Home>Cybersecurity: Five Essential Tips
25.04.2025
Cybersecurity: Five Essential Tips
In this second episode of our spotlight series on digital transformation, Adrienne Charmet, cybersecurity specialist and lecturer for our executive programmes in Transformations and Societal Challenges, gives you her recommendations to serenely approach this strategic pillar of digital transition.
Face the Cyber Threat Head-On
This requires answering three key questions. Who are the attackers? Depending on your industry, they could be state actors, competitors, hacktivists, or “ordinary” cybercriminals. What are their objectives? The answer depends on the nature of the attackers. What are their methods? Phishing, ransomware, network access denial, data integrity breaches, or confidentiality violations — the tactics used depend on the attack’s purpose. A clear assessment, combined with a strong understanding of geopolitical and technological risks, will help you precisely identify your vulnerabilities and prioritise the actions needed to mitigate them.
Cybersecurity Is Not Optional
Two key regulations now require organisations to take cybersecurity seriously. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes a major section on data security, while the EU’s Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive focuses on protecting network infrastructure. Additional sector-specific regulations further reinforce these requirements. Understanding your regulatory environment is essential to implementing the right security measures.
Anticipation Is Key
With opportunistic cyberattacks on the rise, your organisation is unlikely to be spared. Preparing in advance can significantly reduce the impact: 60% of SMEs that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within 18 months. Conduct a risk analysis tailored to your organisation (a key workshop in our executive training programmes). This will help you put the right safeguards in place and ensure a swift, effective response to any security incident.
Build a Cybersecurity Culture Across Your Organisation
Emails, video calls — every employee can be a potential entry point for a cyberattack. Vigilance is therefore critical at all levels. The solution? Educate, communicate, and repeat. No matter how skilled, your IT security officer can only succeed if the entire organisation is engaged. Ensure they have adequate resources and a clearly defined role that is well understood by employees.
Other best practices include raising awareness among new hires, providing regular reminders, and conducting frequent crisis simulations—just as you would for fire drills.
Turn Compliance into an Opportunity
A reliable and sustainable digital transformation depends on integrating cybersecurity from the outset—what is known as “secure by design.” This is the best way to ensure a smooth and successful transition. It also builds trust with partners and provides a competitive edge over less diligent rivals.
[1]https://www.senat.fr/rap/r20-678/r20-6780.html
