In today's Biz Pulse, gain insight into how:

• Robust cybersecurity protocols in the restaurant industry protect customer data and preserve customer trust and business reputation.

• CEOs must bridge the cybersecurity knowledge gap to effectively steer their companies through the evolving threats and safeguard critical assets.

• Adapting comprehensive, automated cyber risk management strategies can significantly enhance a company's valuation and protect against potential threats.

Each of these articles is penned by members of Forbes Business Council, successful business owners shaping the future of business.

Let’s dive in!

Navigating Cybersecurity: Key Lessons From Restaurant Data Breaches

Recent cyberattacks on major restaurant chains underscore the critical need for robust data security protocols. A considerable shift from cash to digital payments has exposed the food service industry to increased cyber risks, entailing a proactive security stance.

Check out these key insights below:

🔒 Why Restaurants Are Prime Targets: The rapid adoption of new technology for operational continuity makes restaurants enticing targets for cyberattacks. Notable breaches in brands like Panda Express, Five Guys, Yum Brands, and Panera Bread highlight the vulnerabilities.

🚨 Effective Breach Response Plan:

• Contain the breach: Lock down systems and overhaul vulnerable payment processes.

• Notify the authorities: Compliance with state and federal laws is crucial.

• Investigate: Engage forensic experts to pinpoint the source of the breach.

• Communicate transparently: Keep all stakeholders informed to maintain trust.

🛡️ Prevention Over Cure:

• Upgrade technology: Invest in sophisticated security solutions with encryption and multi-factor authentication.

• Empower through training: Regular sessions to reinforce secure data handling.

• Industry collaboration: Share insights and strategies with peers to bolster collective security.

Read The Full Article >

The Cybersecurity Learning Curve For CEOs

At a recent conference, the distinct gap in cybersecurity understanding between tech experts and company leaders was evident, highlighting the urgent need for CEOs to deepen their knowledge in this field.

Data breaches have escalated, impacting the credibility and operation of businesses and pressing CEOs to prioritize cybersecurity education.

Here’s what you need to know:

📚 Understanding Cyber Basics is Crucial: CEOs should grasp how technology is utilized in their operations and the data type involved. Understanding who accesses this data and how this access is managed is fundamental. Also, recognizing how data changes and where it is stored helps pinpoint security priorities.

❓ Challenge & Verify Expert Advice: CEOs should compare their company's practices against international standards instead of just accepting reassurances about security postures. Engaging in such detailed inquiries can unveil hidden vulnerabilities and reinforce security.

🎓 Commit to Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity know-how should be built incrementally, starting with the basics before advancing to complex topics. Resources like The Cyber Institute and Microsoft’s Security 101 can significantly bolster a CEO’s cyber literacy.

🛡️ Exploit the Benefits of Robust Cybersecurity: Effective cybersecurity protects and opens new avenues for business innovation and competitive advantages. Investments in security lead to enhanced operational resilience through improved threat monitoring, disaster recovery, and contingency planning.

Read The Full Article >

Cybersecurity Incidents & Company Valuation: Prioritizing Cyber Risk Management

The evolving landscape of cybersecurity risk has become a critical factor in shaping company valuations.

Recent incursions have underlined the consequential impact on financial and operational stability, prompting an urgent recalibration of how cyber risks are evaluated and managed within organizations, especially from the top down.

Here’s what you need to know:

📊 Manual Assessments - A Flawed Approach: Traditional manual spreadsheets are prone to errors, often resulting in outdated and inconsistent data. This method lacks the capability to scale and adapt to the growth and real-time demands of modern businesses. A shift to automated and more dynamic systems is crucial for effective risk management and response.

🔍 Advocating for a Comprehensive Strategy: Cybersecurity is no longer a departmental concern but a foundational base affecting the entire enterprise network. Complete visibility across all business facets helps identify vulnerabilities and secure weak spots from potential threats.

👨‍💼 CEO's Cybersecurity Checklist:

• Embrace a holistic cybersecurity model aligned with broader business targets.

• Foster collaboration internally and with trusted platforms that deliver scalable, functional solutions.

• Engage actively with other leaders and CISOs to foster a security-first culture and continuous improvement ethos.

• Regularly revisit and potentially enhance the security budget to effectively address new and emerging cyber threats.

CEOs and boards are called to prioritize cyber risk at the highest levels, integrating robust and forward-thinking strategies into their corporate governance.

Read The Full Article >

Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Forbes Business Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together seasoned business leaders — founders, CEOs, partners, and other senior-level leaders of successful companies.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Forbes Business Council today, and become part of a group driving meaningful innovation in business.