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Posted August 20, 2020
Running a tech business means being hands-on with matters concerning security in your network systems. This calls for the implementation of cybersecurity safeguards, failure to which could result in the loss of client’s confidential information, financial penalties as well as the loss of reputation. Effective cybersecurity programs that focus on gap analysis processes are what you need given their effectiveness in keeping up with changes in the tech world. With this practice, you get to understand what your business needs and how to achieve your target goals. Here is what security gap analysis is all about and how it can streamline your cybersecurity program.
Cybersecurity gap analysis refers to a process that helps organizations determine the difference in their current state of information security to specific requirements. By conducting a gap analysis process, you can identify how far away you are from the industry’s best standards, such as ISO 27001. Note that while gap analysis is often used interchangeably with risk assessment, the two are different. A gap analysis report cannot identify cybersecurity threats. As such, a risk assessment comes in handy here to help you evaluate which security controls prove useful in safeguarding your business from potential harm. A gap analysis process will, however, help you identify which security systems are in place.
Here are the essential steps that you need while implementing a gap analysis report.
Choosing an industry security framework is the first step in your gap analysis process. By doing this, you can determine which direction you are headed. Industry frameworks act as benchmarks that you can compare your network systems against. An ISO 27001 will, for instance, ensure you cover practices detailing access controls as well as physical security. To get the best comparisons of your gap analysis process, go for external consultations. Your security team is accustomed to your current controls and may not be able to identify any differences in your ideal standards with objectivity.
The next step of the gap analysis process requires you to vet your team and IT processes. Here, your cybersecurity experts collect information on elements such as your IT systems, applications usage, security policies as well as your workforce. By paying attention to these details, your security experts can identify areas prone to risks, breaches, and lagging on your chosen frameworks.
Interviewing employees will identify how secure your network controls are. Reducing risks and scaling up to industry standards means understanding whether your workforce is adequately trained to handle potential breaches such as phishing in emails. This second IT security gap analysis also helps evaluate whether your business has the right controls to mitigate future security needs.
Next comes the data gathering stage. Here, your organization’s security controls are subjected to comparison tests. Frameworks such as ISO 27001 or the NIST are used to evaluate your technical controls such as network applications, server applications and security controls. This cybersecurity gap analysis step allows you to get a preview of how your security protocols will hold up in case a breach occurs. It also helps you to identify if there are any weaknesses in your systems. It is one of the most crucial stages when it comes to identifying the most effective security processes best suited to your organization.
Lastly is the gap analysis step. The gap analysis stage consolidates your cybersecurity controls, with findings identifying where your weak links lie as well as your secure areas. The result is a gap analysis report with actionable steps on how to move forward in areas such as your staffing needs, technical assessments and the time frame for implementing your improved security measures.
A gap analysis process requires businesses to adhere to controls such as the ISO 27001 and the NIST, which comes with benefits like;
A gap analysis process is a highly valued component in the tech world, due to:
As previously mentioned, a gap analysis process differs from risk assessment practices. However, they can be used together and have been found effective in understanding how controls will prove useful in the long run. For instance, they will allow you to evaluate which cybersecurity systems to implement, especially those that will help attain the ISO 27001. You can also use risk assessment measures to determine the probability and the extent of damage, while a gap analysis report identifies the maximum security controls necessary. Simply put, pairing these two measures allows you to identify feasible alternatives needed for maintaining the highest cybersecurity practices.
Navigating the tech world means adopting agile processes, top of which includes reliable cybersecurity systems. A security gap analysis is an essential step in any cybersecurity program. When choosing a gap analysis solution, it is critical to work with professionals for your needs. GreyCastle Security are experts in cybersecurity gap analysis reports for businesses in the tech sector. To learn more about how our gap analysis services can benefit you, contact us today for a consultation.
