Endsight Blog

What are the 5 Cs of Cyber Security?

Written by Jason Clause | August 16, 2023

What are the 5 Cs of cyber security? Discover the power of these indispensable cybersecurity elements, known as the 5 Cs, change, compliance, cost, continuity, and coverage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Businesses lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to cyber attack incidents
  • Cybersecurity helps business to control their network resources and systems
  • The 5 Cs of cybersecurity includes change, compliance, cost, continuity, and coverage
  • Cybersecurity non-compliance attracts issues like hefty fines and legal problems
Today, every other small or large business relies heavily on different technologies, and unfortunately, they have become prime targets for cyber threats. Small enterprises lose an average of $200,000 to each cyber attack incident, and more prominent companies incur millions in losses.

This should be cause for alarm since your business can be a prime target of corporate espionage. This should also be a big concern if you factor in the evolving nature of cyber threats and the fact that attackers are becoming even more determined. 

Safety is now paramount, and it all begins with understanding and adopting cybersecurity measures to protect your systems. By implementing these practices and processes, you can better control network resources and achieve business goals without interference. 

Yet, to get the best out of cybersecurity, you must pay attention to the five indispensable Cs of cybersecurity - change, continuity, cost, compliance, and coverage. 

What are the 5 Cs of cybersecurity? Here are the details 

1. Change

Keep up with IT security trends and adapt to the changes accordingly. Cyber threats are evolving at an incredible rate, and attackers are only becoming better. 

It is now crucial, more than ever, to implement robust cybersecurity measures such as regular software updates and network monitoring to be safe. You should also conduct risk assessments, develop plans to secure customer data, and have robust incident response plans. 

This C also requires you to train and educate your team in the relevant threats and the best practices for ultimate safety. These can touch on aspects like: 

  • Frequent audits of the network and monitoring of security controls
  • Backing up data and developing effective recovery strategies
  • Patching and updating all computer software
  • Using strong passwords and avoiding public computers

2. Compliance

Various industry laws, regulations, and standards govern business operations. For instance, California law requires all companies that market products or services to comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) guidelines.

Regardless of your location, it is vital to understand all the cybersecurity laws and regulations applicable to you. Also, try to ascertain why they are necessary and how you can comply with them - experts can always help you with this. 

Once you’ve identified all the required laws and regulations, ensure you remain compliant. Otherwise, if your business fails to observe data privacy statutes, you may be slapped with thousands of dollars in fines or face jail time.

3. Cost

Any form of cyberattack, like data breaches, can take an immense financial toll on your business. This can further damage your digital systems and halt operations.

For this reason, it is essential to implement suitable cybersecurity measures to avoid the financial repercussions of these threats. And don’t let the cost of cybersecurity lure you into taking shortcuts. 

Of course, the overall costs may seem expensive, but it is nothing big compared to the potential losses you may incur after a cyberattack.

Plus, since most businesses have limited resources, balancing cost and risk while investing in cybersecurity is crucial. That will help you pick the best security solutions without breaking the bank or compromising long-term protection. 

4. Continuity

Sadly, you may still fall victim to cyber threats despite implementing all the necessary cybersecurity measures. But you shouldn't just give up at that point. It is essential to institute a continuity plan.

This requires you to identify and understand the threats likely to affect your business. Your business can fall prey to data theft and loss of sensitive or proprietary information 

After identifying all potential cyber threats unique to your business and their consequences, develop comprehensive disaster recovery policies and plans. A good DRP gives your business a roadmap to manage disruptive incidents. 

5. Coverage

Cybersecurity insurance coverage protects your business from the financial repercussions caused by cyber-attacks. A good policy can help you cover costs associated with the remediation process, like legal fees, investigation expenses, and customer refunds.

Before you settle on any insurance coverage, conduct a risk assessment and identify the assets that can be affected by a cyberattack. Then determine the adequacy of the coverage applicable to you.

Also, note that there are different types of cyber insurance coverage. One is network business interruption coverage, which can only cover you against net income lost after a cyberattack while your systems are still down. 

On the other hand, network security coverage can reimburse customers after a data breach and loss of sensitive information. Choose wisely by keeping the following in mind:

  • Your business’s attack surfaces
  • Third-party risk
  • Your policy provider’s reputation

How can Endsight’s experts help you adopt the 5 Cs of cybersecurity? 

The 5 Cs of cybersecurity - change, continuity, cost, compliance, and coverage can help you navigate the treacherous waters of cyber threats. By adopting these techniques, businesses can safeguard their network resources and ensure uninterrupted operations. 

Most importantly, is the need to leverage the power of SaaS from a reputable Managed Service Provider to handle these issues. That way, your businesses can offload the burden of infrastructure management and security updates to industry experts.

The right MSP can help your business strengthen its cybersecurity posture with advanced features like encryption, access controls, and real-time threat monitoring to stay one step ahead of the relentless threats.  

Are you looking to adopt the 5 Cs of cybersecurity but don’t know where to begin? Endsight can help! We believe cybersecurity should be a fundamental part of every business. 

Take the proper steps to success and partner with us today!