data? This includes performing routine tests to verify the integrity of backups and validate their effectiveness in restoring data in case of a cybersecurity incident or other data loss events.

A. We regularly test our backup systems to ensure they function properly and maintain current data.

B. No, we do not routinely verify the functionality or currency of our backup systems.

C. I'm unsure, I'm not involved in the testing or maintenance of our backup systems.

D. I'm not aware of any specific procedures for verifying their functionality or currency.

Recommendation

Enhance backup solution testing with comprehensive, scenario-based exercises that simulate the most challenging data recovery conditions.

Example

Inadequate testing of backup systems could result in an inability to restore critical data following a sophisticated ransomware attack.

Recommendation

Conduct regular tests of your backup solutions to ensure they are effective and can be quickly deployed in an emergency.

Example

Untested backups might be corrupt or incomplete, rendering them useless when needed most.

Recommendation

Schedule frequent and comprehensive testing of backup systems to ensure they meet recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs).

Example

Untested or inadequate backups could result in failed data recovery efforts after a ransomware attack, significantly impacting business continuity.

Recommendation

Conduct comprehensive, regular testing of backup and recovery solutions to ensure they meet strict recovery time objectives and can withstand various cyberattack scenarios.

Example

Untested backup solutions fail during a critical recovery effort, leading to significant data loss and operational downtime.

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Category: Recover

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Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

How Secure Is Your Organization?