How to Organize Your Cybersecurity Strategy into Left and Right of Boom

Tanya Wetson-Catt • 18 December 2023

In the pulsating digital landscape, every click and keystroke echoes through cyberspace. The battle for data security rages on. Businesses stand as both guardians and targets. Unseen adversaries covet their digital assets. 


To navigate this treacherous terrain takes a two-pronged approach. Businesses must arm themselves with a sophisticated arsenal of cybersecurity strategies. On one side, the vigilant guards of prevention (Left of Boom). On the other, the resilient bulwarks of recovery (Right of Boom).


Together, these strategies form the linchpin of a comprehensive defence. They help ensure that businesses can repel attacks. And also rise stronger from the ashes if breached.


In this blog post, we’ll explain how to organize your cybersecurity approach into Left and Right of Boom.


What Do “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” Mean?


In the realm of cybersecurity, "Left of Boom" and "Right of Boom" are strategic terms. They delineate the proactive and reactive approaches to dealing with cyber threats. 


"Left of Boom" refers to pre-emptive measures and preventative strategies. These are things implemented to safeguard against potential security breaches. It encompasses actions aimed at preventing cyber incidents before they occur.


"Right of Boom" pertains to the post-breach recovery strategies. Companies use these after a security incident has taken place. This phase involves activities like incident response planning and data backup.


Together, these terms form a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. They cover both prevention and recovery aspects. The goal is to enhance an organization's resilience against cyber threats.


Left of Boom: Prevention Strategies


User Education and Awareness


One of the foundational elements of Left of Boom is employee cybersecurity education. Regular training sessions can empower staff. They help them identify phishing emails. As well as recognize social engineering attempts and adopt secure online behaviours. An informed workforce becomes a strong line of defence against potential threats.


Employee training reduces the risk of falling for a phishing attack by 75%.


Robust Access Control and Authentication


Implementing strict access control measures reduces the risk of a breach. It helps ensure employees only have access to the tools necessary for their roles.


Access control tactics include:


  • Least privilege access
  • Multifactor authentication (MFA)
  • Contextual access
  • Single Sign-on (SSO) solutions


Regular Software Updates and Patch Management


Outdated software is a common vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals. Left of Boom strategies include ensuring all software is regularly updated. They should have the latest security patches. Automated patch management tools can streamline this process. They reduce the window of vulnerability.


Network Security and Firewalls


Firewalls act as the first line of defence against external threats. Install robust firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. They can help track network traffic and identify suspicious activities. Additionally, they help block unauthorized access attempts. Secure network configurations are essential to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.


Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments


Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. This helps to identify potential weaknesses in your systems. By proactively addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can reduce risk. They can reduce the chance of exploitation by cybercriminals.


Penetration testing can also simulate real-world cyber-attacks. This allows businesses to evaluate their security posture effectively.


Right of Boom: Recovery Strategies


Incident Response Plan


Having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial. This plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a security breach.


It should include things like:


  • Communication protocols
  • Containment procedures
  • Steps for recovery
  • IT contact numbers


Regularly test and update your incident response plan. This ensures it remains effective and relevant.


Data Backup and Disaster Recovery


Regularly backing up data is a vital component of Right of Boom. Another critical component is having a robust disaster recovery plan.


Automated backup systems can ensure that critical data is regularly backed up. As well as making sure it can be quickly restored in the event of a breach. A disaster recovery plan allows businesses to resume operations swiftly after an incident..


Forensic Analysis and Learning


After a security breach, conduct a thorough forensic analysis. It’s essential to understand the nature of the attack. As well as the extent of the damage, and the vulnerabilities exploited.


Learning from these incidents enables organizations to strengthen their security posture further. This makes it harder for similar attacks to succeed in the future.


Legal and Regulatory Compliance


Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape after a security breach is important. Organizations must follow data breach notification laws and regulations. Timely and transparent communication with affected parties is essential. It's vital to maintaining trust and credibility.


Get Help with a Strong 2-pronged Cybersecurity Strategy


Using Left and Right of Boom strategies can improve your security stance. These terms help you consider both important aspects of a strong defence. 


If you’d like some help getting started, give us a call today to schedule a chat.

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