Impact Global Solutions’ Post

It was great to have Roman Kepczyk of Rightworks on to share his perspective on how we can help address staffing within the profession and share some invaluable advice around IT Security when it comes to growing a global team. IT & Cyber are always one of the top concerns when it comes to offshoring or outsourcing so listen to an expert share how you can do it securely!

Feeling stuck when it comes to your accounting firm's cybersecurity strategy? Rightworks' Roman Kepczyk offers a wealth of knowledge. Check out his latest guest appearance on Impact Global Solutions' podcast! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #cybersecurity #accountingandaccountants #cpas #accounting

Very insightful episode with Laurence Whittam from Impact Global Solutions and Roman Kepczyk from Rightworks!

Three in five (60%) SMEs have not increased IT security training since going hybrid, where remote work can pose a bigger risk, and only two in five (41%) small businesses cover hybrid working in their IT training. This is such a big risk surface for all businesses and it is not a corner that should be cut.

In the fast-paced world of IT, administrators and network specialists are often seen as the unsung heroes who keep systems running smoothly. Their primary focus has traditionally been on ensuring that everything works seamlessly, from setting up servers to managing networks. However, this operational focus can sometimes lead to an unintended oversight—security. 🧩The Challenge of Security Integration While IT professionals possess a wealth of technical knowledge, their expertise often revolves around functionality rather than security. This can create a significant challenge when it comes to implementing robust cybersecurity measures. In fact, many organizations find that their IT teams may unintentionally oppose security protocols, viewing them as obstacles to efficiency rather than essential safeguards. 🛑Misconfigurations: A Silent Threat Recent reports have identified misconfigurations by IT staff as a leading cause of data breaches, surpassing even end-user errors. High-profile incidents, such as those at Target, Equifax, and Capital One, highlight how seemingly minor oversights can lead to major vulnerabilities. The underlying issue? IT professionals, while skilled in their domains, often lack the specialized training needed to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. 📚The Need for Tailored Training To address this gap, specialized training for IT professionals is not just beneficial - it’s essential. Standard end-user training falls short for these roles. Instead, targeted, short-format technical training can equip IT staff with the skills needed to secure systems without compromising their primary responsibilities. Key training areas include: - Security Maintenance: Understanding security hygiene and configuration management. - Authentication and Authorization: Implementing multi-factor authentication and proper permission settings. - Security Program Management: Integrating security into risk management and understanding the CIA Triad. - Attack Mitigation: Learning to respond effectively to breaches and restore normal operations. 🤝Overcoming Resistance and Building Collaboration Implementing cybersecurity measures can sometimes feel like pushing against the tide. IT professionals may resist changes that seem to complicate their workflows. However, with the right training, these same professionals can become champions of security, helping bridge the gap between operational functionality and cybersecurity. 🚀A Call to Action Organizations must recognize the critical need for specialized cybersecurity training for IT professionals. By investing in this training, businesses can not only protect their assets but also foster a collaborative environment where IT and security teams work together seamlessly.

A decade ago, a client faced a colossal breach. It was a wakeup call. They realized they needed strategic cybersecurity guidance but couldn't justify a fulltime CISO. That's where fractional CISO services come in. Fractional CISOs provide the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity leader without the fulltime cost. They bring a wealth of experience and strategic insights to your organization on a parttime basis. It's like having a cybersecurity expert on demand. Here’s why more organizations are opting for fractional CISOs: → CostEffective: You get toptier talent without the overhead of a fulltime salary. → Expertise: Fractional CISOs bring years of experience from various industries. → Flexibility: They can adapt to your unique needs, offering scalable services. → Strategic Guidance: They help you navigate complex cybersecurity landscapes. But the real magic lies in their ability to integrate seamlessly with your team. They don't just offer advice; they become a part of your organization. They understand your business goals and align cybersecurity strategies accordingly. Imagine having a CISO who not only mitigates risks but also enhances your business operations. That's the power of a fractional CISO. They help you stay ahead of threats while you focus on growth. If you're an organization looking for strategic cybersecurity guidance, consider a fractional CISO. It's a costeffective, flexible, and powerful solution. Let's discuss how this can transform your cybersecurity approach. Comment below or send me a message. Your security is our commitment. Let’s make it stronger together.

