directly participate in the process<\/a>. Please do so! <\/em><\/p>\n
\nExecutive Summary<\/span><\/p>\nSmall Business Cyber Security<\/em> is the result of collaboration between Adam Anderson, CEO of Palmetto Security Group, and Tom Gilkeson, head of Corporate Security at Michelin. It is relatively short, easy to read, and written specifically for the small business that doesn\u2019t want to become \u201cthat vendor\u201d that caused a security breach in a large client company. It navigates the basic concepts of business-security interdependence and the NIST Framework in plain English, suitable for those with minimal, or even no, knowledge of cybersecurity technology.<\/p>\nSmall Business Cyber Security <\/em>should be among the first books read by an aspiring startup or small business owner who has yet to embark on a cybersecurity program, whether it be out of fear, ignorance, or simply being overwhelmed by the apparent enormity of the task at hand. (Full Disclosure: Tom Gilkeson, one of the two authors, is a former colleague and personal friend. Mr. Gilkeson did not solicit my review, but he did provide a copy of his book for me to review upon my request.)<\/p>\n
\nReview<\/span><\/p>\nSmall Business Cyber Security<\/em> is a plainly written, relatively short book that will help the aspiring new- and\/or small-business executive start making proactive steps towards evaluating the company\u2019s cybersecurity posture, improving that posture, and incorporating business rationale and logic into the cybersecurity policy process.<\/p>\nThe first three chapters bring out some basic essential concepts about cybersecurity that the authors have discovered in their years of experience. For example, they explore the relationship between compliance and security, communication between the company \u201cnerds\u201d and the C-suite, tying cybersecurity steps to business decisions, and the importance of peer relationships with other organizations. These points give a good background for the remaining chapters.<\/p>\n
The remaining chapters basically cover the five core functions, or pillars, of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Like the first chapters, the book breaks down each NIST pillar into a readable, plain-English summary. Small Business Cyber Security,<\/em> like the NIST Framework itself, does more to say what<\/u> small businesses should do, not how<\/u> they should do it. While these chapters will not make the reader into a NIST Framework pro, they do accomplish something that, in my experience, has been difficult to do: demystify the Framework and make it seem less daunting so that the businesses actually start acting, not just reading. If, by taking some of the fear of the unknown out of the Framework, the authors can encourage small businesses to take the first steps towards its implementation, that alone is a worthy accomplishment.<\/p>\nSmall Business Cyber Security<\/em> isn\u2019t perfect. Some of the chapter headings could be more descriptive, and ideas occasionally bleed over from one chapter into another.\u00a0 A few times little notes and anecdotes seem to be inserted because the authors thought them important, but they don\u2019t really fit in with the preceding information.\u00a0 These foibles are easier to bear in a book written in a loose, conversational tone than would be the case in a more formal guide or textbook.<\/p>\nSmall Business Cyber Security<\/em> is written at a relatively high level, that is to say the \u201c50,000-foot view.\u201d Given the intended audience \u2013 the small business owner without much cybersecurity experience or resources \u2013 it\u2019s a very appropriate level of writing.\u00a0 It will definitely be of more help to that audience than to the more experienced practitioner. That said, some of the descriptions, summaries, and anecdotes shared in the book may help refresh the perspective of established professionals, or give them ideas as to how they can better present ideas to their employers, executives, or clients.<\/p>\n
\nConclusion<\/span><\/p>\nSmall Business Cyber Security<\/em> should be among the first cybersecurity books read by those who have just started, or are contemplating starting, a small business.\u00a0 Those who have experience in cybersecurity, particularly the NIST Framework, will likely find it an easy and enjoyable read but aren\u2019t likely to benefit a lot from it. The book presents ideas and concepts in a simple, jargon-free tone and format, almost like you\u2019d hear during a cybersecurity chat with the authors over lunch. In my opinion, its primary accomplishment is the removal of some of the confusion, fear, and apprehension that may confront the small business owner as she embarks on her venture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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