Technical controls alone don’t ensure smarter IT security
Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, yet many organisations in New Zealand still rely solely on technical controls, leaving critical gaps in their security strategies.
Are you confident your current measures protect every aspect of your organisation? By focusing only on technical controls, you may overlook the critical importance of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), essential components of a comprehensive security strategy.
What role do technical controls play in cybersecurity?
Technical controls—such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems—fall under the “Protect” and “Detect” categories of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0.
They’re designed to safeguard systems and identify potential threats, which is crucial in the immediate defence against cyberattacks. However, they form only a part of the big picture in security.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
The NIST CSF 2.0 is an excellent example of an enterprise framework that highlights the broader scope of
cybersecurity. It’s organised into six functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. While “Protect” and “Detect” are essential, they represent only a fraction of the overall framework.
- Govern: Establishes organisational context and governance structure to manage cybersecurity risk.
- Identify: Understands organisational resources and cybersecurity risks.
- Protect: Implements safeguards to ensure service delivery.
- Detect: Identifies when a cybersecurity event occurs.
- Respond: Takes action against detected cybersecurity events.
- Recover: Restores capabilities or services impaired by cybersecurity events.
Why is governance, risk, and compliance so important?
GRC is the backbone of a holistic security strategy. It ensures your organisation’s IT activities align with your business goals, managing risk effectively and complying with regulations. Neglecting GRC can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches, financial losses, legal penalties, and irreparable damage to your organisation’s reputation.
Here’s why GRC is indispensable:
- Governance: Sets the tone and strategy, defining policies and procedures that guide your organisation.
- Risk management: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks that could impact your organisation.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to laws, regulations, and standards, reducing the risk of legal penalties and reputational damage.
Understanding these components is essential, but how can organisations effectively implement them?
The holistic security picture
Focusing solely on technical controls is like locking your doors while leaving your windows wide open. To address all aspects of cybersecurity, a comprehensive strategy must integrate GRC—governing your security posture, identifying risks, responding to incidents, and recovering effectively.
Implementing GRC can be challenging without the right resources or expertise. That’s where Canon Business Services ANZ (CBS) comes in. Our certified experts provide holistic cybersecurity solutions covering the entire lifecycle of your security needs:
- Cybersecurity Posture Uplift Services: Secure your business with next-gen solutions. Get your cloud security operational under control, continuously assessing and defending your security posture.
- Virtual CISO (vCISO) services: Gain access to seasoned security leadership without the full-time cost. Our vCISOs help you develop and implement robust security strategies tailored to your business needs.
- Security strategy & roadmaps: Develop a clear, actionable plan to enhance your security posture. Our experts work with you to create a strategic roadmap that aligns with your business goals and regulatory requirements.
- Policies & standards: Establish comprehensive security policies and standards to ensure compliance and best practices. Our team helps you create, review, and update policies to keep your organisation secure and compliant.
Get in touch
Talk to us today to optimise your operations.
Understanding your current security posture is crucial. CBS offers comprehensive Security Assessments to give you the full picture:
- Cybersecurity assessments: Boost visibility and secure your data by locating system vulnerabilities in our custom workshops.
- ACSC-aligned Essential 8 Maturity Assessment: Understand your security posture, identify gaps, and plan to uplift your defences in line with the Essential 8 framework.
- Essential Cloud Security Maturity Assessment: Identify cloud vulnerabilities, prioritise risks, and remediate them confidently.
While technical controls are crucial, they’re just pieces of the puzzle. To build a resilient security strategy, you must include GRC. Incorporating GRC isn’t just best practice—it’s a necessity.
Don’t leave your security to chance. Contact us today to fortify your defences and stay ahead of emerging threats. Let’s build a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward resilience—reach out for a Cybersecurity Assessment and start safeguarding your organisation now.
