Even the most confident amongst us will feel a hint of doubt creep into our minds when faced with any kind of assessment. It’s only human – who doesn’t wonder how they measure up, whether their performance is good enough?
In cybersecurity however, assessments aren’t supposed to be about judgment. Instead, they offer an independent, objective perspective on your current cybersecurity status, as well as what steps you can take to move forward with confidence.
We challenge you to look at cybersecurity assessments through a different lens. IT and executive leaders alike should recognize assessments for the sanity check they are, as well as a way to build trust within the organization. Not as some sort of score card or grading system, but as a way to figure out where to start and where to go next.
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A logical starting point
Of course improving your organization’s cybersecurity posture is the end goal. But without knowing where to start, it’s near impossible to set goals for yourself to begin with. And figuring out where to start can be incredibly complex – technology, processes and roles evolve and new threats constantly emerge.
As such, it’s hard for both IT leaders and executives to keep sight of the complete picture.
An assessment provides a baseline—a snapshot of where your cybersecurity currently stands. Think of it as mapping out your security landscape. Figure out what’s already in place, who’s responsible for what, what technologies, tools or people you’re missing. If you don’t know that, figuring out what your next steps are is near impossible.
This overview proves to the CIO that the right investments are being made (both in people and in tools) and to the Head of IT that what they and their team are doing aligns with the expectations of the rest of the organization.
Not just about vulnerabilities
An assessment is not just about finding vulnerabilities; it’s about identifying what’s working well and how you can build on it. A thorough cybersecurity assessment will highlight both strengths and weaknesses, giving you a balanced view of your readiness.
Think of them as evaluations coaches do with their athletes – these aren’t supposed to question their abilities, but instead provide an objective view that helps them refine and elevate their performance, so they can eventually get even better at what they do.
In cybersecurity, understanding weaknesses is crucial, but knowing your strengths is equally important. This helps in creating a realistic, strategic plan for improvement, focusing on reinforcing what’s already effective while addressing areas of concern.
Use your baseline to chart your course
The ultimate purpose of a cybersecurity assessment is to give you a roadmap. Once you know where you are, you can start to plan where you want to be. With a clear baseline, your organization can set achievable goals for improvement, whether it’s strengthening existing defenses, implementing new technologies, or clarifying roles and responsibilities.
READY TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU STAND?
Whether you are just getting started on implementing your cybersecurity strategy or you’re already well underway, knowing where you stand is crucial for figuring out what next steps to take.
Our assessment gives you unparalleled insight in your progress and the next steps to a more mature cybersecurity practice.
