In today’s hyper-connected digital ecosystem, businesses are under constant attack from cybercriminals who are growing more sophisticated by the day. According to the Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara (BSSN), cyberattacks have surged by a staggering 400% since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the average cost of a data breach hitting US$4.45 million. These threats—ransomware, phishing, credential theft, and supply chain attacks—can cripple an organization, leading to massive financial losses, operational shutdowns, and irreversible reputational damage.
But cybersecurity isn’t just about installing the latest firewall or antivirus software. A strong cybersecurity strategy demands a multi-layered, proactive approach that includes continuous monitoring, real-time threat intelligence, and a defense-in-depth framework. Organizations must think like attackers—understanding how threats evolve and strengthening their defenses accordingly.
Top 10 Ways a Company Can Be Hacked and How to Prevent It
Cybercriminals use multiple attack vectors to breach organizations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common threats and how to mitigate them:
| Attack Vector | How It Works | Prevention Strategies |
| Phishing & Social Engineering | Employees are tricked into revealing credentials or clicking malicious links. | Security awareness training, email filtering, behavioral analytics |
| Weak Authentication | Poor password hygiene and no multifactor authentication (MFA). | Enforce strong authentication policies, use password less solutions like FIDO2 |
| Unpatched Software & Systems | Legacy applications and outdated software present exploitable vulnerabilities. | Regular patch management, automated vulnerability scanning |
| Insider Threats | Malicious or negligent insiders misuse access privileges. | Role-based access control (RBAC), user behavior analytics (UBA), privileged access management (PAM) |
| Ransomware & Malware | Attackers deploy malware via phishing emails and exploit kits. | Endpoint detection and response (EDR), advanced threat hunting |
| Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks | Attackers intercept network traffic to steal credentials. | TLS encryption, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), secure VPN |
| Exposed APIs & Cloud Misconfigurations | Unsecured APIs and cloud misconfigurations lead to data breaches. | Cloud security posture management (CSPM), API security gateways |
| Brute-Force Attacks | Automated tools systematically attempt login credentials. | Account lockout policies, CAPTCHAs, rate limiting |
| Exploiting IoT & OT Devices | Poorly secured IoT and OT systems provide attack vectors. | Network segmentation, endpoint monitoring, security policies for connected devices |
| Supply Chain Attacks | Cybercriminals infiltrate networks via third-party vendors. | Vendor security assessments, least privilege access, SBOM frameworks |
What is a Cybersecurity Strategy?
A Cybersecurity Strategy is a structured and comprehensive approach that organizations or governments implement to safeguard their information systems, digital assets, and sensitive data from cyber threats. It establishes a framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards. A robust cybersecurity strategy encompasses key components such as risk management, threat intelligence, incident response, security policies, and workforce training. It provides a roadmap for enhancing resilience against cyberattacks by integrating security best practices, advanced technologies, and a proactive security posture.
An effective cybersecurity strategy is dynamic and continuously evolves to address emerging threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape. It leverages cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and threat analytics to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents in real time. Additionally, it incorporates governance structures, cross-sector collaboration, and regulatory adherence to ensure a holistic and coordinated security approach. By embedding cybersecurity into business operations and fostering a culture of security awareness, organizations can mitigate risks, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain trust in their digital ecosystem.
5 Elements of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy
A robust cybersecurity strategy is built upon key principles that enhance an organization’s security posture, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with industry standards. The following components are drawn from various domains—governance, technology, and operations—to present a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, based on sources including Gartner, TechTarget, Purplesec, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ISO/IEC 27001.
1. Risk-Based Security Posture (Governance Domain)
Implementing a proactive, risk-based approach to cybersecurity involves conducting periodic risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate potential threats, and determine the impact of security breaches. By leveraging real-time threat intelligence, organizations can prioritize security controls and allocate resources effectively to mitigate the most significant risks.
Reference: NIST CSF (Identify), ISO/IEC 27005, Gartner
2. Regulatory and Compliance Alignment (Governance Domain)
Organizations must ensure adherence to applicable laws and standards, such as the Undang-Undang Perlindungan Data Pribadi (UU PDP) in Indonesia, as well as global frameworks.
Reference: UU PDP, ISO/IEC 27001, NIST CSF, GDPR
3. Defense in Depth (Technology Domain)
This strategy employs multiple layers of security controls throughout the IT environment—across endpoints, networks, users, and data. Each layer provides backup protection in case another fails, reducing overall risk.
Reference: CIS Controls, NIST SP 800-53
4. Threat Intelligence & Threat Hunting (Operational Domain)
Proactively detecting and identifying adversaries is critical. Threat intelligence provides contextual awareness, while threat hunting involves actively searching for threats that may bypass traditional tools.
Reference: MITRE ATT&CK, Gartner
5. Incident Response Planning (Operational Domain)
A well-defined incident response capability is vital for rapid containment and recovery from cyber incidents. Regular drills and post-incident reviews improve resilience.
Reference: NIST SP 800-61 Rev. 2, ISO/IEC 27035
What is DISC and How Can It Enhance Your Cybersecurity Strategy?
If you’re unsure how secure your systems are, Defenxor Intelligence Security Consulting (DISC) can help. Our security consulting services help you determine whether your system is secure or compromised and identify the necessary measures to strengthen your defenses. We also assist with regulatory and security compliance to ensure your business meets industry standards.
Don’t leave security to guesswork—when it comes to protecting your business, there’s no room for compromise. With DISC, you can gain confidence in your security posture, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of your business.
Features and Benefits of DISC: A Strong Cybersecurity Strategy
- Services tailored for different needs
- Internationally standardized testing framework
- Access to certified & professional security consultants
- Comprehensive reporting with analysis and recommendations
- Implementation based on industry best practices and real-world insights
- Team includes CISSP, CISA, ISO27001 LA, PCI QSA professionals
- Strong understanding of major security products and solutions
- Affiliation with CTI Group subsidiaries for added insight and support
Learn More: Defenxor Intelligence Security Consulting (DISC)
Consult with Our Experts on Defenxor Security
Enhance your cybersecurity posture with expert guidance from our seasoned professionals. Our team at Defenxor Security specializes in risk management, threat intelligence, and compliance, providing tailored solutions to safeguard your digital assets.
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation and fortify your organization’s defenses against evolving cyber threats.
Author: Ary Adianto
Content Writer CTI Group
