Terry Cutler, CEO of Cyology Labs poses the questions that businesses and organizations should be asking to ensure they have robust cybersecurity.

Are you keeping pace?

As a business leader, you have a lot on your plate such as revenue goals, strategic planning, market competition and talent management.

But let me ask you something: are you confident that your cybersecurity strategy is as solid as your growth strategy?

It’s an uncomfortable question, but in today’s world, ignoring it could mean the difference between thriving and becoming the next headline.

Let’s have an honest conversation about this.

Your IT team might be amazing at keeping the lights on and ensuring your systems are up and running, but cybersecurity requires a different level of focus and expertise.

Hackers evolve daily and if your business isn’t adapting at the same pace or faster, you’re already behind.

Here’s five critical questions you should be asking right now:

1. What are our most valuable digital assets and are they adequately protected?

Most organizations don’t even realize the full scope of their digital crown jewels.

Customer data, intellectual property, proprietary processes and financial information are often the first targets in a breach.

If you can’t clearly identify your critical assets and how they’re being protected, that’s a red flag.

You need proper asset management.

2. How often are we conducting cybersecurity risk assessments?

If your IT team says “once a year,” that’s not enough.

The threat landscape changes far too quickly for an annual review to keep you safe.

Cybersecurity assessments should be a continuous process, not a one-and-done checkbox on a compliance form.

3. Are we ready for a ransomware attack?

Ransomware is the elephant in the room. It’s no longer a matter of if you’ll be targeted but when.

Do you have a clear, actionable plan in place for before, during and after an attack?

Have you tested that plan with a real-world simulation?

Here’s the kicker: most companies think they’re prepared, only to discover during an attack that their backups were incomplete or poorly protected.

4. Are we training our employees to spot and prevent cyber-threats?

Your employees are the first line of defense or the weakest link in your cybersecurity chain.

A simple phishing email can bypass millions of dollars in security investments with a single click.

Ask yourself: when was the last time your team received meaningful, engaging training on spotting and reporting threats?

Remember, hackers aren’t trying to hack your firewall and get detected.

I mean why would they when all they have to do is send a crafty looking email to one of your employees and have them click on a link they shouldn’t have.

5. Have we validated our IT team’s cybersecurity capabilities?

I know this might be an uncomfortable question. After all, you trust your IT team.

But cybersecurity is a specialized field and not every IT professional has the skills to handle today’s sophisticated threats.

Are you confident they have what it takes to protect your business? If you feel even a shred of doubt, it’s time to involve a third-party expert to validate their approach.

The reality is, no one wants to believe they’re vulnerable, but the truth is that cyber-criminals thrive on complacency.

You might think your IT team has you covered and they might have the best intentions, but hope is not a strategy.

A proactive approach, including bringing in cybersecurity experts, can save you from devastating losses.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – your business, reputation and future depend on it.

Terry Cutler

Terry is a well-known cybersecurity expert and CEO of Cyology Labs.

He is the author of the best-selling book “Insider Secrets to Internet Safety: Advice from a Professional Hacker,” which is available on Amazon.

Terry is also the creator of the Internet Safety University training program that caters to non-technical individuals and he holds the position of a federal government cleared cybersecurity expert.

This article was originally published in the special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.