Following the password hygiene tips we provided in our most recent newsletters, we thought we would take a look at “spring cleaning” your IT processes to make sure you are getting what you need – when you need it – from your infrastructure.
Reshaping your IT
Our IT is so deeply embedded in our everyday lives that it’s tempting to think “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. However, our environment doesn’t stand still and our office and home devices don’t last forever. So, what can you do?
- Review your processes and procedures – what worked yesterday might not be optimal for the future
- Know your risks – from key infrastructure to data access to cyber security, understanding what your risks are is vital to working out how you can manage them
- Develop a disaster recovery plan – we all know things can go wrong but having a plan already in place to get you back on your feet is essential
- Pay attention to data and file sharing privileges – these should always be on a need-to-know basis but when a project ends or data is no longer needed, make sure you have “cleaned house”
- Don’t put it off – tackling everything, everywhere, all at once can be overwhelming so think “How to eat an elephant” and start making new habits
Supply chain cyber security
You will all be familiar with the physical supply chain issues from the Covid pandemic but have you ever thought about potential cyber security ones? The NCSC has recently published this piece on mapping your supply chain noting, “Understanding who your suppliers are, what they provide and how they provide will help you manage the cyber security risks that can arise.” The Royal Mail ransomware attack perhaps provides interesting context with recent reports (including this Infosecurity Magazine piece) alleging that Lockbit had leaked negotiations between itself and Royal Mail regarding its multimillion pound ransom demand.