Threat modelling to identify your cybersecurity threats & vulnerabilities

Threat modelling is not just nice to have. It’s essential. As the frequency of cyber threats continues to rise, businesses must take proactive measures to safeguard their sensitive data and assets from cybercriminals. Data security threats can emerge from various sources, and today’s digitally advanced workplaces rely heavily on technology and data sharing. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in computers, smartphones, cloud applications, and network infrastructure, allowing them to infiltrate an alarming 93% of company networks.

One effective approach that organisations can adopt to combat these intrusions is threat modelling. Threat modelling is a cybersecurity process that involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to an organisation’s assets and systems. By conducting threat modelling, businesses can prioritise their risk management and mitigation strategies to minimise the risk of costly cyber incidents.

Here are the recommended steps for businesses to perform a threat model:

Identify Critical Assets Requiring Protection

The initial step involves identifying the assets that are most critical to the business, such as sensitive data, intellectual property, and financial information. It’s crucial to consider phishing-related assets, including company email accounts, as business email compromise attacks exploit compromised email logins.

Identify Potential Threats through threat modelling

Next, businesses should identify potential threats to the identified assets. These threats may include cyber-attacks like phishing, ransomware, malware, and social engineering. Physical breaches or insider threats, where employees or vendors have access to sensitive information, should also be considered. Additionally, businesses must be aware that human error contributes to approximately 88% of data breaches, so they should account for mistake-related threats, such as weak passwords, unclear cloud usage policies, lack of employee training, and inadequate BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies.

Assess Likelihood and Impact

Once potential threats have been identified, the next step is to assess the likelihood and impact of each threat. Businesses need to evaluate the probability of each threat occurring and the potential consequences for their operations, reputation, and financial stability. Current cybersecurity statistics and a thorough vulnerability assessment should guide the assessment, preferably conducted by a trusted third-party IT service provider. Relying solely on internal input may lead to overlooking crucial aspects.

Prioritise Risk Management Strategies with threat modelling

Following the assessment, businesses should prioritise risk management strategies based on the likelihood and impact of each potential threat. Given time and cost constraints, ranking solutions according to their impact on cybersecurity is essential. Common strategies to consider include implementing access controls, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, employee training and awareness programs, and endpoint device management. Moreover, businesses should consider the cost-effectiveness of the strategies and ensure they align with their overarching business goals.

Continuously Review and Update the threat modelling

Threat modelling is an ongoing process rather than a one-time activity since cyber threats continuously evolve. Businesses should regularly review and update their threat models to ensure the effectiveness of their security measures and alignment with their business objectives.

Benefits of Threat Modeling for Businesses

Incorporating threat modelling into a cybersecurity strategy offers several benefits for businesses:

Improved Understanding of Threats and Vulnerabilities

Threat modelling enhances businesses’ understanding of specific threats and vulnerabilities that could impact their assets. It helps identify security gaps and unveils risk management strategies. Ongoing threat modelling aids in staying ahead of emerging threats as artificial intelligence regularly gives rise to new forms of cyber attacks.

Cost-effective Threat Risk Management

By addressing risk management based on the likelihood and impact of threats, businesses can optimise their security investments and allocate resources efficiently, reducing costs.

Business Alignment with Threats

Threat modelling ensures that security measures align with business objectives, minimising the potential disruption of security measures on business operations. It promotes the

harmonisation of security, goals, and operations.

Reduced Risk of Cyber Incidents

By implementing targeted risk management strategies, businesses can effectively mitigate the likelihood and impact of cybersecurity incidents. This proactive approach protects assets and mitigates the adverse consequences of a security breach.

Begin Comprehensive Threat Identification Today

If you’re wondering how to initiate a threat modelling assessment, our experts are here to assist you in establishing a comprehensive threat modelling program. Contact us today to schedule a discussion and take a step towards enhanced cybersecurity.

Do you need the best IT Support for your business to support Threat Modelling?

You need the best IT support in London. – Technology is complicated and expensive – it’s so hard to maintain everything and know what to do when something breaks or goes wrong. IT problems can really put a damper on your day. They’re frustrating, time-consuming, and can seem like a never-ending cycle of issues.

We’re unique because…

• We don’t tie our clients into long-term contracts we don’t feel the need to
• We don’t enforce our technical stack on you | each client’s needs are bespoke, and we work for you, not for us
• We have 5* Google ratings from genuinely satisfied clients
• 80% of our growth has been through current client referrals
• We’re proud to have 100% client retention since Penntech was established.
• We’ve achieved the above through our customer obsession, passion for innovation, and commitment to service excellence.  Every IT Provider could say that but ask our current clients.

We’re always just a phone call away; we live and breathe IT services. We’re here to help your business with anything that could go wrong with your systems or devices.

Contact us today or explore the range of support packages on offer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Me Mo 
 
10 February 2023
 
 
  
We cannot recommend Penntech highly enough for their continuous IT support, we have worked with them for years and there is truly nothing that they cannot solve or help with. Their vast amount of knowledge and speed in response is second to none.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Alasdair Gray 
 
6 February 2023
 
 
  
We have been using Penntech for around 6 years now and have had a great experience. Every member of the team we interreact with is friendly and helpful and our queries are always answered quickly.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Chris Sheasby 
 
22 March 2021
 
 
  
I've known Lewis since working with him at CIFF in 2011.  More recently, he has built-up an excellent business which supports a number of my past and present clients.  He also supports my business.  Lewis is first rate and equally importantly, he has built a good team around him to provide quality, responsive IT support.  I can't recommend Penntech highly enough.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Rebecca Groves 
 
20 July 2020
 
 
  
Penntech have worked with us for a number of years now and have always gone above and beyond to provide an efficient professional service in every circumstance. Their friendly responsive approach is refreshing and nothing is too big or too small to assist with.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 nick groves 
 
20 July 2020
 
 
  
Lewis and his team are fantastic! Highly recommended
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Demstone Chambers 
 
29 May 2020
 
 
  
Friendly and approachable, but also excellent technically. As a barristers chambers  we have industry-specific data protection requirements. Penntech showed in-depth knowledge about the interaction between these requirements and technical IT aspects.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Marion Caillat 
 
20 May 2020
 
 
  
Penntech helped us migrate and merge our inbox's for our small restaurant and bar group. They were super efficient and got everything done within 24 hours. I highly recommend them and will be using them again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Jonathan Davies 
 
18 May 2020
 
 
  
Heartstyles have worked with Penntech for 3 years. The initial brief to sort out our global IT requirements. Penntech have always been refreshing clear in their comms, avoiding IT gobbledygook. No job has been too small to support and they always deliver above and beyond what was required and within budget. They clearly know what they’re doing and the level of service is always outstanding
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 leigh ryan 
 
18 May 2020
 
 
  
Lewis and the team at Penntech are seen very much as an extension of our business. They are professional, technically brilliant, don't over complicate things, very friendly and the staff feel comfortable dealing with them on a daily basis.  They have a good understanding of our needs and go above and beyond to ensure we can get on with our day to day business, safe in the knowledge that if anything goes wrong technically that Penntech will resolve it efficiently. Leigh Ryan, CIO, MGAM Ltd
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 24 reviews