Securing digital transformation needs to be a priority for any organization looking to adopt new technologies, whether it's mobile, the cloud, IoT, Big Data, and/or interconnected networks. Traditional firewalls are woefully inadequate in keeping your organization safe during a major transition.

Digital transformation requires a different approach to cybersecurity altogether, and digital transformation and security transformation need to be thought of in tandem, not in isolation.

Follow these best practices to ensure better digital transformation cybersecurity.

Do Monitor Security Threats

All too often, cyberattacks occur at the least opportune times, like the long weekend, Christmas day, or when your security specialist happens to be on vacation. Is this an accident? Not a chance. Hackers are waiting in the wings to exploit your vulnerabilities, orchestrating attacks when you aren't expecting them.

Constant and ongoing monitoring with vulnerability scanners is key to your success in securing digital transformation.

Do Take Advantage of Emerging Technologies

Cybersecurity threats continually evolve. If you rely on the software and technologies of yesteryear, you could quickly fall behind and become more vulnerable to cyberattacks with each passing day.

Many emerging technologies are practically applicable to cybersecurity and can help prevent new threats in real-time. For instance, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can help reduce false alarms and help you focus on the analysis of relevant data.

Do Create a Cybersecurity Digital Transformation Plan

Companies will often create a plan for their network security after the fact instead of starting with it. A better approach would be to involve and consult with security experts like Indusface at the outset, ensuring your bases are covered. 

This process guarantees that relevant measures are employed consistently with standardized processes across your organization.

Do Use Threat Intelligence Data

The use of threat intelligence allows you to identify your security vulnerabilities. As a result, you can continually improve your digital transformation cybersecurity. Whether it's attack type and methodologies, IP geolocation, or other key details, threat intelligence can veil the mystery of attackers and empower you with intelligence to improve your security.

For example, a web application firewall (WAF) with threat intelligence capabilities leverages advanced protection against emerging threats. 

Do Test Your Security

Waiting for a cyberattack in hopes that you'll be able to identify the issue and secure your network quickly is naive and even dangerous. A better approach is to regularly test your own security systems, ensuring they are functioning and checking if any vulnerabilities need to be addressed.

Don't Forget to Educate Your Team

Securing digital transformation isn't just for your IT experts or helpdesk. It's often said that you're only as strong as the weakest link in the chain, which applies to your digital transformation cybersecurity as much as anything else. 

Whether it's training sessions, internal wikis, or cybersecurity awareness measures, invest in your staff to know potential risks and threats and don't easily fall prey to ransomware and other threats.

Don't Silo Securing Digital Transformation

This goes hand in hand with the former point. Security is no longer the exclusive domain of the IT department or specialist, and organizations must begin viewing their network as a connected whole because it already is. The entirety of the network needs to be protected, not just a piece of it. Cybersecurity is the responsibility of the entire company.

Don't Ignore Shadow IT

Users are taking advantage of various devices, applications, software, services, and other information technology systems without the IT department's knowledge or explicit approval. Since securing digital information is a holistic, comprehensive process, ignoring Shadow IT can open the doors to vulnerabilities you aren't even aware of.

Take inventory of every possible device and contingency if security is a priority.

Don't Turn a Blind Eye to Internal Threats

Companies often assume the greatest threats come from the outside. But this isn't always the case. Suppose you don't have internal security measures. In that case, you could be open to the greatest threats, whether it's a "trusted" consultant, disgruntled employee, or a team member's spouse "jumping on the computer" to check her email.

Adopt a zero-trust security model that requires ongoing security verification for best results.

Don't Forget to Lean on The Data

Digital transformation may be inevitable, but many companies move initiatives without a clear plan. They aren't clear on what their digital transformation should even look like! Even executives can overlook critical data points and potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed for your new cybersecurity practices to work.

Identify the digital transformation goal, process, and scope, and create a strategy based on the data.

Conclusion

The importance of cybersecurity in digital transformation simply can't be underestimated. Digital transformation initiatives are fine, but you may open your organization to risks never intended if you forget the security component. Securing digital transformation is therefore critical to the entire process.

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