Steps to Develop a Cybersecurity Strategy

I’ve built cybersecurity programs for 20 years and I always start here. With a process rooted in the business first. 🧙🏼♂️ If you haven't worked though a process to build your cyber risk program, you're hoping, not knowing if you're protected. I use this to advise cyber leaders  I use this to build programs as a CISO I use this in my speaking sessions on cyber programs 🧠 Here's the 9 steps to comprehensive cyber risk management 1️⃣ Business Mission → Know what your company is trying to accomplish → Understand how security enables their success → This is your foundation, skip this & everything crumbles 2️⃣ Culture & Risk Appetite → Learn how decisions are made → Understand appetite for risk & change → This tells you how to position things internally 3️⃣ Industry Compliance → Identify what regulations you must meet → These drive your baseline requirements → Risk appetite may show up here also 4️⃣ Security Strategy   → Combine steps 1-3 into your strategy → Define how & who for decision making → Keep it simple = strategy not process or policy 5️⃣ Business Impact Analysis & Asset Management → Catalog all assets: systems, data, apps, processes → Assign business owners (not IT or Cyber) → Identify critical systems, these get priority 6️⃣ Risk Assessment → Map threats against your assets & BIA   → Quantify impact in dollars, not technical terms → Define mitigation costs, test where needed 7️⃣ Current State, Desired State → Compliance + Framework (ex: NIST CSF) = guide → Assess where you are vs where you want to be → Document gaps = projects, programs, tasks 8️⃣ Budget & Buy In → Present gaps as business risks, not tech problems → Get budget approved before building timelines → Make executives look smart for funding you 9️⃣ Road Map → Sequence projects based on risk & budget → Plan out short & long term (6, 12/18 months) → Revisit the entire roadmap annually The biggest mistake I see? Jumping straight to tech without understanding the business. Then they wonder why leadership questions every purchase. You can't secure what you don't understand. You can't prioritize without knowing impact.   You can't get budget without proving value. Foundation first. Business value always. 💬 What step do you struggle with?⤵️ 🔄 Repost to help others protect their business 📲 Follow Wil Klusovsky for wisdom on cyber & tech business

The OWASP® Foundation Threat and Safeguard Matrix (TaSM) is designed to provide a structured, action-oriented approach to cybersecurity planning. This work on the OWASP website by Ross Young explains how to use the OWASP TaSM and as it relates to GenAI risks: https://lnkd.in/g3ZRypWw These new risks require organizations to think beyond traditional cybersecurity threats and focus on new vulnerabilities specific to AI systems. * * * How to use the TaSM in general: 1) Identify Major Threats - Begin by listing your organization’s key risks. Include common threats like web application attacks, phishing, third-party data breaches, supply chain attacks, and DoS attacks and unique threats, such as insider risks or fraud. - Use frameworks like STRIDE-LM or NIST 800-30 to explore detailed scenarios. 2) Map Threats to NIST Cybersecurity Functions Align each threat with the NIST functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. 3) Define Safeguards Mitigate threats by implementing safeguards in 3 areas: - People: Training and awareness programs. - Processes: Policies and operational procedures. - Technology: Tools like firewalls, encryption, and antivirus. 4) Add Metrics to Track Progress - Attach measurable goals to safeguards. - Summarize metrics into a report for leadership. Include KPIs to show successes, challenges, and next steps. 5) Monitor and Adjust Regularly review metrics, identify gaps, and adjust strategies. Use trends to prioritize improvements and investments. 6) Communicate Results Present a concise summary of progress, gaps, and actionable next steps to leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. * * * The TaSM can be expanded for Risk Committees by adding a column to list each department’s top 3-5 threats. This allows the committee to evaluate risks across the company and ensure they are mitigated in a collaborative way. E.g., Cyber can work with HR to train employees and with Legal to ensure compliance when addressing phishing attacks that harm the brand. * * * How the TaSM connects to GenAI risks: The TaSM can be used to address AI-related risks by systematically mapping specific GenAI threats - such as sensitive data leaks, malicious AI supply chains, hallucinated promises, data overexposure, AI misuse, unethical recommendations, and bias-fueled liability - to appropriate safeguards. Focus on the top 3-4 AI threats most critical to your business and use the TaSM to outline safeguards for these high-priority risks, e.g.: - Identify: Audit systems and data usage to understand vulnerabilities. - Protect: Enforce policies, restrict access, and train employees on safe AI usage. - Detect: Monitor for unauthorized data uploads or unusual AI behavior. - Respond: Define incident response plans for managing AI-related breaches or misuse. - Recover: Develop plans to retrain models, address bias, or mitigate legal fallout.

