Blog
Cybersecurity: These are the 5 fundamental principles you need to apply today
Digital security is no longer a luxury—it’s an absolute requirement to keep your organization running. You face cyber threats every day. Whether you run a growing SME or are responsible for IT in a larger organization, you must have your digital foundation in order. And now there’s finally one clear guideline for you.The Nationaal Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Digital Trust Center (DTC) have developed a refreshed, joint set of five fundamental principles. These principles are practical, applicable, and immediately usable within your organization. You’ll soon know exactly where to start and what to pay attention to.
Your organization deserves digital security. Make sure you stay in control—before someone else does.
The 5 Fundamental Principles for Your Digital Security
Below is what you can do today to make your organization more resilient.
1. Map Out Your Risks
Do you know exactly what your crown jewels are? Which processes, data, or systems you absolutely cannot afford to lose? If you haven’t thought this through properly, you won’t know where your vulnerabilities lie.
Your action: Map out your dependencies and risks. Use a step-by-step plan and determine who within your organization is responsible for cybersecurity.
2. Encourage Secure Behavior Among Your Employees
Did you know that most cyber incidents stem from human behavior? One click on a wrong link can shut down your entire organization. You are the one who makes a secure work environment possible. You can raise your colleagues’ awareness of their role in cybersecurity.
Your action: Invest in training, create a culture where mistakes are openly discussed, and make secure behavior part of the daily routine.
3. Protect Your Systems, Devices, and Applications
Is your business running on outdated software? Do you have insight into your vulnerabilities? If you don’t protect your IT environment well, you run serious risks.
Your action: Choose secure default settings, update your systems regularly, and actively monitor for suspicious activities.
4. Manage Access to Your Systems and Data
Who in your organization has access to which data? And why? If you haven’t arranged this tightly, you risk data breaches or misuse. You are responsible for limiting access to only what is truly necessary.
Your action: Define clear access rights, use multifactor authentication, and adjust rights when there are role changes or departures.
5. Prepare Your Organization for Incidents
Assume this: sooner or later, you will face a digital incident. Then you want to know exactly what to do. You want to limit the damage, recover quickly, and most importantly: keep going. But that will only work if you are well prepared now.
Your action: Develop an incident response plan, test your backups, and practice crisis simulations with your team.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are responsible for IT, information security, or business continuity, these five principles are your starting point. You don’t need to be perfect right away—but if you take the first step today, you will be much more resilient tomorrow.
You Are Not Alone
Would you like to see how your organization measures up against these five fundamental principles? Or are you curious about where you face the greatest risks?
Our security colleagues have extensive experience in carrying out a baseline measurement or assessing the fundamental principles for your digital organization. They are also happy to provide advice to help you find the best solution for your organization.
Request a free quick scan, complimentary phishing test, security awareness training, or an awareness workshop. You’ll immediately see where you stand—and what you can improve.
Call 020-655 75 75 to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, leave a message below and we will get in touch with you.
Sources:
(1) Digital Trust Center. NCSC en DTC lanceren gezamenlijke basisprincipes voor digitale weerbaarheid van bedrijven
(2) Digital Trust Center. De 5 basisprincipes van veilig digitaal ondernemen
