Data and cyber resilience are crucial aspects of modern-day organizations. To ensure the protection and availability of data, certain must-haves should be considered. These must-haves include:

1. Regular Data Backups: Organizations must have a robust backup strategy in place to protect against data loss. Regular backups help in restoring data in the event of a cyber-attack, system failure, or accidental deletion. For example, organizations can implement automated backup solutions that create incremental backups at scheduled intervals, ensuring minimal data loss.
2. Strong Access Controls: Implementing strong access controls is essential to safeguard sensitive data. This involves authentication mechanisms like passwords, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication. Additionally, role-based access control (RBAC) should be implemented to restrict access to data based on job roles and responsibilities. For instance, only authorized personnel should have access to critical data, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Regular Security Patching: Keeping software and systems up to date with the latest security patches is crucial for data and cyber resilience. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorized access. Organizations should establish a process to regularly apply security patches and updates to all systems and software used. This ensures that known vulnerabilities are addressed, minimizing the risk of cyber-attacks.
4. Employee Training and Awareness: Employees play a significant role in data and cyber resilience. Organizations should provide comprehensive training and awareness programs to educate employees about potential threats, best practices for data protection, and how to identify and report suspicious activities. Regular training sessions and simulated phishing exercises can help employees stay vigilant and contribute to overall data resilience.
5. Incident Response Plan: Having a well-defined incident response plan is essential to effectively handle and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents. This plan should include predefined steps to be followed in the event of a security breach, including communication protocols, escalation procedures, and recovery strategies. Regular testing and updating of the incident response plan ensure its effectiveness when needed.

References:

• Smith, J. (2019). Data Resilience and Backup Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.csoonline.com/article/3310826/data-resilience-and-backup-strategies.html
• Microsoft. (n.d.). Data and Cyber Resilience. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/trust-center/security/cyber-resilience
• Department of Homeland Security. (2015). Cyber Resilience Review. Retrieved from https://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/c3vp/crr/Cyber%20Resilience%20Review%20-%20Overview.pdf