What Is the First Step in Creating Cybersecurity Controls

The fast improvement in technology brings with it a corresponding rise in cyber threats, leaving systems vulnerable to attacks that can result in financial loss, reputational damage, and data breaches. 

To counteract these threats, organizations must develop a robust set of cybersecurity controls – measures designed to safeguard sensitive information and protect critical infrastructure.

But before any cybersecurity control framework can be implemented, a crucial first step must be taken. Identifying the specific cybersecurity needs of the organization and defining the scope of protection are foundational to creating an effective cybersecurity strategy. 

This initial phase is critical because it lays the groundwork for everything that follows, from risk assessments to policy development and control implementation.

This article will analyze: what is the first step in creating cybersecurity controls. We will take you through how to understand your organizational needs and explore the broader process of creating and implementing cybersecurity controls. 

We will also look at examples of cyber security controls, how to assess risk effectively, and discuss the NIST Cybersecurity Framework’s role in guiding this process.

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What Are Security Controls in Cybersecurity?

Before diving into the specifics of implementing cybersecurity controls, it’s essential to understand what security controls are and their role in protecting an organization’s digital assets. 

Security controls refer to the mechanisms, policies, and procedures put in place to safeguard an organization’s information systems from cyber threats. These controls are designed to prevent, detect, respond to, or mitigate the damage caused by unauthorized access, data breaches, or cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity controls come in different forms, typically categorized into three types:

1. Preventive Controls: These are designed to stop cyber threats before they occur. For example, firewalls, access controls, and encryption methods are preventive controls that block unauthorized users from entering sensitive areas of the network.
2. Detective Controls: These controls focus on identifying and monitoring malicious activities or breaches in real time. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools are common examples of detective controls that help spot vulnerabilities or breaches.
3. Corrective Controls: Corrective measures aim to mitigate or reverse the impact of a cyber incident once it has been detected. Backup recovery plans, incident response teams, and patch management systems fall under this category.

Cybersecurity controls can vary widely depending on the size and scope of the organization. For example, a small business may rely on basic preventive measures like firewalls and antivirus software, while larger corporations may implement more advanced detective and corrective measures, such as continuous network monitoring and multi-factor authentication.

Cyber security controls examples include:

• Multifactor authentication (MFA) requires multiple verification methods before granting access to systems.
• Firewalls that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and protect devices from threats like malware and ransomware.
• Data encryption to ensure that sensitive data remains unreadable in the event of a breach.

Understanding these categories and examples is critical because they form the foundation of any cybersecurity strategy. By deploying appropriate controls, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, improve data security, and protect their infrastructure.

READ MORE: NIST Framework Implementation: A Comprehensive Guide

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A Guide to Implementing Controls

One of the most widely used tools for guiding organizations in creating and managing cybersecurity controls is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. 

Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this framework provides a structured approach to managing cybersecurity risks, aligning security efforts with organizational goals, and improving overall resilience against cyber threats.

What Does the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Do?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is designed to help organizations assess their current cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement. It consists of five key functions:

1. Identify: Understand the organizational context, resources, and cybersecurity risks.
2. Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure critical infrastructure is protected.
3. Detect: Develop activities to identify cybersecurity events promptly.
4. Respond: Take action when a cyber incident is detected.
5. Recover: Implement measures to restore capabilities or services impaired by a cyber incident.

These functions serve as a roadmap for organizations, ensuring that they address cybersecurity in a comprehensive and methodical manner. Each function is supported by specific controls that organizations can implement to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

When Implementing a Control Framework, What is an Important First Step?

According to the NIST framework, the first step when implementing cybersecurity controls is to thoroughly identify what needs to be protected. This involves recognizing the organization’s critical assets, understanding the potential cyber threats it faces, and assessing existing vulnerabilities. 

Without this foundational knowledge, any controls put in place might be either insufficient or misdirected, leaving the organization exposed to cyber risks.

