Adapting to Cyber Threats with Expertise, Compliance, and Continuous Learning!

The cybersecurity industry is essential in safeguarding digital infrastructure and sensitive information in an increasingly connected world. With cyber threats growing in number and sophistication, businesses and individuals are constantly at risk from attacks such as malware, phishing, and data breaches. Organizations are tasked with staying proactive, implementing robust security measures, and continuously adapting their strategies to address these threats. The need for specialized expertise and effective cybersecurity solutions has become more urgent, as the consequences of a breach can have severe financial and reputational impacts.

Helen Thomas, the Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance, brings technical knowledge and experience to the field. With a background in electrical engineering and coding, she has developed a strong foundation in cybersecurity. Her technical expertise enables her to effectively assess and improve her clients’ security postures, guiding them through various compliance frameworks, such as NIST and CMMC. Helen’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that she remains at the cutting edge of cybersecurity practices, positioning her to help clients in numerous ways.

Digital Beachhead is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in providing governance, risk, and compliance services, focusing on helping clients meet the rigorous demands of CMMC compliance. The company works closely with clients to assess their cybersecurity needs and develop tailored solutions that enhance their resilience against progressing cyber threats. Digital Beachhead also prioritizes employee well-being, offering a supportive work environment that balances professional growth with personal health.

Let’s delve in to learn more:

Leveraging Technical Expertise for Cybersecurity

The increasing frequency of cyber threats played a significant role in sparking Helen’s interest in cybersecurity. Like many others, she has experienced the impact of sensitive data loss due to security breaches by service providers. This has reinforced her belief that individuals must protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.

With a background in electrical engineering, Helen found it easier to grasp technical concepts and adapt to new tools in the cybersecurity field. Her experience in coding further supported her ability to understand various cybersecurity topics, allowing her to approach them with confidence.

As an engineer, Helen adhered to standards like NIST, and today, she follows the NIST 800-171 framework to assess her clients’ cybersecurity posture. This approach has been integral to her work in ensuring robust cybersecurity practices and helping clients improve their security measures.

Adapting to Growing Cyber Threats

As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, the methods used to deliver malware have expanded to include email, voice messages, SMS, and social engineering. Organizations must continually update their governance practices, risk analysis processes, and compliance rules to respond to these evolving threats to stay prepared. Adhering to best practices and staying informed about the latest requirements is essential. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) guides clients, including those in the Department of Defense (DoD), in strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

With the growing complexity of threats, advanced tools are being integrated into cybersecurity strategies. Artificial Intelligence, behavior analysis, and automation tools enhance defense mechanisms against cyberattacks. These technologies improve efficiency in detecting intrusions early and accelerate recovery, helping organizations avoid potential risks.

At Digital Beachhead, these approaches are key components of their strategy to safeguard clients from increasing cyber threats, ensuring the continued protection of sensitive information and systems.

Commitment to Continuous Learning and Cybersecurity Excellence

The team consistently tests and evaluates new products, features, and technologies to stay current. In a rapidly shifting environment, continuous learning is essential to remain competitive. They can provide greater client value and enhance service delivery by acquiring new expertise and certifications. As a candidate for CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) status, the company is preparing to conduct audits for Department of Defense contractors to ensure compliance. The executive is working toward becoming a Certified CMMC Professional (CCP), supporting their role in the C3PAO process. Through a culture of inclusion and encouragement, the company also aims to inspire and prepare interns for successful careers in cybersecurity.

Guiding CMMC Compliance with Practical Support

The team at Digital Beachhead is deeply involved in developing and implementing policies and procedures. After reviewing the 110 CMMC controls and assessing clients’ cybersecurity postures, they create tailored policies and procedures that ensure compliance with CMMC audits. The team also supports clients in collecting evidence and developing necessary user policies for employees. For the specific tools and software used by clients, they provide guidance on the configuration settings required for compliance. If the team is unfamiliar with a particular tool, they conduct research and offer hands-on support through screen sharing to help resolve any issues.

Promoting Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being

Working from home offers a significant advantage in maintaining a work-life balance, eliminating the need for daily commuting and allowing more time for personal activities. The flexibility to work remotely contributes to better focus and efficiency while reducing stress. The leadership at Digital Beachhead, particularly the CEO, values the well-being of employees, understanding that mental health is crucial for productivity and effectiveness. As a 20-year military veteran, the CEO recognizes the importance of self-care, ensuring that employees are supported in maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.

For employees, this approach translates into a supportive environment that fosters both professional growth and personal well-being. Taking time to engage in family activities is important for overall wellness, but individuals also find relaxation through personal hobbies. In this case, golfing serves as a favorite pastime to destress. However, when the game does not go as expected, it provides a good opportunity for physical activity rather than a source of frustration.

By prioritizing mental health and offering flexibility in work arrangements, Digital Beachhead creates a culture where employees can thrive personally and professionally, enhancing their ability to support and serve clients effectively.

Cybersecurity Insights and Engagement

The team actively engages in various cybersecurity conventions, forums, and think tanks to stay informed about industry developments and anticipate potential changes. They regularly assess new cybersecurity tools from third-party vendors and provide feedback for product improvements. Participation in Cyber AB town hall meetings helps ensure they are well-prepared for any updates or new requirements. Additionally, the CEO has launched a podcast, Cyber Sitrep, with Eric Mann of Corvus Technologies, where they share insights and discussions on the latest cybersecurity trends, drawing from their unique military perspectives.

Phishing Tests and Cybersecurity Training

Helen and her team conduct phishing test campaigns for clients to enhance cybersecurity awareness. These campaigns generate monthly reports detailing the number of emails opened and links clicked. A scoreboard tracks employees’ performance, and managers are alerted when additional support is needed. Those who click on phishing links are directed to further training to help them recognize current scams more effectively.

The team tailors training content based on client feedback, adjusting lessons to match industry-specific needs. In addition to the monthly training videos and phishing tests, regular webinars are held to address new trends in cybersecurity. These live sessions allow employees to ask questions and learn about emerging threats in real time.

This proactive approach helps clients build a stronger defense against cyber threats by continuously educating employees and providing resources to enhance their awareness and response to phishing attacks.

Customizing Cybersecurity Solutions for Client Needs

The role of cybersecurity leaders is highly rewarding, as they can make a significant positive impact on their client’s security posture. It is essential to understand each client’s unique needs and create customized solutions that address their specific requirements. Since industries, budgets, and scope vary, the tools recommended must be tailored to each client’s situation. Cybersecurity professionals should help clients eliminate redundancy and avoid tools that unnecessarily inflate costs. Adopting a product-agnostic approach is critical, ensuring that tools are selected based on suitability rather than brand preference, with upgrades considered as resources allow. A key starting point in guiding clients is reinforcing cybersecurity awareness, as many issues often originate with user behavior.

Building Cybersecurity Resilience for SMBs

The goal is to assist small to medium sized businesses navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, helping them interpret regulations and gradually build resilience against cyber threats while staying within their budgets. When working with a client, the team commits to a year-long partnership, focusing on improving the client’s cybersecurity posture and addressing any issues. Many clients extend this engagement for ongoing support in a constantly shifting field.

Regarding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance, the team continues to assist Department of Defense (DOD) clients in preparing for CMMC audits. Upon completing the C3PAO certification, the team plans to offer audits to additional defense contractors, even those who are not clients.