Here I attached the Cybersecurity Technology Stack. This poster is a complete visual guide to the key cybersecurity tools and technologies across all major categories from SIEM, EDR, XDR, SOAR, TIP, PAM, CSPM to deception technologies, UEBA and more. I created this to help professionals and newcomers get a clearer picture of what solutions are available and how they fit into the larger cybersecurity ecosystem. When I first started working in cybersecurity operations, most environments focused heavily on perimeter defence and endpoint protection. But attackers have evolved. Today, a proper setup requires multiple integrated layers that work together. No single tool is enough. What matters is how these tools connect to give visibility, control and speed in detection and response. If you're building or reviewing your cybersecurity stack, these are the key areas I recommend you consider: 1. Visibility with SIEM •Start with a strong SIEM platform. This will collect logs across your infrastructure from endpoints, firewalls, cloud and identity systems and help detect patterns or anomalies. 2. Real-time Threat Detection with EDR or XDR •Next, deploy EDR to get deep visibility into endpoint activities. If your budget allows, move towards XDR to combine endpoint, network and cloud telemetry into one detection layer. 3. Response Automation with SOAR •As alerts come in, you need a fast and consistent way to respond. A SOAR platform can automate triage, enrich alerts with threat intel and reduce the time analysts spend on manual tasks. 4. Threat Intelligence Integration •No matter how good your SIEM or EDR is, you need context. Use Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIP) to enrich data with external threat indicators and insights. 5. Secure Privileged Access with PAM •If an attacker gets access to a privileged account, the damage can be severe. Implement PAM to secure, manage and audit access to critical systems and credentials. 6. Vulnerability Management •A well-monitored environment still becomes weak if patching is not managed. Use vulnerability scanners and patch management systems to identify and remediate weaknesses quickly. 7. Cloud Security Posture and Identity Management •As more workloads move to the cloud, ensure you have CSPM tools and proper IAM controls in place to prevent misconfigurations and abuse of identity-based access. 8. Advanced Detection with NDR, UEBA, and Deception •For mature setups, consider adding Network Detection & Response, User Behaviour Analytics and deception technologies. These give you deeper layers of defence and help detect stealthy attacks. Building a modern cybersecurity setup is not about chasing tools, but designing an architecture where each solution complements the other. You want detection, correlation, automation and response to happen as smoothly as possible. This is the mindset behind the stack I designed. Every component in this poster plays a role in defending against modern threats.

By applying these strategic principles from "The Art of War" to cybersecurity, organizations can enhance defensive strategies and stay one step ahead of cyber adversaries. 1. Know your enemy and know yourself - Understand your own systems and vulnerabilities, and know the threat actors targeting you. Regularly assess your security posture and keep up-to-date on threat intelligence. 2. Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak: - Use deception techniques like honeypots and decoy systems to mislead attackers about the true nature and strength of your defenses. 3. Attack where the enemy is unprepared: - Identify and exploit weak points in potential attackers’ methodologies and tools. Ensure you have comprehensive defenses, including monitoring for uncommon attack vectors. 4. Make use of spies: - Leverage threat intelligence and cybersecurity experts to gather information on cyber threats and adversaries. Use this intelligence to stay ahead of potential attacks. 5. Use terrain to your advantage: - Configure your network architecture to favor defense. Implement network segmentation, firewalls, and secure configurations to create a landscape that is challenging for attackers to navigate. 6. Be flexible: - Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Ensure your security policies and defenses can adapt quickly to new types of attacks and emerging vulnerabilities. 7. Concentrate your forces: - Focus your resources on protecting critical assets and data. Prioritize the most important systems for the strongest defenses and monitoring. 8. Strike at the enemy's heart: - Identify the core motivations and techniques of your adversaries. Disrupt their operations by targeting their infrastructure, such as command and control servers, or disrupting their financial incentives. 9. Use deception: - Implement security measures like deceptive traps and misinformation to confuse and delay attackers. Use threat hunting to proactively detect and respond to threats. 10. Know when to retreat: - In cybersecurity, retreating means recognizing when a system is compromised and isolating it to prevent further damage. Have incident response plans in place to quickly contain breaches and restore systems securely. Salient Lessons from the Art of War.

