Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Cybersecurity Management

Stepping into a new role can often feel like embarking on a journey into the unknown, especially when you find yourself responsible for a critical aspect of the business like cybersecurity. Recently, I took on a position that had me intrigued about tech support, yet I quickly discovered that part of my responsibilities also included managing the company’s cybersecurity efforts. The catch? I had little to no background in this area.

Upon joining, I realized that the company had previously lacked any established cybersecurity protocols, leaving me with the task of building a framework from the ground up. While I’m eager to embrace this challenge, the lack of formal training and certification has me feeling a bit overwhelmed. We are fortunate that the company is currently flying under the radar, but it is gearing up for increased visibility and scrutiny, prompting the need to ensure robust security measures are in place.

The management is planning to hire a security consultant in the future, but the goal is to have preliminary groundwork completed, so we don’t appear inexperienced when that time comes. My current dilemma is figuring out where to start in terms of creating a solid cybersecurity plan.

To my fellow professionals who may find themselves in similar situations, I’d love to hear your insights! What steps would you recommend for someone new to managing cybersecurity?

Edit: I want to extend my gratitude for all the helpful suggestions I’ve received. With your advice, I’m hopeful about navigating this challenge successfully!