Jargon Buster: Demystifying Cyber Risks

The jargon buster aims to give simple, plain English explanations of typical words and/or phrases associated with business cyber risk, making it easier to stay informed.

Cyber Risk: Cyber risk is a hypothetical loss or exposure that will be caused from a successful cyberattack, data breach or IT issue. It is closely related to the outcome of threats and vulnerabilities in the digital ecosystem.

Risk Appetite: This refers to understanding the level and type of risk that you are willing to retain. In most cases, businesses will have a level of risk that the business accepts as an acceptable and manageable level.

Risk Framework: The building blocks of how organisations design, implement, monitor, review and manage risk within the business.

Inherent Risk: This is the level of risk before any actions, controls or systems are considered and implemented.

Residual Risk:  This describes the risk remaining after systems, controls and risk treatments have been implemented.

Control: A measure, action or system that is placed to maintain or modify risks.  

ISO27001: An international standard on managing information and data security and offers a systematic approach to data and cyber security.

Cyber Security: The overarching measures and processes that individuals and organisations use to reduce the risks associated with cyber-attacks.

ISMS (Information Security Management System): An Information Security Management System is a systematic approach to managing information security. It focuses on centralizing the management, monitoring and reviews of security best practices.

Endpoints: A collective term used to describe devices such as laptops, desktops, servers and other devices that connect to computer networks.

Ransomware: A type of cyber threat that blocks access to personal and business data until a ransom payment is made to the attacker.

Q&A

What is an IT Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is the process of assessing and identifying IT security risks, to enhance an organisation’s overall security posture.

How will a Risk Assessment help my business?

The main benefit for your organisation is that a risk assessment identifies potential security threats to your business. In today’s world, constantly staying on top of your cybersecurity strategy is essential, and a risk assessment can help with this.

What Industries need an Assessment?

The answer – all industries. Although some industries such as healthcare and the financial sectors are required to have them, a risk assessment will benefit any organisation.

What is the hazard behind not having a Risk Assessment?

If a risk assessment is not done, issues and vulnerabilities with your IT security may not be found. Having a risk assessment done helps your businesses find and improve areas of weakness in your cybersecurity strategy.

How Do I Execute a Risk Assessment?

Gathering all information about your technological environment is a good first step. An outsourced IT company can perform security assessments, as well as help you plan and possibly execute your strategy post-assessment. To speak to an expert today and arrange a rick assessment contact Unity on 0330 119 6666.

Want to learn more about our services?

Want to learn more about our services?

Other Articles & Blogs

The latest in the Unity World

The latest in the Unity World

The Latest in the Unity WorldWelcome Carmen Yau!We’ve been growing rapidly in recent months and we’re happy to announce Carmen Yau joins the Unity team as enterprise marketer! Carmen join us from Newcastle University after completing a masters in Marketing and is...

read more