Building a Strong Foundation: How to Create an Effective Organizational Profile with NIST CSF 2.0 🔐💼 Creating a solid cybersecurity strategy starts with understanding where your organization currently stands. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 offers a structured way to evaluate and strengthen your security practices. One of the most important steps is developing an Organizational Profile—a tool that helps you map out your existing controls, identify gaps, and plan improvements. This guide will walk you through the process of building an Organizational Profile, so you can take meaningful steps toward enhancing your organization’s security. 1. Define the Scope: Determine the specific systems, processes, or threats the profile will address. For instance, it could encompass the entire organization, financial systems, or ransomware-specific responses. Multiple profiles can be created to target different areas or objectives. 2. Collect Relevant Data: Gather information such as organizational policies, cybersecurity standards, risk management goals, BIAs (Business Impact Analyses), enterprise risk assessments, and existing tools or practices. These details form the foundation of the profile. 3. Build the Profile: Using the collected data, document your organization’s alignment with CSF outcomes. Highlight current strengths and risks. This step establishes your Current Profile, which serves as the baseline for future improvements. Community Profiles can be a helpful reference when planning your Target Profile. 4. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Compare the Current Profile to the desired Target Profile. Identify gaps and prioritize improvements. Use tools like a risk register or POA&M (Plan of Action and Milestones) to effectively develop an actionable plan to address these gaps. 5. Execute and Update: Implement the action plan to close identified gaps and improve alignment with the Target Profile. Continuously monitor and update the profile to reflect organizational changes and evolving threats. By creating an Organizational Profile using the NIST CSF 2.0 framework, organizations can assess their current security posture and take deliberate steps to enhance their resilience. This ongoing process ensures that as threats evolve, so does your organization’s ability to address them. How is your organization aligning with the NIST CSF 2.0? #Cybersecurity #NISTCSF #RiskManagement #CyberResilience #OrganizationalProfile #NISTCSF2.0 #SecurityStrategy #CyberAwareness #InformationSecurity #RiskAssessment

Is your security team stuck in firefighting mode? Use this Cybersecurity Strategy Matrix to build a balanced security roadmap: 𝟭. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 (Existing Systems + Existing Controls) → Strengthen password policies and access management → Enhance patch management processes → Conduct deeper security awareness training → Low risk, focuses on security fundamentals 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Strong foundation with minimal disruption 𝟮. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (Existing Systems + New Controls) → Implement EDR/XDR solutions over traditional antivirus → Deploy AI-based threat hunting capabilities → Adopt zero-trust architecture frameworks → Moderate risk, leverages advanced protections 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Significantly improved protection without system overhaul 𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (New Systems + Existing Controls) → Extend current security monitoring to cloud workloads → Apply existing controls to newly acquired systems (M&A) → Secure shadow IT with established security baselines → Moderate risk, focuses on consistent security coverage 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Unified security posture across your growing environment 𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (New Systems + New Controls) → Build security for containerized environments → Implement quantum-resistant encryption → Develop custom security for IoT/OT environments → Highest risk, prepares for emerging threat landscapes 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Future-proofed security ready for emerging threats Effective cybersecurity requires balancing immediate needs with long-term resilience. Where is your security program investing today?

