How to Create a Cybersecurity Program

Here are the key takeaways from this blog:

• Start with a self-assessment: Understand what data you're storing, audit systems and devices, and evaluate your current security level in quantitative metrics to identify gaps.
• Know your threats: Identify common internal and external risks, like hackers, rogue employees, or overly permissive access, that your organization faces.
• Build a defense strategy: Develop a tailored cybersecurity plan that includes protocols, access controls, testing, and ongoing updates to protect sensitive information.
• Consider consulting with third-party experts: Partnering with Rivial can help address resource gaps, enhance your defenses, and align your program with evolving risks and industry standards.
  
  

If you’re feeling the need to update your current cybersecurity program but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Many organizations struggle with the same challenge: how to modernize their defenses without overwhelming their team or breaking the budget.

The good news is that improving your cybersecurity program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with asking the right questions, which we’ll cover in this blog. 

This blog will walk you through key questions to help assess your current program, identify gaps, and prioritize improvements.

Steps For Building a Cybersecurity Program

1. Think about the data your company stores

To know how to protect your data, you need to have a firm grasp on all of the information you are presently storing. In the case of financial institutions you are likely securing banking details, account numbers, credit card numbers, etc… This type of data must be secured with a higher level of protection than innocuous files.

2. Audit your systems, devices, and processes

Before you can create a program, you should also take an inventory of the devices storing data that need protecting - from computers in your building to cloud storage providers being used. If the goal is to protect all of the devices in your organization as well as your website, your servers, etc… start by noting each item and what systems are currently in place to protect the data within them (i.e. strong passwords, multi factor authentication, segmented access, and so on).

3. Determine your current security level

Do you consider your company to be level low, moderate, or high in terms of how secure your data is?

Low - Few, if any employees have training on how to handle cybersecurity threats. And, current IT security policies are minimal at best.

Moderate - Most employees have an understanding of current risks and protocols for handling a breach. Your company also has measures in place to detect most threats, and eliminate them.

High - This is the level you should aspire to. At this security level, everyone working for or with your company, including vendors, understands the latest cybersecurity threats and practices. You also have multi-layered, ironclad defenses to curb the most dangerous of external as well as internal threats. Furthermore, you have policies in place for how to stop problems in their tracks, and recover from a security breach quickly.

4. List the most common threats

Knowing the threats you’re up against is critical if you hope to develop a good defense. Your threats might include, but aren’t limited to:

• Cybercriminals/hackers/extortionists
• Internal threats such as a disgruntled employee or ex-employee
• Competitors 
• Users who are given too much access (i.e. third-party vendors, employees, shareholders, and even customers)

5. Craft a defense plan

You know what you’re storing. You’ve audited your systems and processes, and have determined your current security level. The most common threats you’re facing have also been named. Now it’s time to finally craft a strong defense plan, and put protocols in place to keep your company as safe as possible from potential breaches.

This may mean hiring security teams to do penetration testing and vulnerability scanning. It could also mean installing better locks on your doors, and implementing stronger passwords or controlling access. The key is to write out a plan, and then tweak and adjust as needed to lock down your data, and keep it out of the hands of unauthorized users.

Don’t go it alone

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, requiring specialized expertise and resources. Hurdles such as limited staffing, competing priorities, and budget constraints often add to the difficulties in maintaining an effective program which is why partnering with a trusted third-party expert can make all the difference.

A reputable cybersecurity partner brings deep technical knowledge and a fresh perspective on your organization’s unique risks that can help identify gaps, provide tailored recommendations, and help implement practical strategies to strengthen your defenses. Beyond risk mitigation, they ensure your program stays aligned with evolving industry standards and threats, offering ongoing support and freeing up your team to focus on core business goals. Partnering with experts not only improves your security posture but also gives you peace of mind, knowing your data—and your customers’ trust—are protected.

Where to Go From Here

Now that you have the basics covered, it’s time to put a plan into action. 

If you need guidance not only on your current cybersecurity needs but also on aligning them with future business goals—whether it’s scaling your architecture, moving to the cloud, adding new systems, or preparing for future audits—schedule a call with one of our consultants. We're here to help you navigate the process with confidence.