Taking a Security-first Approach at Model N

Cybersecurity fundamentally impacts every facet of a business. At Model N, we view cybersecurity not as a technical issue that's the responsibility of the technology department, but rather a business imperative that's ingrained in our culture. By prioritizing cybersecurity as a core business strategy, we're demonstrating to our customers that we value the trust they've placed in us and are committed to delivering ongoing value.

Building a security-first culture requires a shift in attitudes across the organization. It's not something that happens overnight, but once you've built a collective sense of responsibility for security, cybersecurity becomes a crucial element of a company's health and success. So, how did Model N integrate people, technology, and processes to foster a culture of security awareness across our organization? We followed these practical steps.

Prioritizing and managing risk

Fostering a security-first culture first requires an understanding of an organization's current security posture. By conducting a thorough assessment of cybersecurity strengths and vulnerabilities, you can identify, assess, and prioritize risks based on their potential impact to the organization. Security strategies and efforts should align with the most critical assets, data, and threats that could harm the business.

Security policies should be clear, easily accessible, and regularly updated. Technologies and threats evolve quickly. To stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities, advocate for continuous risk assessments and threat modeling. Additionally, make sure that employees receive ongoing training to keep security top-of-mind and prepare them to handle new challenges.

Establish solid incident response plans. When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Well-prepared organizations know how to quickly escalate issues and respond accordingly to effectively contain the threat. Simulating security incidents can help prepare employees in a controlled environment, giving them the skills and confidence they need to act if and when the worst occurs.

Establishing a robust, proactive security framework

Adopting established cybersecurity frameworks - like Center For Internet Security (CIS) Top 18 Critical Security Controls, SOC1 and SOC2, Cloud Security Alliance Controls, NIST, and ISO 27001 - builds a solid foundation for a resilient security structure. But that's not enough. These frameworks are not one-size-fits-all solutions. To avoid leaving significant gaps in your defenses, consider your organization's unique needs and tailor the guidelines accordingly.

Because attacks can come from all angles, implement layered security. A multi-layered security approach helps mitigate risk across networks, endpoints, data, and applications. Advanced tools, like endpoint detection systems, intrusion detection systems, and automated policy enforcement, help ensure security measures are consistently applied and threats are detected early.

Vigilance is key. Continuously monitor for malicious activities and look for ways to improve your responses to keep up with emerging threats. Implementing processes, like ongoing security monitoring, vulnerability management, and penetration testing, enables you to proactively detect and address issues.

Building awareness and responsibility across the organization

When every employee recognizes the important role they have in safeguarding their organization, the workforce becomes a critical line of defense against threats.

A security-first culture must be championed by leadership. Executives set the tone and signal to the rest of the organization that security matters. Leaders should be informed on and engaged with cybersecurity policies, compliance needs, and emerging risks. They should also establish open lines of communication with employees. Everyone should feel comfortable reporting potential issues without fear of repercussion.

Because human error, often from stupid mistakes, is a leading cause of security breaches, it's important that employees understand the importance of cybersecurity and how they can actively help protect the organization. Regular training about phishing, social engineering, and best practices can significantly reduce potential risks. Employees should be trained to have a healthy dose of skepticism - and question unexpected requests, scrutinize suspicious emails, and verify the legitimacy of attachments.

Prioritizing security, day in, day out

When viewed as an integral part of the organization, cybersecurity enables transformation and innovation. Model N has fostered a culture that puts security first, and we will continue to take steps to ensure that security is woven into every aspect of our organization and our products. This ongoing security journey not only helps us mitigate risk, but it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting our customers and partners.