Transforming Cybersecurity Posture with Virtual CISO Services
Arcova enhanced cybersecurity for a global manufacturer by implementing CIS Top 20 controls framework, closing gaps, and providing strategic recommendations.
Project Information
- Client: Global Manufacturing Company
- Services: Virtual CISO (vCISO)
- Framework: CIS Top 20 Controls
- Sector: Manufacturing & Industrial
Challenge
Our client approached us for assistance in enhancing their cybersecurity posture and reducing the risk of data breaches to an acceptable level for executive management and the business. With no dedicated Information Security team, they relied on a small IT department to perform cybersecurity activities.
To achieve a more robust state of preparedness, we leveraged a cybersecurity control framework to identify best practices for adoption. These practices were specific, measurable, and defined by completion dates. This approach allowed the client to understand the control gaps in their current model and work with us to develop a remediation plan to close those vulnerabilities and enhance their cyber capabilities. It is worth noting that the client had experienced data breaches in the past.
Solution
In close partnership with the client, we executed our plan using the Center for Internet Security's (CIS) Critical Security Controls for Effective Cyber Defense. This framework comprises 20 controls based on the latest information about common attacks and reflects the collective knowledge of commercial forensics experts, penetration testers, and U.S. government agencies. The CIS Top 20 is widely recognized as "Best Practices" for securing IT systems and data against attacks and is applicable to the Internet of Things (IoT). It supports controls mapping to many compliance standards, such as NIST and ISO.
Our solution involved analyzing the current capability against the CIS v7 Controls Framework. We prioritized control gaps for review and disposition, developed global security policies, and validated current configurations to harden the existing security model.
Impact
Our engagement provided the client with clear visibility into their current cybersecurity capabilities, risks, and control gaps. Our recommendations focused on quick-win opportunities to efficiently close gaps, while also proposing longer-term efforts to implement and test cyber controls across the CIS Top 20 in a practical and cost-effective manner. We developed a detailed implementation roadmap, prioritizing initiatives to build out cyber controls around people, processes, and technology. Additionally, we provided actionable recommendations for building out their Information Security program from a governance and organizational perspective, including ongoing testing and continuous improvement processes.
Key Results
Enhanced Cybersecurity Posture
Implemented the CIS Top 20 controls, significantly reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.
Quick-Win Opportunities
Efficiently closed immediate security gaps, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Long-Term Strategy
Developed a comprehensive implementation roadmap, prioritizing initiatives to build out cyber controls around people, processes, and technology.
Improved Governance
Provided actionable recommendations for building out the Information Security program, including ongoing testing and continuous improvement processes.
Increased Visibility
Gave the client clear visibility into their current cybersecurity capabilities, risks, and control gaps.