The 𝗔𝗜 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 guidance from 𝗗𝗛𝗦/𝗡𝗦𝗔/𝗙𝗕𝗜 outlines best practices for securing data used in AI systems. Federal CISOs should focus on implementing a comprehensive data security framework that aligns with these recommendations. Below are the suggested steps to take, along with a schedule for implementation. 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 1. Establish Governance Framework     - Define AI security policies based on DHS/CISA guidance.     - Assign roles for AI data governance and conduct risk assessments.  2. Enhance Data Integrity     - Track data provenance using cryptographically signed logs.     - Verify AI training and operational data sources.     - Implement quantum-resistant digital signatures for authentication.  3. Secure Storage & Transmission     - Apply AES-256 encryption for data security.     - Ensure compliance with NIST FIPS 140-3 standards.     - Implement Zero Trust architecture for access control.  4. Mitigate Data Poisoning Risks     - Require certification from data providers and audit datasets.     - Deploy anomaly detection to identify adversarial threats.  5. Monitor Data Drift & Security Validation     - Establish automated monitoring systems.     - Conduct ongoing AI risk assessments.     - Implement retraining processes to counter data drift.  𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻  Phase 1 (Month 1-3): Governance & Risk Assessment   • Define policies, assign roles, and initiate compliance tracking.   Phase 2 (Month 4-6): Secure Infrastructure   • Deploy encryption and access controls.   • Conduct security audits on AI models. Phase 3 (Month 7-9): Active Threat Monitoring • Implement continuous monitoring for AI data integrity.   • Set up automated alerts for security breaches.   Phase 4 (Month 10-12): Ongoing Assessment & Compliance   • Conduct quarterly audits and risk assessments.   • Validate security effectiveness using industry frameworks.  𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀   • Collaboration: Align with Federal AI security teams.   • Training: Conduct AI cybersecurity education.   • Incident Response: Develop breach handling protocols.   • Regulatory Compliance: Adapt security measures to evolving policies.  

The OT Cybersecurity Roadmap: From Risk to Resilience 🔐 Securing Operational Technology (OT) isn’t just about adding firewalls—it requires a structured roadmap to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Every OT environment is unique, and security strategies must align with business objectives, risk tolerance, and regulatory requirements. This roadmap is a general framework, designed to illustrate key steps in strengthening OT security. Your specific approach may vary. 🛠️ Step 1: Understand What You Have 🔍 Map Your Network: Identify all OT assets, data flows, and connectivity points. 📋 Inventory Systems: List all SCADA, DCS, PLCs, HMIs, remote access points, and third-party integrations. ⚡ Determine Criticality: Which systems are mission-critical for safety and operations? What’s the impact of downtime? 🔒 Step 2: Evaluate Current State & Identify Gaps 🛑 Is Network Segmentation Strong Enough? Do you need firewalls to separate IT from OT? What about east-west segmentation to prevent lateral movement? 🔐 How Secure is Remote Access? Are vendors, contractors, and employees using secure authentication methods? 💾 Are Backups & Disaster Recovery Plans in Place? Can you restore critical systems quickly if an attack occurs? 🔍 Do You Have Visibility? Can you monitor OT network traffic for threats and anomalies in real-time? 🚀 Step 3: Implement Security Controls & Architecture Improvements ✅ Harden Network Security: Deploy firewalls, iDMZs, and access controls based on risk. 🔄 Enhance Remote Access: Secure connections using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access. 🛡️ Deploy OT-Specific Threat Detection: Implement continuous monitoring solutions for early threat detection. 📜 Develop Governance & Security Policies: Ensure cybersecurity is aligned with operations and regulatory frameworks (NIST CSF, ISA/IEC 62443, etc.). 📖 Step 4: Build Resilience & Operationalize Security 📊 Incident Response & Playbooks: Create clear response plans for different cyber scenarios. 🛠️ Red & Purple Team Testing: Regularly test your defenses before attackers do. 📢 Training & Awareness: Equip operators and engineers with OT-specific cybersecurity knowledge. 🔁 Step 5: Continuous Improvement & Managed Services 🔄 Security Maturity Roadmap: Move from basic protections to advanced resilience. 🛠️ Managed Security Services (MSSP): Leverage 24/7 threat monitoring for ongoing protection. 📊 Track Metrics & KPIs: Regularly assess security effectiveness and report to leadership. ⚠️ Important Disclaimer: No Two OT Environments Are the Same. 📢 Where is your organization on this roadmap? Drop a comment and let’s discuss! #CyberSecurity #OTSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #RiskManagement #ThreatDetection #MorganFranklinCyber #SCADA #PLC #CISO