By taking this initial step, an organization can align its cybersecurity strategy with its overall risk management objectives and business operations. The NIST framework emphasizes that cybersecurity controls should not be seen as standalone measures but as an integral part of the organization’s broader security and operational strategy.

The NIST framework is not only a guide for building new cybersecurity controls but also an excellent tool for continuous improvement. As cyber threats evolve, the framework helps organizations revisit and refine their controls, ensuring they remain effective over time.

SEE ALSO: Cybersecurity Frameworks Comparison: 10 Common Frameworks

The First Step in Creating Cybersecurity Controls: Identifying Assets and Assessing Risk

The most critical and foundational step in creating cybersecurity controls is identifying assets and assessing risk. Without a clear understanding of what needs protection and the potential risks involved, any security measures implemented would lack focus and effectiveness. This initial phase helps organizations tailor their security controls to their unique needs and threats.

Asset Identification and Prioritization

The first task in this process is identifying all the valuable assets within the organization, such as databases, servers, applications, intellectual property, and customer data. This includes not only IT infrastructure but also any digital assets that are critical to the operation of the business. 

For example, identifying sensitive data such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, and proprietary business strategies is vital.

This step also involves assigning a value to these assets based on their importance to the business and the impact their loss or compromise would have. High-value assets, such as databases containing customer PII or intellectual property, should be prioritized for higher levels of security.

Risk Assessment and Management

After identifying assets, the next step is to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. This assessment involves evaluating potential threats and vulnerabilities that could harm the organization. 

Examples of threats include malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and insider threats. Vulnerabilities might exist in outdated software, weak access controls, or unpatched systems.

It is also essential to understand the impact of these risks. For instance, what would be the consequences if an attacker gained access to your customer database? Could it result in legal liabilities, financial loss, or damage to your company’s reputation?

During this phase, it’s crucial to ask, “Which resources would you least likely use when determining security risk?” Inaccurate or outdated information, anecdotal evidence, and irrelevant benchmarks should be avoided. 

Instead, rely on accurate, up-to-date data sources like industry reports, threat intelligence feeds, and internal security audits to gauge potential risks.

Step-by-Step Cybersecurity Process

The risk assessment process typically follows these steps:

1. Identify Assets: List all the critical assets that need to be protected.
2. Identify Threats: Understand the different cyber threats that could impact your business.
3. Assess Vulnerabilities: Determine weaknesses in your current security posture.
4. Evaluate Risk Impact: Analyze how each threat could impact your organization.
5. Prioritize Risks: Rank risks based on their potential damage and likelihood.
6. Define Controls: Based on the assessment, define specific controls to mitigate these risks.

This process helps create a clearer understanding of where the organization’s most significant vulnerabilities lie and which cybersecurity controls are needed to reduce these risks. Once risks are identified, organizations can move forward with creating an effective cybersecurity plan that incorporates preventive, detective, and corrective controls aligned with their unique risk profile.

READ: Cybersecurity Frameworks Comparison: 10 Common Frameworks

How to Create a Cybersecurity Plan: A Step-by-Step Approach

Once the risks have been identified and prioritized, the next logical phase is to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. 

A cybersecurity plan serves as a blueprint that outlines the necessary steps and controls an organization needs to implement to mitigate risks, protect assets, and ensure business continuity. Let’s explore a step-by-step approach for creating an effective cybersecurity plan.

Understanding Business Objectives and Regulatory Requirements

The first aspect to consider when creating a cybersecurity plan is the alignment between cybersecurity goals and overall business objectives. Protecting key assets is crucial, but it must be done in a way that doesn’t hinder operations or stifle innovation. 

Additionally, businesses must adhere to regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, which impose specific guidelines on how sensitive data should be handled and protected.

