Preparation is paramount for many companies as States and Territories slowly ease up on their lockdowns, and none is more important than maintaining information resilience by managing cybersecurity risks and data privacy regulations.
Organizations are currently reviewing their guidelines such as planning one-way systems, implementing staggered start and finish times, reviewing the effectiveness of safety controls and measures, and taking immediate action to improve those that are not effective.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this includes reassessing system networks, reviewing Shadow ITˡ activity, or bring your own device (BYOD) usage. While for data protection, the focus will be on workstation changes, employee health data, data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) and transparency.
Focused on supporting companies across all industry sectors in planning their reopening and developing a sustainable methodology, business improvement company BSI has outlined ten cybersecurity and data protection essentials that should be considered:
BSI has developed a self-assessment questionnaire for organizations that measures their readiness to reopen based on their cybersecurity and data governance implications. This questionnaire is accessible on their website.
“The last few months have tested many organizations of all shapes and sizes across the globe. Many needed to adapt quickly to the restrictions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees and clients, with remote working being activated, and IT systems tested and reconfigured to remain effective,” BSI’s Global Practice Director for Cyber, Risk and Advisory Stephen O’Boyle said.
“While there were many challenges, including the increase in cyber threats and risks, and data privacy concerns, it also provided organizations with the opportunity to customize, review, update and improve their response planning and enhance their business continuity plans to prepare for the phased reopening.”
Director O’Boyle stated that an organization should be focused on opening safely by listening to its cybersecurity and data governance needs. He also stated that those responsible for the safety during the transition should also be part of the planning process to ensure strict adherence to protocols.
With these in mind, organisations will be able to operate in a more secure, safe, sustainable, trusted, and resilient manner, protecting their people, information and reputation.
Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving digital economy, not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.