Joining check list for a CISO Creating a robust cybersecurity plan for an organization within a 30-60-90 day timeline involves several key steps and considerations. Here’s a general outline: 30 Days: 1. Assessment and Inventory: Identify all existing assets, including hardware, software, data, and personnel involved in handling sensitive information. 2.Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to understand vulnerabilities, threats, and potential impact. 3. Policy Review and Updates: Review existing security policies and protocols. Update or create new policies if necessary, covering areas like data handling, access control, incident response, etc. 4.Employee Training: Initiate cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. Focus on phishing prevention, password security, and general best practices. 5. Basic Security Measures Implementation: Implement fundamental security measures such as firewall configuration, antivirus software installation, and regular software updates. 60 Days: 1. Advanced Security Measures: Deploy more advanced security tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and encryption protocols. 2. Incident Response Plan: Develop and formalize an incident response plan. Train relevant personnel on how to respond to security incidents effectively. 3.Regular Security Audits: Begin conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. Address any weaknesses identified promptly. 4. Access Control Enhancements: Strengthen access controls by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and refining user access permissions. 90 Days: 1. Cybersecurity Culture Integration: Ensure cybersecurity practices are integrated into the organization’s culture. Encourage a proactive approach to reporting suspicious activities. 2. Continual Training and Awareness: Implement ongoing training programs to keep employees updated on emerging threats and evolving best practices. 3. Review and Improvement: Review the effectiveness of implemented security measures and policies. Make necessary adjustments based on insights gained from audits and incidents. 4. Prepare for Future Challenges: Develop a roadmap for future cybersecurity improvements and investments. Consider long-term strategies to address evolving threats. Additional Tips: -Regular Updates and Patches: Ensure all systems and software are regularly updated with the latest security patches. -Backup and Recovery: Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate data loss in case of a security breach. -External Support: Consider engaging external cybersecurity experts for specialized assessments or to fill any skill gaps in your team. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Regular reviews, updates, and employee engagement are key to maintaining a strong security posture. #vciso #vcio #digital #digizen #securityawareness #securebydesign Digizen Consulting

If your medical device has software, FDA demands cybersecurity. And if you architect your system incorrectly, trying to secure it later will be painful. So… Before choosing components or writing code, think through the whole system architecture. This diagram is part of a book we’re writing on MedTech Cybersecurity. Let me know if you’re open to reviewing an advanced electronic copy. The figure is imperfect because there are nuances that are hard to capture, but here’s the headline: Start cybersecurity early and consider each subsystem. There are many moving parts in cybersecurity, and architecting the overall system and each subsystem is iterative. Here are some key steps: ↳ Understand user needs and the role security plays ↳ Consider other systems your device will talk to ↳ Capture security requirements early ↳ Architect with a defense-in-depth approach ↳ Choose hardware components that are likely to meet security requirements ↳ Propose a software architecture and then evaluate it against the constraints of the system and hardware ↳ If necessary, adjust device-level requirements that drive changes to the system or hardware architecture ↳ Generate architecture security views ↳ Perform threat modeling ↳ Estimate and evaluate risk (security, safety, etc.) ↳ Determine necessary controls ↳ Evaluate whether the system, hardware, and architecture are adequate for the controls ↳ Adjust the relevant requirements and architecture as needed ↳ Rinse and repeat until your entire architecture is amenable to cybersecurity At that point, you’re ready to design and implement. But don’t be surprised if you have to revisit requirements or architecture later. PS. Fellow system architects and cybersecurity experts: what did I miss? Keep in mind that the focus here is on architecture. PPS. If you’re open to reviewing the book pre-release, let me know in the Comments. ♻️ And please repost if you think this is helpful!