3 Ways To Take Cybersecurity Seriously

Most organisations think they're ready for a cyber attack - until they actually face one. The truth is, strong cybersecurity comes down to three key actions: finding your weak spots through regular testing, managing the risk from your suppliers, and having a solid plan for when things go wrong.

Let's look at practical steps you can take to strengthen these areas. These aren't complex tech solutions - they're straightforward changes that protect your organisation from real threats we see everyday.

Penetration tests to find weak spots before attackers

Running penetration tests isn't just a box-ticking exercise, it's how you spot the gaps attackers look for. Most organisations test once a year, but cyber threats change daily. Your IT systems need a health check every few months, just like your car needs regular services. Organisations can fix small issues during pen tests that could have led to major breaches. These tests also help you meet compliance rules and keep your cyber insurance valid. The key is to test regularly and act on the findings.

You've got three solid options for pen testing, and each serves a different need. A basic vulnerability scan gives you quick wins by finding common weak points. External testing checks what hackers can reach from the internet - your website, email, and cloud services. But the most valuable option is a full internal test, where a third party acts like a malicious insider to find deeper security gaps. Mix these approaches throughout the year based on when you make big system changes or roll out new services. Good timing helps you catch issues early when they're cheaper and easier to fix.

Third-party vendors' security (they're often your biggest risk)

Your third-party vendors can be a blind spot in your security setup. When suppliers connect to your systems, they create new ways for attackers to get in. Major breaches can start through small vendors. Your security is only as strong as your weakest supplier, so you need to check what access they have and how they protect it.

Managing vendor risk starts with asking the right questions. Get proof of their security controls, not just promises. Check if they run regular security tests, how they handle your data, and what happens if they have a breach. Put security requirements in your contracts, and don't give vendors more system access than they need. Small changes here can stop big problems later - like limiting vendor access hours or requiring them to use your security tools.

Develop an Incident Response Plan (and test it!)

Most incident response plans fail when they're needed because they're too complex or sit untested in a drawer. Your plan needs real-world testing - like a fire drill for cyber attacks. Companies often waste crucial hours during an incident just figuring out who should do what. A simple, practised plan cuts response time from days to hours.

Testing your plan spots the practical problems you'd miss on paper. Run scenarios with your team - try cutting off system access, dealing with ransomware, or handling a data breach. Time how long it takes to spot the issue, tell the right people, and fix the problem. Make your plan better based on what you learn. The worst time to find gaps in your response plan is during a real attack.

Bonus: The role of Cisco Duo in cybersecurity

Security experts back multi-factor authentication (MFA) as one of the most effective ways to stop attacks. But many MFA tools frustrate users and slow down work. That's where Cisco Duo makes a difference - it adds strong security without the hassle.

Duo protects your business in several key ways. It checks if devices are safe before letting them access your systems. It lets your team log in securely from anywhere. And it gives you a clear view of who's accessing what. Best of all, it works with the tools you already use, from your email to your cloud apps.

Taking smart security steps today prevents costly problems tomorrow. Regular testing, vendor checks, and response planning give you a strong foundation - but getting these right often needs expert help.

At Enject, we specialise in building strong security systems that protect your data, reduce organisation risk, and keep your operations running smoothly.