A new membership type to help secure the supply chain and reduce third-party risk.
LinkSECURE is a new membership program for small- to mid-sized vendors and service providers that have limited IT or cyber resources. The program helps companies to mature their own cybersecurity operations.
LinkSECURE combines curated RH-ISAC resources with a comprehensive program built around the Center for Internet Security’s (CIS) Critical Security Controls, providing program participants with an effective roadmap to implementing fundamental security safeguards. LinkSECURE members have dedicated success managers to guide them through the entire process.
CIS’ 18 Critical Security Controls are a prioritized set of safeguards to mitigate the most prevalent cyberattacks against systems and networks.
The controls are broken down into easy-to-understand, prioritized steps to guide implementation.
The CIS Controls map to most major compliance frameworks and regulations, including NIST, ISO, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and others.
LinkSECURE participants start with an evaluation of their cybersecurity posture. Based on those results, they will be led through a step-by-step implementation of the CIS Critical Security Controls and Safeguards, all of which is guided by success managers from CIS and RH-ISAC.
Additionally, RH-ISAC will provide curated content from industry threat analysts. There will also be opportunity for one-on-one and group discussions on the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
While building a cybersecurity program is never completed, there is an end to the LinkSECURE program. Once completed, members will be recognized as a vendor that prioritizes cybersecurity (and will be encouraged to join their sector’s ISAC or sharing community).
Cybersecurity is essential for modern businesses because it protects sensitive data, maintains customer trust, complies with regulations, avoids financial losses from cyberattacks, safeguards business operations, and preserves the company’s reputation by preventing data breaches and other cyber threats, ultimately ensuring the smooth and secure functioning of the business in today’s digital landscape.
Cybersecurity is no longer a “nice-to-have,” but is essential in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
Having everything connected to the internet – and being directly connected to your clients – makes everything work better and more smoothly together. But it also opens us up to more and different kinds of attacks (what cybersecurity professionals call the “attack surface”). In fact, according to a recent study, 98% of organizations are affiliated with a third party that has experienced a cybersecurity incident.
Threat actors can now hack your clients by hacking you!
While having a cybersecurity program won’t directly generate revenue for you, it’s an investment to protect your organization. Just like buying security cameras or locks for your doors. Yes, it’s a cost, but it protects you from incurring more losses. Plus, showing that you’re serious about cybersecurity demonstrates care and concern about protecting your clients, business continuity and resilience.
Taking cybersecurity seriously increases trust, reinforcing existing relationships and opening doors for new clients.
For third-party vendors looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, LinkSECURE offers a starting point. The program offers guidance on implementing the basics: key security controls to address critical security gaps and avoid the complexities associated with building a cybersecurity program from scratch. RH-ISAC staff provides access to essential resources, tools, and expertise designed to help organizations establish and maintain a strong security posture.
LinkSECURE empowers vendors to not only protect their own business but also become trusted and secure partners in the broader business ecosystem.
