The three pillars of cybersecurity – people, process, and technology

People, process, and technology are the three most important pillars of cybersecurity that are essential for creating a comprehensive and effective cybersecurity strategy. If any of the people, process, or technology pillars are missing or inadequate in a cybersecurity strategy, it can significantly weaken the overall security posture of an organization and increase the risk of cyber threats. It will be as effective as a two-legged stool, unable to bear the full weight of an organization’s security requirements. The following figure explains how each pillar is crucial for cybersecurity and, if missing, what impact it can bring to defect cybersecurity:

Figure 1.7 – Three pillars of cybersecurity

Let us look at these areas in detail:

• People: The people pillar refers to the human element of cybersecurity, including employees, contractors, and other stakeholders. People are an important part of any cybersecurity strategy because they can be both the weakest link and the strongest asset. Properly trained and aware employees can help prevent security breaches and quickly respond to incidents, while employees who lack awareness and training can inadvertently create security risks. To ensure the people pillar is strong, organizations should provide cybersecurity training to all employees, implement policies and procedures for cybersecurity best practices, and establish a culture of security awareness.

  If the people pillar is missing or inadequate, it can lead to security risks such as human error, insider threats, and social engineering attacks. Employees who lack cybersecurity awareness and training may inadvertently click on phishing emails or download malware, putting sensitive data at risk. Insider threats, where employees intentionally steal or leak data, can also be a significant risk if proper access controls and monitoring are not in place.

• Process: The process pillar refers to the policies, procedures, and standards that govern an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. Effective processes are important for ensuring that security controls are consistently applied, security incidents are identified and responded to promptly, and risks are managed effectively. To ensure the process pillar is strong, organizations should implement a cybersecurity framework such as NIST or ISO, conduct regular risk assessments, establish incident response plans, and regularly review and update policies and procedures.

  If the process pillar is missing or inadequate, it can lead to inconsistent or ineffective security controls and responses to incidents. Without established policies and procedures, organizations may not know how to respond to security incidents, which could result in delays and increased damage. Risk assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response plans are all essential components of a strong process pillar.

• Technology: The technology pillar refers to the hardware, software, and other technological solutions that are used to protect an organization’s systems and data. Technology is an important part of any cybersecurity strategy because it can help automate security controls and provide real-time threat intelligence. However, technology alone is not enough to ensure security. To ensure the technology pillar is strong, organizations should implement a layered DiD approach, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, endpoint protection, encryption, and other security controls.

  If the technology pillar is missing or inadequate, it can leave systems and data vulnerable to a wide range of cyber threats. Without proper security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, cybercriminals may be able to breach systems and steal or damage sensitive data. Additionally, outdated software and systems can leave vulnerabilities open for exploitation.

Overall, by focusing on the three pillars of cybersecurity – people, process, and technology – organizations can create a comprehensive and effective cybersecurity strategy that is designed to protect against a wide range of cyber threats. Weakness in any of these pillars can have significant implications for an organization’s cybersecurity. However, it is easier said than done when it comes to building a well-balanced program between these three pillars. Too often, organizations lack a solid foundation in all three pillars, which makes them vulnerable. In many cases, organizations look for managed service providers (MSPs) to get a more stable cybersecurity platform to protect their critical assets.

Now that you understand the three important pillars of cybersecurity, let us understand another important concept called the Zero Trust model.