Cyber criminals are quick, savvy and resourceful. They are constantly developing new strategies for stealing valuable information and taking advantage of any exploitable weakness in a network. Because their tactics are constantly changing, companies need to do everything in their power to stay one step ahead of the crooks. And that duty is not just the responsibility of the IT department, as workers, executives and general counsels need to be on board with cybersecurity initiatives as well.

Unifying solutions

Of course, when everyone pulls together, cybersecurity is most effective. Businesses need to focus on company-wide initiatives that include clear policies and best practices training. For example, having a clear, well thought out bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy that workers must follow will help plug vulnerabilities that all of these endpoints can bring to a network.

Speaking of the network, it is important to keep the network architecture in mind. Having the ability to detect and defer threats as quickly as possible can go a long way toward providing security and peace of mind. Developing this architecture – or working with a provider who can give you that service – is a foundational step toward cybersecurity.

Data and management

General counsel understands better than most how important it is to comply with regulations. Any business – especially those in highly regulated fields like finance and healthcare – must be vigilant, keeping data secure and meeting all regulatory standards.

Protecting all of that data – big data, as they call it in the industry – goes beyond just having a governance, risk and compliance plan, however. It's essential to have deep knowledge of all aspects of an enterprise, from the network to global operations to endpoints ranging from smartphones to desktop computers and even manufacturing equipment.

Taking a global view of matters can help reveal vulnerabilities, both technical issues and problems in management, policies and procedures. As the ones most responsible for regulatory compliance, general counsels must take initiative to learn of these vulnerabilities and spearhead efforts to plug holes and fix policies and procedures. In this way, companies can stay one step ahead of the bad guys – and avoid violating any federal regulations at the same time.