A decade ago, a client faced a colossal breach. It was a wakeup call. They realized they needed strategic cybersecurity guidance but couldn't justify a fulltime CISO. That's where fractional CISO services come in. Fractional CISOs provide the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity leader without the fulltime cost. They bring a wealth of experience and strategic insights to your organization on a parttime basis. It's like having a cybersecurity expert on demand. Here’s why more organizations are opting for fractional CISOs: → CostEffective: You get toptier talent without the overhead of a fulltime salary. → Expertise: Fractional CISOs bring years of experience from various industries. → Flexibility: They can adapt to your unique needs, offering scalable services. → Strategic Guidance: They help you navigate complex cybersecurity landscapes. But the real magic lies in their ability to integrate seamlessly with your team. They don't just offer advice; they become a part of your organization. They understand your business goals and align cybersecurity strategies accordingly. Imagine having a CISO who not only mitigates risks but also enhances your business operations. That's the power of a fractional CISO. They help you stay ahead of threats while you focus on growth. If you're an organization looking for strategic cybersecurity guidance, consider a fractional CISO. It's a costeffective, flexible, and powerful solution. Let's discuss how this can transform your cybersecurity approach. Comment below or send me a message. Your security is our commitment. Let’s make it stronger together.

Certification are really important but Skills should be well considered too. For interviews have helped companies to conduct and consultation sessions for few individuals and companies Things Organizational CEO's, Business Owner should look into when employing IT Security Personnel: 1. Strong Technical Skills: IT security personnel need a deep understanding of networks, operating systems, databases, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures. This includes knowledge of encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies. 2. Attention to Detail: Detecting and mitigating security threats often requires meticulous attention to detail. IT security professionals must be able to analyze logs, audit configurations, and review code thoroughly to identify potential weaknesses or suspicious activity. 3. Adaptability to Emerging Threats: The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging regularly. Effective IT security professionals stay abreast of these developments, continuously updating their skills and strategies to address emerging threats effectively. 4. Excellent Problem-Solving Abilities: IT security is often about finding creative solutions to complex problems. Whether it's investigating a security incident, patching a vulnerability, or designing a secure architecture, strong problem-solving skills are essential. 5. Effective Communication Skills: IT security personnel need to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, including executives, IT staff, and end-users. They must be able to articulate risks, explain security policies, and provide actionable recommendations. 6. Commitment to Continuous Learning: The field of cybersecurity is dynamic, with new technologies, threats, and best practices emerging regularly. Successful IT security professionals are committed to lifelong learning, seeking out training, certifications, and professional development opportunities to stay ahead of the curve. 7. Ethical Integrity:Trust is paramount in IT security. Professionals in this field must adhere to ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in their actions, including respecting privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to relevant laws and regulations. 8. Teamwork and Collaboration: IT security is rarely a solo endeavor. Effective security professionals work well in teams, collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines, including IT, legal, and compliance, to develop and implement comprehensive security strategies. 9: Professional Certification: From recognized professional institute. By embodying these qualities, IT security personnel can effectively protect organizations from a wide range of cybersecurity threats and challenges. #IT

Organizations need competent cybersecurity staff to combat security threats and support their security program. Use this research to identify and prioritize the skill sets needed to grow your security team in alignment with business goals. https://lnkd.in/gthqtYE3

The Future of Security Teams—Here's Why Flexibility is Key for CISOs In today's complex cybersecurity landscape, the concept of a single “security team” is rapidly becoming outdated. As our industry evolves, so does the need for a multifaceted approach to security management. Here's why CISOs need to rethink their strategies and embrace flexibility in team structures: 📌 Security is No Longer a One-Team Job 1. It’s increasingly rare for a business to have just one security team. Most medium to large organizations now maintain several distinct teams, each with its own focus—be it threat detection, identity management, or cloud security.  2. CISOs must anticipate the need for multiple, specialized teams to address the diverse challenges that modern cybersecurity presents.  3. With the rise of hybrid cloud environments and the growing complexity of IAM systems, having dedicated teams has become essential for maintaining robust security postures. 📌 One Size Doesn't Fit All 1. The responsibilities and focus areas of these security teams vary significantly across organizations. While one company might have a team solely dedicated to cloud security, another might integrate this function within a broader operations team.  3. There's no universal blueprint for organizing security teams; instead, CISOs should define each team’s purview based on their unique security challenges.  📌 Adapting to New Threats with New Teams  1. Many CISOs create new teams in response to specific security challenges, like the complexities of managing IAM in a multicloud environment. 2. These specialized teams can focus on solving high-priority issues, ensuring that the organization stays ahead of evolving threats.  3. The ability to quickly adapt team structures to address emerging security challenges is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture.  📌 Varied Reporting Structures Reflect Organizational Culture 1. There’s no consistent reporting structure for security teams. 2. Some organizations prefer “flat” structures, believing it empowers individual contributors, while others maintain a rigid hierarchy to ensure clear oversight.  3. The best reporting structure for a security team depends on the organization’s culture and priorities.  As we look to the future, the role of CISOs will be increasingly defined by their ability to manage a dynamic and flexible array of security teams. Success will hinge on understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work in a world where threats are constantly evolving. Instead, the most successful CISOs will be those who can anticipate the need for specialized teams and adapt their organizational structures accordingly. #CyberSecurity #CISO #AI #CloudSecurity #IdentityManagement #FutureOfSecurity**