Getting Started in Cybersecurity: Tips from Top Integrators

If there is a silver lining to the increase in cybersecurity incidents in recent years, it’s that it is no longer as difficult to get buy-in on cybersecurity programs. Whether it’s complying with customer cybersecurity requirements or the need to cyber harden clients’ connected systems and devices, technology integrators are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate cybersecurity into their business.

But before integrators can meet these growing security demands, they must first look at how they are protect their organization against the rapid increase in cybercriminal activity. In our webinar “Getting Started In Cybersecurity: Tips from Integrators for Integrators,” an expert panel of leading technology integrators shared the challenges they faced to protect their own organization – and their customers – from evolving cyber threats and how they successfully implemented security programs.

Facilitated by Defendify co-founder, Rob Simopoulos, experts Tom LeBlanc (NSCA), Brian Banks (Lone Star Communications), Jim DeStefano (Unlimited Technology, Inc.), and Matt Thorne (Electronic Contracting Company) shared their best tips for getting started with a cybersecurity program.

Work Your Way Inward

Before implementing any new program or technology, it’s important to first understand the current systems and processes in place and any opportunities for improvement. Developing a roadmap to understand the role cybersecurity might play for an organization is a crucial first step to identify and mitigate potential risks. Begin by reviewing outward-facing infrastructure enables organizations to build a network diagram of the business and expose gaps in the physical network infrastructure. Hiring penetration testers to test this infrastructure will further illuminate the work done to harden an organization against future cyberattacks.

Strengthen Human Firewalls

Each employee within an organization is a potential point of failure that could allow bad actors access to infiltrate company networks. Increasing cybersecurity awareness and training employees on how to prevent or mitigate potential attacks is crucial for an organization’s cyber posture. Basic cybersecurity training around best practices not only solidifies the first line of defense, but increases overall cybersecurity awareness as well as conversations and information sharing to shed light on gaps and weaknesses. Organizations should motivate employees to attend training and increase their diligence to strengthen cybersecurity programs.

Meet Customers Where They Are

Depending on the market, there are several cybersecurity assessments and requirements for organizations to keep in mind as they implement a cybersecurity program. Integrators need to demonstrate their cybersecurity credibility to customers looking into cybersecurity programs themselves or facing pressure from insurance companies to do so. As with any relationship, the strongest foundations are based on clear expectations and transparent communication. Integrators who can establish their cybersecurity credibility will be more likely to win over customers looking to do the same.

When it comes to implementing a cybersecurity program, organizations need to walk the walk. Building a cybersecurity program begins with an audit of current practices, conversations with customers and experts for input, and providing the training necessary to equip employees to act in defense of the organization. Take the first step with Defendify by checking your organization’s cybersecurity health grade for free.

Watch the entire webinar here.

Other cybersecurity insights you might be interested in:

Presentation: The Legal Side of Cybersecurity: How MSPs and Integrators Can Protect Themselves
Blog: 5 Ways System Integrators Can Prove Deployments Are Secure