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In today’s digital age, businesses face an array of cyber threats that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and damage reputation. At Mindquest, we understand the importance of digital resilience in safeguarding businesses against these threats. Therefore, we discuss practical strategies that businesses can implement to fortify their digital resilience and ensure long-term success.

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What are Digital Resilience Strategies?

A digital resilience strategy refers to a proactive approach taken by businesses to mitigate the impact of cyber threats and disruptions on their operations, data, and reputation. It also involves implementing a combination of technical controls, employee training, incident response plans. And collaboration with cybersecurity partners to fortify defenses and ensure business continuity in the face of cyber attacks. A digital resilience strategy aims to build adaptive and agile business processes that can withstand and recover from cyber incidents effectively.

Also read our article about European Cybersecurity Policy for Businesses.

Strategies for digital resilience

In this blog post, we’ve explored practical strategies for businesses to strengthen their digital resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats

1. Invest in Cybersecurity Training and Education

Firstly, one of the most effective ways to enhance digital resilience is by investing in cybersecurity training and education for employees. Provide regular training sessions to educate staff about common cyber threats, phishing scams, and best practices for data protection. By empowering employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate risks, businesses can also create a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout the organization.

You can also read : 10 experts in cybersecurity to follow

2. Implement Multi-Layered Security Measures

Then, a robust cybersecurity strategy should include multi-layered security measures to protect against various types of cyber threats. Implement firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies to safeguard network infrastructure and sensitive data. Additionally, consider implementing multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to user accounts and prevent unauthorized access.

3. Keep Software and Systems Up to Date

Moreover, outdated software and systems are often vulnerable to cyber attacks, as they may contain known security vulnerabilities. Ensure that all software applications, operating systems, and firmware are regularly updated with the latest security patches and fixes. Also, establish a patch management process to monitor for updates and apply them promptly to minimize the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals.

Also read our Cybersecurity Expert Job Description

4. Conduct Regular Security Audits and Risk Assessments

In addition, regular security audits and risk assessments are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in business systems and processes. Also, conduct comprehensive assessments to identify potential security gaps, evaluate existing controls, and prioritize remediation efforts. By proactively addressing security risks, businesses can strengthen their digital resilience and minimize the likelihood of cyber attacks.

5. Establish Incident Response Plans

Then, despite best efforts to prevent cyber attacks, businesses should be prepared to respond effectively in the event of a security incident. Establish incident response plans outlining roles, responsibilities, and procedures for detecting, containing, and mitigating cyber threats. Also, conduct regular tabletop exercises and simulations to test the effectiveness of incident response plans. And ensure that employees are prepared to respond to real-world scenarios.

Also read how Securing Smart Devices at Home

6. Foster Collaboration with Cybersecurity Partners

In conclusion, collaboration with cybersecurity partners, such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) or cybersecurity consultants, can provide businesses with additional expertise and resources to enhance digital resilience. Partner with reputable cybersecurity firms to conduct security assessments, develop customized security solutions, and provide ongoing support and monitoring. By leveraging external expertise, businesses can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and stay ahead of evolving threats.

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Company culture is deeply rooted in its values. They unite employees and serve as a beacon in a world that is constantly changing. To a company, its values are its DNA, the source code from which to develop. For the individual employee, it is the compass that guides them through the storm. It is the force of conviction that prevents them from stalling in the acceleration phase. But what happens when, amidst a global health crisis, everything is shaken to the core? Will the company’s values be swept away? Or will the company manage to adapt those values to the new context? These questions are fascinating and, above all, crucial.

by Melchior du Boullay, General Manager, Mindquest

Company culture eats strategy for breakfast

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice: the younger generations are increasingly sensitive to the values conveyed by their employer. As a result, corporate culture is now a real point of differentiation and a strong lever of attractiveness.

As Peter Drucker, the eminent business management theoretician and consultant, once wrote: culture eats strategy for breakfast. This does not mean that strategy plays a minor role in development and success, but rather that only a strong corporate culture, with strong values, will be able to mobilize and unite all employees to lead them on the road to success. Moreover, there is a difference between what we say and what we do, and we must therefore always ensure that our values and strategy are well aligned. Corporate culture can only exist if company leadership is in line with it and embodies it in their daily actions. One can no longer present oneself as a defender of ecology and form dubious partnerships with polluting companies. The situation has changed.

Companies need now to change their culture in accordance with our evolving society. It is okay to suddenly claim a company value that will be well perceived internally, but it is necessary to apply it in a concrete way. Otherwise, your collaborators will feel neither concerned nor involved.

Values need to be concrete

The values of a company are not abstract. They reflect the company’s activity, its size and its employees. They cover a way of being and acting, behaviours and rites, rules and processes. I firmly believe that a strategy that suddenly deviates from its axis without being based on values is doomed to fail.

In the event of accelerated development, crisis or a pivot, the company’s culture must adapt, but in no way deny itself. To do this, we must start by listening to what our employees have to say. Values, unlike strategy, do not come from the top but from the bottom. They are the foundations, a guarantee of solidity that makes the company’s culture a kind of superior authority. It is thus not uncommon to hear employees refer to it easily, or even with defensiveness, as if invoking culture as an answer to everything: “we do it this way because it is part of our culture”.

And it is not for nothing that the operational efficiency of a company relies heavily on internal communication. It is necessary to constantly remind people of the values we intend to share and to have those who put them into practice every day be vocal about them. This is all the more true in a crisis situation. A value is not just a word that gets thrown around. What matters first and foremost is the way in which each person makes it their own, embodies it and embeds it in their work.

Drawing on values to prepare for the future

A company that goes through a major crisis will always bounce back thanks to the involvement of its employees. Just look at what has happened since the beginning of the pandemic. Company culture has played a determining role in everyone’s ability to adapt. Confronted with an unprecedented situation, people have been able to readjust their values.

Let’s take the example of autonomy. Today, as in the past, the word remains the same, but the reality it covers has totally changed. Until two years ago, being autonomous meant being free to act within one’s own area of competence, without having to refer to one’s manager on a daily basis. With Covid and the rise of teleworking, the notion has broadened. Many people now manage everything themselves: their schedule and their work organization. And everyone will have to learn from this period.

This is the main challenge that awaits companies that want to be ready for the future. How can they evolve their values without disengaging their workforce and, above all, how can they capitalize on their achievements during the health crisis? They will have to go back to the drawing board: question their values, create new working groups, and pay attention to the feelings, experiences and desires of each individual employee.

It has become critical to know the differences between the world before and after the pandemic to identify the right processes and the most efficient action plans. A great and exciting adventure!

This article was originally published on Forbes France.

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