Increase cyber 
resilience step by step

An IT infrastructure is cyber-resilient if it is able to withstand disruptions, enables flexible reactions and, at best, ensures that processes in the company can run largely undamaged and without interruption. We have compiled important information and experiences in our comprehensive whitepaper on the topic of "Cyber Resilience - Resistance in the Digital Age". The guide explains what cyber resilience exactly is, why SMEs should urgently address it and which concrete steps make sense. Here is a brief overview of our most important recommendations:

• Conduct an as-is analysis that identifies the critical assets in your company and your individual threat situation. Rank the different factors according to their importance for business continuity and assess the risk potential. Critically question how long certain components can fail before significant damage occurs.
• A comprehensive security concept is the basis for the effective protection of your IT infrastructure and the processes based on it. Also consider authentication solutions and other strong security mechanisms.
• Cyber criminals are not the only threat to your IT infrastructure; unavoidable events such as natural disasters, pandemics or technical disruptions outside your company can also lead to problems. Expand your security concept accordingly and take appropriate measures.

• Think about a zero-trust strategy. Here, every access request, no matter from which device or via which connection, must first be verified before it is forwarded. Authentication via identity and role-based access rights increases security throughout the system.
• Confidential data needs special protection - not only because regulations such as the GDPR require it, but also because it is business-critical. Companies should know exactly what data they have, where it is stored and who has access to it.
• Mobile working, home office and similar remote working scenarios are becoming more and more part of everyday business life. Make sure that your employees can also access all necessary applications securely and efficiently while on the road or at home.
• People make mistakes. Therefore, include the "human factor" in your security considerations. Make your employees aware of all security risks and train them regularly. Establish an insider risk management and secure the support of the management.

These seven points can only give a first impression of how cyber resilience can be achieved. Our most important recommendation: develop a holistic concept that fits into your business strategy and start planning. We discuss many more detailed questions in our whitepaper, and we are also available for individual consultation.