Step-by-Step Cyber Security Plan

1. Identify Key Assets and Data

The cybersecurity plan should start with an inventory of all critical assets, including sensitive data, intellectual property, network systems, and applications. This identification process, covered in the earlier section, forms the foundation of the plan and ensures that the organization’s most valuable resources are protected.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

As previously discussed, an organization must understand the threats, vulnerabilities, and risks that are relevant to its environment. A comprehensive risk assessment will guide the development of security controls to mitigate these specific risks.

3. Define Security Controls

Based on the findings from the risk assessment, an organization must now define the specific cybersecurity controls it will use. This may include technical controls like firewalls and encryption, procedural controls such as access control policies, and physical controls like secure facilities.

Controls should be selected based on the level of risk posed to each asset. For example, multifactor authentication (MFA) may be a crucial control for protecting highly sensitive data, while endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions could be implemented to protect endpoints against malware and ransomware.

4. Develop an Incident Response Plan

Every cybersecurity plan must include an incident response plan to guide the organization in the event of a security breach. The response plan should outline how the organization will detect, respond to, and recover from a cyberattack. This includes designating roles and responsibilities, setting up communication protocols, and ensuring that there are procedures in place for restoring systems and data quickly.

5. Establish Security Policies and Procedures

A key part of a cybersecurity plan involves creating and enforcing security policies and procedures. These policies should outline how the organization manages access to its systems, how data is handled, and how employees should report security incidents. Policies may also include acceptable use guidelines, password management, and rules for accessing company resources remotely.

6. Training and Awareness Programs

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue – it’s also a human one. Implementing training and awareness programs for employees ensures that they can recognize common security threats like phishing scams, social engineering attacks, and other forms of cybercrime. Employees are often the first line of defense, and training them can greatly reduce the risk of accidental breaches.

7. Continuous Monitoring and Updating

Cybersecurity is not a one-time task but an ongoing effort. The cybersecurity plan should include regular assessments and updates to ensure that controls remain effective as new threats emerge. Continuous monitoring tools can help organizations detect suspicious activity in real time and respond quickly to mitigate potential damage.

A well-crafted cybersecurity plans not only protects the organization from external threats but also ensures compliance with industry regulations, creates a culture of security awareness and provides a structured approach to incident response.

SEE: Is NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mandatory?

Steps in Creating a Secure Database: Protecting Critical Information

As databases often hold some of the most sensitive and valuable information within an organization, securing them is a critical component of any cybersecurity plan. 

Proper database security ensures that confidential data remains protected from unauthorized access, tampering, and data breaches. Let’s explore the steps in creating database security controls to safeguard these vital assets.

1. Data Classification

The first step in securing a database is to classify the data stored within it. Not all data holds the same value, so it’s essential to identify which information requires the highest levels of protection. 

For instance, personal identifiable information (PII), financial records, and intellectual property typically require stronger security measures than general operational data. Once data is classified, the security controls can be adjusted to match the sensitivity of the information.

2. Access Control and Privilege Management

One of the most effective methods for securing a database is implementing access control mechanisms. This involves setting permissions that limit access to the database to only those individuals who need it for their specific roles.

Role-based access control (RBAC) is a widely used approach where users are assigned roles that define what data they can access and what operations they can perform. For instance, a database administrator might have full access, while a regular employee may only have read-only access to specific data.

Additionally, it is important to enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users are granted the minimum access necessary to perform their duties. This reduces the risk of accidental or malicious data breaches.

3. Data Encryption

Encryption is a vital tool for protecting sensitive data, both at rest and in transit. When data is encrypted at rest, it is transformed into a secure format that can only be read by someone with the appropriate decryption key. This ensures that even if a malicious actor gains access to the database, the data itself remains protected.

Similarly, encrypting data in transit—when it is being transmitted across networks—prevents interception by unauthorized parties. Ensuring that database communications are secure is just as important as securing the data within the database itself.

4. Regular Audits and Monitoring

Monitoring database activity is essential for detecting unusual or suspicious behavior. Organizations should implement logging and audit trails to track access and modifications to the database. This allows security teams to quickly identify potential breaches or insider threats.

