Salutations to all the CISOs, Cyber Managers, and Directors out there. If you have the time could you go through these steps in setting up a cybersecurity program from the scratch and offer your thoughts? A dozen thanks in advance for the suggestions and tips. You can also use the link at the very bottom if viewing/downloading the stand-alone PDF is better.
Setup
A Cybersecurity Program From Scratch
from ChatGPT 4
This is for a 200 user
office.
Step 1: Identify
1. **Risk Assessment**: Use tools like Tenable Nessus for
comprehensive vulnerability scanning.
2. **Asset Management**: Implement an asset management
system using IBM Maximo.
3. **Business Environment Understanding**: Collaborate with
department heads using collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams for insights.
4. **Governance**: Develop policies and procedures with
guidance from frameworks like ISO 27001.
Step 2: Protect
1. **Access Control**: Deploy Cisco Identity Services Engine
(ISE) for network access control.
2. **Awareness and Training**: Use KnowBe4 for cybersecurity
awareness training.
3. **Data Security**: Implement Symantec Endpoint Protection
for data encryption and security.
4. **Maintenance**: Use ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus for
system updates and patching.
5. **Protective Technology**: Install Cisco ASA 5525-X
Firewalls for network protection.
Step 3: Detect
1. **Anomalies and Events**: Utilize Splunk Enterprise for
security information and event management (SIEM).
2. **Continuous Monitoring**: Implement SolarWinds Network
Performance Monitor for network monitoring.
3. **Detection Processes**: Establish processes using Splunk
insights and alerts.
Step 4: Respond
1. **Response Planning**: Document incident response plans
using Microsoft SharePoint for organization and accessibility.
2. **Communications**: Set up a rapid response communication
channel with Slack.
3. **Analysis**: Utilize IBM QRadar for in-depth incident
analysis.
4. **Mitigation**: Have a ready-to-deploy response toolkit
with tools like Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP).
Step 5: Recover
1. **Recovery Planning**: Use Veeam Backup & Replication
for data recovery solutions.
2. **Improvements**: Post-incident, update protocols and
tools based on lessons learned.
3. **Communications**: Prepare templates for external
communication in the event of an incident using MailChimp.
Continuous Improvement
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented tools
and adapt as needed.
- Engage in ongoing training and certification programs for
staff on the latest cybersecurity practices.
- Stay updated with cybersecurity trends and evolve the
program accordingly.
LINK TO STAND-ALONE DOCUMENT
HIRING
### During the Initial Phase (Identify and Early Protect
Phase)
1. **Cybersecurity Program Manager**: This is one of the
first roles to hire. This individual will oversee the development and
implementation of the cybersecurity program, coordinate the team, and ensure
alignment with business objectives.
2. **Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer**: Responsible for
conducting the initial risk assessment, identifying vulnerabilities, and
starting the implementation of protective measures. This role involves hands-on
technical work, including setting up firewalls (like pfSense), and other
security measures.
### During the Protect Phase
3. **Network Security Specialist**: Once you start setting
up network security measures (like firewalls, VPNs, etc.), a specialist in
network security is crucial. They will configure and maintain these systems,
ensuring robust network defense.
4. **Systems Administrator with a Security Focus**:
Responsible for implementing and maintaining the overall IT infrastructure with
a focus on security, including the deployment of updates and patches.
### During the Detect Phase
5. **Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst**: As you
implement detection systems like Security Onion for SIEM, a SOC analyst becomes
crucial. They monitor, analyze, and respond to security alerts.
### During the Respond and Recover Phases
6. **Incident Response Manager/Coordinator**: Hired to
develop and manage the incident response plan. They lead the efforts in case of
a security breach and coordinate the response.
7. **Disaster Recovery Specialist**: Focuses on implementing
and maintaining the recovery solutions like Clonezilla and ensuring that data
backup and recovery processes are robust and tested.
### Throughout the Process
8. **Cybersecurity Trainer/Educator**: Responsible for
developing and delivering ongoing cybersecurity training to the staff, a key
component of the Protect phase.
9. **Compliance Officer**: Particularly important if the
business operates in a regulated industry. This role ensures that cybersecurity
policies and procedures comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
### Continuous Improvement Phase
10. **IT Auditor/Cybersecurity Auditor**: Hired to regularly
assess the effectiveness of the cybersecurity measures, identify gaps, and
recommend improvements.
### Additional Considerations
- **Outsourcing Options**: For an office with 200 endpoints,
consider whether some roles could be outsourced, especially highly specialized
ones, to managed security service providers (MSSPs).
- **Cross-Training**: Encourage cross-training among your IT
staff. For example, a systems administrator might also be trained in basic
incident response or network security.
- **Professional Development**: Invest in
continuous professional development for your cybersecurity team, including
certifications and training in the latest cybersecurity trends and
technologies.
