IT Expert Gives Five Cybersecurity Recommendations for Growing Co-Ops
A leading expert in corporate IT has given his five recommendations for co-ops to strengthen their cybersecurity.
Co-operatives play an essential role in the Irish economy, and particularly in the agriculture sector, where they provide critical infrastructure and support local farmers.
As co-ops expand, so does the governance responsibility of their boards of directors, especially in maintaining robust cybersecurity policies.
Daniel Garry, head of security at FutureRange, said it has become imperative for co-op directors to actively manage and safeguard their organisation’s resources for both reputation protection and operational continuity.
“As AI use increases, so do cyber-attacks, making it more likely that hackers will succeed if we don’t step up our security efforts,” he said.
“Investing in cyber security extends beyond data protection; it is about securing the co-op’s reputation and financial health, guarding against operational disruption and compliance. “
Co-op board directors’ key cybersecurity responsibilities are: to align cybersecurity initiatives with organisational objectives; assess and mitigate cyber risks effectively, and stay updated with regulatory requirements to avoid penalties.
FutureRange recommends that co-op directors adopt the following five strategies.
- Develop capabilities for swift and effective management of cyber threats, including risk assessment and critical decision-making.
- Implement comprehensive plans to manage cyber incidents, minimising impact and downtime.
- Foster a proactive cyber security culture through ongoing training and awareness programs.
- Engage with external experts to ensure access to specialised knowledge in risk management.
- Focus on cyber security to safeguard and enhance the co-op’s public image
“By prioritising cyber security measures and seeking expert advice, directors can build resilience against threats and maintain stakeholder trust,” Garry concluded.
(Pic: Getty Images)
