Background
A dynamic Canadian construction firm, despite its impressive growth, faced significant challenges in understanding and managing its cybersecurity risks. Relying on an outsourced IT Managed Service Provider (MSP), the company found its cybersecurity measures lacking, particularly in asset protection and supply chain security. This vulnerability was starkly revealed when a cyberattack partially disrupted operations and led to data loss, exposing the company's unpreparedness in cyber defense and incident response.
Challenge
The company's significant growth had outpaced its cybersecurity developments. The outsourced IT support, while covering basic IT tasks, failed to provide comprehensive security coverage. This gap became apparent when a cyberattack disrupted the company’s operations.
Action
Following the cyberattack that prompted a fundamental re-evaluation of the organization's cybersecurity strategy, the management recognized the need for a sustainable and secure future. In response, Armour Cybersecurity was engaged to address not only the aftermath but also the broader challenge of rebuilding trust in technology. Leveraging the NIST cybersecurity framework, the Armour Cyber team conducted a comprehensive assessment, scrutinizing the organization's structure, processes, controls, technology, and suppliers. This approach enabled the development of a cybersecurity baseline, identification of gaps, and the formulation of practical recommendations. The outcome was an 18-month roadmap designed to mitigate business risks associated with cyber threats.
Given their construction industry focus, the client acknowledged a lack of internal expertise to implement necessary changes in processes, cybersecurity controls, and technology. Recognizing cybersecurity as an evolving discipline requiring continuous improvement, the client sought a proactive approach similar to their successful strategy in the construction business. After evaluating multiple quotations, the client selected Armour Cybersecurity to implement the cybersecurity roadmap. The decision was influenced by Armour Cybersecurity's commitment to results, enterprise-grade expertise, and a pricing structure that catered to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Impact
The Cyber Posture Assessment's impact on the organization has been transformative, elevating cybersecurity from secondary IT concerns to an essential business topic managed proactively across all management levels. The introduction of structured governance aligned the organization's risk appetite with investments in cyber defense and IT infrastructure, providing the CFO with appreciated cost predictability.
Armour Cybersecurity's implementation prioritized key remediation activities, spanning policies, controls, asset tracking, access solutions, and advanced defense technologies. This comprehensive approach significantly enhanced the organization's cyber posture, making it a less attractive target for malicious actors. The improved cybersecurity stance also facilitated a swift migration of systems to the cloud, resulting in substantial cost savings and enabling core employees to embrace a hybrid work mode with consistent protection, whether in the office or on the go.
Conclusion This case study underscores the importance of a structured cyber posture assessment as a foundational step in enhancing cybersecurity. By translating cyber threats into business-relevant terms, organizations can eliminate blind spots and establish a solid foundation for a secure future, irrespective of industry.