Federal agencies must prioritize mission-centered cyber response to protect data

March 6, 2024
1 min read

TLDR:

Government agencies need to shift to a mission-centered cyber response to address the increasing cyber threats they face. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2023 Report shows that a breach in the public sector can cost up to $2.6 million. A mission-centered cyber response involves focusing on serving the agency’s mission while also protecting against cyberattacks. This includes involving the entire organization in cybersecurity preparation and response, providing training to all employees, and creating a security culture where every employee sees cybersecurity as a key part of their role.

Article Summary:

Government agencies are facing increasing cyber threats, as highlighted by major incidents like the SolarWinds cyberattack and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2023 Report shows the high cost of breaches in the public sector, emphasizing the need for agencies to shift to a mission-centered cyber response.

A mission-centered cyber response involves focusing on serving the agency’s mission while also protecting against cyberattacks. This includes involving the entire organization in cybersecurity preparation and response. Legal and general counsel, labor and human resources, employee communication, and external communication all play crucial roles in crafting a comprehensive cyber response plan.

Creating a security culture within the organization is essential for an effective cyber response. This involves ensuring that every employee understands the role they play in cybersecurity and receives appropriate training. Training for all employees should include technical and practical aspects to prepare them for identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats.

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