Cyber security – diet or lifestyle?
Cyber Security Is Not a One-Time Fix
Cyber security isn’t something you can “fix” once and forget. It’s an ongoing discipline – like healthy living – where consistency, awareness, and adaptability matter more than quick fixes.
Why Consistency Matters in Cyber Security
In today’s digital world, security is too important to be treated as a one-off project or a checklist exercise. For firms in private equity, finance, and legal, the stakes are high: sensitive data, regulatory obligations, and reputational risk all demand a thoughtful and sustained approach.
The Pitfalls of Point Solutions
Many organisations still rely on “whack-a-mole” point solutions – tools that promise to block the latest threat or patch a specific vulnerability. While these can help, they’re not enough. Security isn’t just about reacting to problems; it’s about understanding your firm’s key risks and building a strategy that addresses them holistically.
Building a Holistic Security Strategy
A good starting point is to use a recognised framework like the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Cyber Security Framework. It helps you organise your defences into layers – identifying what you need to protect, detecting threats early, responding quickly, and recovering effectively. This layered approach ensures you’re not relying on a single tool or tactic but building resilience across your entire environment.
Budgeting for Security: Risk vs. Reward
It’s also important to recognise that even the most secure organisations can still fall victim to cyber-attacks. That’s why budgeting for security should be based on risk and reward – not just on what’s cheapest or most popular. Think about what’s at stake and invest accordingly.
Continuous Improvement Is Essential
As one expert put it: “Security isn’t always about blocking cyber-attacks before they start. Sometimes it’s about detecting and interrupting them quickly.”
And because threats evolve rapidly, what works today might not be enough tomorrow. Your security strategy should be reviewed regularly, with updates to tools, processes, and training as needed. It’s a continuous cycle – not a one-time fix.
Make Security Part of Your Business Culture
Ultimately, security should be woven into the fabric of your business. It’s not just an IT issue – it’s a leadership priority. By treating it as a lifestyle – not just a diet – you’ll be better prepared to protect your firm, your clients, and your reputation.
How We Can Help
To get some help evaluating your cyber security posture and your cyber security managed services, please take a look at our cyber security service page and get in touch to arrange a discovery call.
We’re a managed IT services and cybersecurity company in London with a particular specialism in cybersecurity for financial services and cybersecurity for law firms.
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If you want to achieve better outcomes for your business through a more intelligent use of technology, talk to us.
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