Additionally, conducting regular security audits helps identify weaknesses in the database configuration and ensure compliance with security policies. Audits can uncover gaps in access control, unpatched vulnerabilities, or misconfigurations that could be exploited by attackers.

5. Backup and Recovery Plans

Even with the best security measures in place, there’s always a possibility of a breach or system failure. For this reason, maintaining regular backups of the database is critical. A strong backup and recovery plan ensures that, in the event of a cyber incident, the organization can restore data quickly and minimize downtime.

Regularly testing the recovery process is equally important to ensure that backups are reliable and up-to-date. This step ensures that business operations can resume smoothly after a disruption without the loss of critical data.

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Key Considerations When Implementing Cybersecurity Controls

As organizations move forward with creating and deploying cybersecurity controls, several important considerations must be addressed to ensure the controls are effective and aligned with both business objectives and industry best practices. 

Implementing security measures without careful planning can lead to inefficiencies, unnecessary complexity, or even security gaps. Let’s explore these key considerations in detail.

What Are the Common Challenges?

Implementing cybersecurity controls is not without its challenges. One of the most significant challenges is balancing security and usability. If security controls are too stringent, they may hinder employees’ ability to perform their tasks efficiently, leading to frustration or circumvention of security protocols. 

Therefore, a balance must be struck to ensure that controls protect sensitive information without disrupting daily operations.

Another common challenge is dealing with limited budgets and resources. Many organizations, especially small to mid-sized businesses, may struggle with allocating enough resources to implement robust security controls. It’s important to prioritize controls that provide the greatest protection based on the organization’s risk profile, ensuring that resources are used effectively.

Lastly, keeping up with evolving threats can be a major challenge. Cyber threats are constantly changing, and organizations must stay updated on the latest risks and adjust their controls accordingly. Failing to keep pace with these changes can render even the best-designed security controls ineffective.

Which Resources Would You Least Likely Use When Determining Security Risk?

When assessing security risks, it’s crucial to use reliable and relevant resources to inform decision-making. However, not all sources of information are equally valuable. For instance, anecdotal evidence, irrelevant benchmarks, or outdated reports are resources you would least likely use when determining security risk.

Instead, organizations should focus on data-driven resources like:

• Threat intelligence feeds
• Industry reports on current cyber threats
• Internal vulnerability assessments
• Regulatory guidelines and compliance standards

By using credible resources, organizations can better understand the risks they face and implement appropriate controls to address them.

Tools and Resources for Risk Assessment and Control Implementation

Several tools can be used to assess risks and implement security controls effectively. Some of the most commonly used tools include:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems: These tools collect and analyze security data in real-time to detect potential threats.
• Vulnerability scanners: These tools help identify weaknesses in systems and applications that attackers could exploit.
• Penetration testing: This approach involves simulating attacks to test the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls.
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems: These tools monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking unauthorized access and detecting suspicious activity.

Using the right tools can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to assess risks and implement controls effectively.

Adapting Controls Based on Risk

An important aspect of control implementation is ensuring that controls are proportional to the risks identified in the risk assessment. For example, a database containing sensitive customer information may require stronger encryption and multifactor authentication, while a public-facing website may need fewer controls but require monitoring for potential threats.

Organizations must continuously assess their risk profile and adjust controls as necessary. This proactive approach ensures that cybersecurity controls evolve alongside emerging threats and changes in the organization’s infrastructure.

By carefully considering these challenges, resources, and tools, organizations can implement cybersecurity controls that are both effective and sustainable. Balancing security with usability, using the right data for risk assessments, and continuously updating controls based on evolving threats are key to building a resilient cybersecurity framework.

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Ongoing Management and Improvement of Cybersecurity Controls

Once cybersecurity controls have been implemented, the process of safeguarding an organization’s digital assets is far from over. 

Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, with new threats emerging constantly and technologies evolving to both protect and exploit vulnerabilities. To maintain a strong security posture, organizations must focus on the ongoing management and improvement of their cybersecurity controls.

The Role of Continuous Monitoring and Auditing

Continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure that cybersecurity controls are working as intended. Through real-time monitoring, organizations can detect anomalies, potential security breaches, or unusual activity that could indicate a threat. 

Tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions play a key role in this effort, offering automated threat detection and analysis.

In addition to monitoring, regular security audits should be conducted to verify that controls are effective and aligned with the organization’s security policies. Audits can help identify gaps or weaknesses in the existing controls, allowing for timely improvements. 

Regular reviews of firewall rules, access control settings, and software updates are examples of areas that should be included in these audits.

Adapting to New Threats

The cyber threat landscape is constantly changing, with new vulnerabilities being discovered and new attack methods emerging. Organizations need to be agile and prepared to adapt their cybersecurity controls as these new threats arise. This means regularly updating software, applying security patches promptly, and revising policies to address newly identified risks.

For example, if a new form of malware starts targeting specific types of network infrastructure, organizations must ensure that their controls – such as antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems – are updated to recognize and prevent this threat.

Regular risk assessments should also be conducted to ensure that new vulnerabilities or changes in the organization’s infrastructure are accounted for in the cybersecurity strategy. Changes in business processes, such as adopting new technology or moving to cloud-based solutions, may introduce new risks that require updated controls.

Updating Policies and Training

One of the most overlooked aspects of cybersecurity is the human element. As technology and cyber threats evolve, so too should the organization’s security policies and training programs. Employees need to be kept up to date on new security protocols, especially those related to phishing, social engineering attacks, and password management.

Regular security awareness training ensures that employees remain vigilant and aware of the latest cyber threats. Training should include both general cybersecurity best practices and specific instructions on how to recognize and report potential attacks. 

By ensuring that all members of the organization are informed and proactive, the risk of human error leading to security breaches is significantly reduced.

Maintaining a Culture of Security

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the IT or security team—it’s a shared responsibility across the entire organization. Fostering a culture of security means encouraging employees at all levels to take ownership of cybersecurity and understand their role in protecting the organization’s assets.

Regular communication from leadership about the importance of cybersecurity, combined with incentives for following security protocols, can help maintain this culture. Leadership should also demonstrate their commitment by ensuring the necessary resources are allocated for the continuous improvement of cybersecurity controls.

Through continuous monitoring, adapting to new threats, updating policies, and fostering a culture of security, organizations can ensure that their cybersecurity controls remain effective over time. Ongoing management and improvement are essential for staying ahead of cyber threats and maintaining a strong, resilient security posture.

Conclusion

The first step in creating effective cybersecurity controls is identifying the organization’s key assets and conducting a comprehensive risk assessment. This foundational step is critical to developing a security framework that is tailored to the unique risks, vulnerabilities, and operational needs of the organization. 

Without a clear understanding of what needs protection and where threats may arise, any subsequent controls may fail to provide adequate security.

Once this initial step is completed, organizations can move forward with creating and implementing a robust cybersecurity plan that includes preventive, detective, and corrective controls. 

Leveraging frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework helps ensure a structured, comprehensive approach to managing cybersecurity risks. As part of this process, organizations must also secure their databases, monitor systems continuously, and adapt their controls to emerging threats.

It’s essential to remember that cybersecurity is not a one-time task but an ongoing effort. Regular audits, updates to policies and procedures, and continuous employee training are necessary to ensure that security measures evolve alongside the rapidly changing cyber threat landscape. 

The goal is to establish a culture of security where all employees understand their role in protecting the organization’s digital assets.

Ultimately, by taking the time to properly assess risks and implement strong, adaptable cybersecurity controls, organizations can protect themselves against cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their critical information.

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