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Ho Chin is Chief Financial Officer at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Ho leads Finance, HR, IT and Professional Development. As part of the executive leadership team, Ho works to establish the company’s overall strategy and ensure proper execution of the supporting initiatives pertaining to the above areas of responsibility.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Ho led finance and administrative functions at multiple private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies across multiple industries. Ho holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Prior to becoming CEO, Dan served as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, during which he supported multiple acquisitions and helped the organization achieve substantial sales growth. In addition to serving as CEO at GreyCastle Security, Dan continues to hold the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Assured information Security (AIS) in Rome, New York, a company he co-founded in 2001.
Over the course of the last 22 years, Dan has been committed to advancing the state of cybersecurity and has played an instrumental role in the identification and development of critical, next-generation cyber capabilities. He has held positions in almost every facet of cybersecurity, beginning as a computer forensic examiner and progressing through the management and executive leadership ranks. In addition to co-founding AIS, Dan has facilitated multiple cybersecurity startups, raised investment capital and has served in various lead and support roles toward the acquisition of five companies in the last eight years.
Dan has a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Utica College in Utica, New York.
Michael Stamas is an entrepreneur, board member, Vice President and a founder of GreyCastle Security. With more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, Mike pairs his management and business development skills with a deep understanding of cybersecurity. Mike brings a unique brand of risk-based advising to GreyCastle clients and prospects.
Mike holds certifications in numerous security and technology related areas, including the Department of Homeland Security and other security technologies like Symantec, Cisco and Microsoft.
Mike plays an active role in his community and serves as a board member and Vice President of InfraGard Albany as well as an advisory board position with the Capital Region YMCA.
Mike has been recognized for his numerous achievements through various honors including the Albany Business Review’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
Dan Maynard serves as GreyCastle Security’s Chief Operating Officer, where he currently leads Sales, Marketing and Legal.
Dan has enjoyed a 30+ year career in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industry, during which time he has held various leadership positions for organizations such as Rochester Tel/RCI, Citizens Communications (Frontier), PAETEC Communications, IntegraOptics, tw telecom/Level3 and Centurylink.
In addition to various voice and data technology platforms, he possesses a strong background in leadership development, sales and marketing leadership, transformational leadership and strategic planning. Dan has a thirst for knowledge and as a committed lifelong learner, he encourages and supports professional development initiatives for his teams and continues his involvement with Vistage International.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was selected as a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
When not at work, Dan enjoys traveling, golfing, attending Utica Comets hockey games and relaxing in the Adirondacks on beautiful Canada Lake with family and friends.
Dan Didier is the Vice President of Solutions and board member at GreyCastle Security.
Dan has been a cybersecurity practitioner for more than 20 years and uses his knowledge and experience to develop cybersecurity solutions that ensure readiness and preparedness.
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
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Prior to this role, Francesca was Director of People & Culture at GreyCastle and with her leadership, the company’s culture has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as a Nationally recognized Best Workplace, Albany Business Review Best Places to Work and Albany Times Union Top Workplaces.
Before joining GreyCastle Security, Francesca worked as an OD consultant and focused on strategic culture change at The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. for more than six years. There, she facilitated client education sessions, coached leaders and teams, developed and executed consulting interventions and served as strategy project leader on various client engagements. Her work has taken her into Fortune 100 companies and across borders including Panama, Singapore and beyond.
Francesca is a Lean Six Sigma–certified Green Belt, a proud YWCA-GCR board member and in 2013, she coordinated and emceed the inaugural TEDx Troy—a livestream of TEDCity 2.0. Since 2012, she has coordinated and emceed the Troy 100 Forum, a biannual forum for government, religious and community leaders to discuss issues vital to the future of Troy, New York.
Bilingual in English and Italian, Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Technology from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management & Technology. She was awarded Cybersecurity Recruiter of the year North America in 2017 by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
Jamie Aiello is Senior Vice President of Services and Product Management at GreyCastle Security. In this position, Jamie is responsible for leading a high performing and well-balanced team that is ultimately responsible for the identification, selection, execution and successful performance of our company’s diverse portfolio of cybersecurity offerings.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Jamie has held leadership positions with Annese and Associates, ConvergeOne and BlueSky IT Partners with a focus on delivering cost effective information technology solutions for companies across multiple verticals.
Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.