The main topics that are the subject of the evaluation are described below:

Risk Management

Cybersecurity risk management is the systematic identification, assessment and mitigation of risks to an organization’s information assets. It begins with identifying information assets, determining potential threats and vulnerabilities, assessing their likelihood and impact, and then implementing strategies to minimize those risks through preventive and reactive measures. Continuous monitoring and periodic reviews ensure the effectiveness of risk management practices, adapting as necessary to new threats. Effective communication and compliance are integral to the process, aligning risk management with regulatory requirements and informing all levels of the organization. This proactive approach is critical to maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses and ensuring the organization is resilient to a variety of cyber threats.

Incident response

Cybersecurity incident response is a structured approach to managing and mitigating the impact of security breaches or attacks. It includes preparation, detection, containment, remediation and recovery phases, coupled with detailed documentation and communication throughout the process. Incident response teams quickly assess and respond to threats to minimize damage and restore system functionality. They also analyze the incident to learn from and improve future responses. This cycle ensures that organizations can quickly adapt and strengthen their defenses against new threats. Effective incident response is critical to maintaining trust, business continuity and regulatory compliance.

Supply chain security

Supply chain security in cybersecurity focuses on protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of goods and information flowing through the supply chain network. It involves assessing and mitigating risks posed by third-party partners and suppliers from sourcing to delivery. Effective supply chain security requires robust due diligence, continuous monitoring and integration of security practices among all stakeholders. This includes the implementation of stringent cybersecurity measures, contractual obligations and regular audits to ensure security standards are met. Because threats can compromise entire supply chains, proactive management is essential to protect against disruptions and maintain confidence in supply chain operations.

Security measures

Cybersecurity measures cover a range of strategies and tools designed to protect digital systems, networks and data from unauthorised access, attacks and damage. These measures include physical security controls, cybersecurity policies, user access management and technology solutions such as firewalls, antivirus software and encryption. Regular updates, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are critical to ensure that these defences remain effective against evolving threats. Additionally, implementing security protocols such as multi-factor authentication and secure encryption practices will help mitigate risks. Organizations should take a layered approach to security, combining multiple defenses to increase resilience and protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure.

Compliance with regulatory requirements

Regulatory compliance in cybersecurity refers to compliance with laws, regulations, and guidelines designed to protect information and infrastructure from cyber threats. It involves implementing the necessary security policies, procedures, and controls to meet specific standards set by governing bodies. Compliance is critical not only to avoid legal penalties and financial loss, but also to maintain customer and stakeholder confidence. Organizations must regularly assess and update their compliance status in response to new and changing regulations. Effective compliance programs include employee training, regular audits, and continuous improvement to address the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements.

Training and awareness

Cybersecurity training and awareness is a critical component of an organization’s security posture, which aims to provide employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond effectively to cyber threats. These programs include regular training sessions on security best practices, the latest cyber threats, and organizational policies. Awareness initiatives aim to keep cybersecurity at the forefront of employees’ minds and help prevent breaches caused by human error. Interactive exercises, such as phishing simulations and workshops, increase employee engagement and retention. Ultimately, well-informed employees are a critical layer of defense against cyberattacks and foster a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.

Business continuity and recovery

Business continuity and disaster recovery in cybersecurity focus on maintaining and restoring business operations in the event of a cyberattack or other disruption. This process involves creating detailed plans that outline the actions necessary to minimize downtime and financial loss while ensuring the availability of critical services. These plans typically include data backup strategies, systems redundancy, and failover mechanisms to ensure rapid recovery. Regular testing and updating of these plans is essential to adapt to new threats and changing business requirements. Effective business continuity and recovery strategies ensure that an organization can recover quickly from disruptions while maintaining customer confidence and operational stability.