Version 109: I’ve been assigned the security responsibilities, but I’m totally in the dark about how to handle them.

Navigating Uncharted Waters: Starting from Scratch in Cybersecurity Management

Taking on new responsibilities in a job can be both exciting and daunting, especially when those responsibilities involve areas far outside your expertise. This is a situation I recently found myself in after starting a new position, where I unexpectedly became the person responsible for managing our cybersecurity efforts.

During my interview, I was under the impression that lending a hand with technical issues was just a small part of my role. However, shortly after joining the team, I realized I was to be the primary caretaker of cybersecurity for a company that had no established protocols in place. Prior to my arrival, this vital aspect of the business had been virtually neglected. Despite my enthusiasm for taking on this challenge, I found myself without any formal training or certifications in the field.

Fortunately, my new company is not currently under intense scrutiny, but that is expected to change soon as we look to elevate our profile in the industry. To prepare for this transition, we have plans to bring in a security consultant; however, I want to ensure that we present ourselves as competent and ready for their guidance. The pressure is on, and it’s now my responsibility to lay down a foundation before that expert arrives.

So, where do I begin on this daunting journey into the realm of cybersecurity?

Setting the Stage for Cybersecurity Essentials

1. Assessing the Current Situation: The first step is to understand the current state of our digital infrastructure. What systems do we use? What data do we handle? Mapping this out will give me an idea of our vulnerabilities.

2. Educating Myself: Knowing I lack formal training, I plan to take advantage of the wealth of online resources available. Free webinars, courses, and industry articles can help me familiarize myself with the basics of cybersecurity best practices.

3. Establishing Basic Protocols: Even without an extensive background, I can initiate basic security measures. This includes implementing strong password policies, ensuring software is updated, and introducing multi-factor authentication.

4. Documenting Everything: Keeping detailed records of what I’ve learned and the protocols I’ve implemented will be crucial. This documentation will not only help in assessing our progress but will also serve as a useful resource for the consultant when they arrive.

5. Engaging My Team: Cybersecurity isn’t just the responsibility of one person; it’s a team effort. I will involve my colleagues by conducting training sessions and sparking conversations