Navigating today’s cyber landscape isn’t easy. The question, “What does best practice look like?” has no straightforward answer. Sure, new technologies and AI security tools grab headlines, but the heart of modern security revolves around context, people, and processes.
Take the recent incident with the Signal messaging platform. A journalist mistakenly joined a group chat, exposing sensitive information not through a hack or encryption flaw, but due to human error. This highlights a key truth: no security tool is foolproof without the right policies and training in place. Focus solely on tech, and you might overlook process failures that lead to breaches.
So, what does good security involve today? Here are some core ideas:
1. Prioritize context over features—consider whether tools like Signal are appropriate for your needs.
2. Understand there’s no magic bullet for security.
3. Emphasize team training and education.
4. Commit to continuous review and adaptation.
Security must be context-driven. Business leaders need to identify their primary concerns—be it reputational risk, insider threats, or compliance. Different threats demand tailored controls. For example, an organization managing sensitive data needs strong access controls and identity validation, while a company worried about intellectual property might focus on user training and data loss prevention.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The security market is crowded with vendors claiming superior protection, but even the best tools falter if not used correctly. Organizations often get a false sense of security from suppliers’ claims. Instead, assess your team’s ability to effectively manage and operate these tools. Utilize threat intelligence to align your skills, policies, and processes.
Fast forward to 2025: many security incidents will still stem from basic human mistakes like misaddressed emails or shared access. Investing in ongoing staff education and awareness is crucial. This isn’t just about a once-a-year video; it’s about engaging campaigns that motivate your team. Think mandatory phishing tests on laptops or interactive lock screen quizzes. Incorporate gamification, like rewards for completing quizzes, which drives behavior change and fosters a culture of vigilance.
Your approach should engage with variety—mixing training that resonates with your workforce’s specific roles. Developers need to understand secure coding, while frontline teams should learn to spot phishing attempts. This all helps create a better security culture and boosts your overall security posture.
Keep in mind that “best practice” today might be outdated tomorrow. Threats evolve, regulations shift, and your business can change direction. Adopt a cybersecurity lifecycle that integrates people, processes, and technology, supported by continuous improvement. Regular security reviews and reassessments are key to staying relevant against evolving threats.
Encryption matters. So do SSO, MFA, secure coding practices, and access controls. But the cornerstone of modern best practice is understanding why these measures exist and how to implement them effectively. Securing your organization today demands a holistic view that brings together people, processes, and technology. That’s where true security lies.