Last updated on Jul 15, 2024

Your client is resistant to security updates. How do you ensure their network remains protected?

When it comes to network security, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that your client's infrastructure remains protected, especially when they are resistant to implementing security updates. This resistance might stem from concerns over downtime, compatibility issues, or simply a lack of understanding of the risks involved. As a network security professional, it's your job to navigate these objections and safeguard your client's network against potential threats. Understanding both the technical and human elements involved in network security is crucial to maintaining a secure environment.

1 Educate Clients

Your first step is to educate your client about the importance of security updates. Explain that these updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Use analogies they can relate to, likening network security to a home's locks being updated to keep out burglars. Ensure they understand that, while the process may seem inconvenient, the consequences of not updating can be far more disruptive to their business operations.

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Ananda Mule

Cloud Security Engineer 💻 | Zscaler | ZIA | ZPA | Paloalto | F5 - BigIP | Cyber Security Enthusiastic
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1. Ensuring clients all the devices are updated and protected. 2. having monitoring tools to identify the threat and mitigate the risk. 3. updating all the devices on time with latest patches. 4. having policy based restriction in order to access the device. 5. taking time to time backup and recovery.

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2 Risk Assessment

Conduct a thorough risk assessment to demonstrate the potential consequences of not applying updates. Highlight how outdated systems can be exploited by malware or cyber-attacks, leading to data breaches or service interruptions. This assessment should be detailed yet digestible, providing a clear picture of the risks while avoiding overly technical jargon that could overwhelm or confuse your client.

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Tejas Vishe

Security Administrator @Safran| Top Network Security Voice |Ex Accenture| Ex Wipro |Network Security | Cloud Security |Palo Alto| FortiGate |Azure|F5 LTM
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✔Find Important Assets: Figure out which assets are extremely important for the client's business. This includes identifying key servers, databases, and applications that store sensitive information. ✔Analyze Risks and Weaknesses: Identify possible risks (like malware, phishing) and weaknesses in the existing system. Utilize tools like vulnerability scanners and penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. ✔Measure Consequences: Evaluate the possible consequences of these risks on the client's business, including financial, reputational, and operational impacts.

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3 Alternative Strategies

If your client remains hesitant, propose alternative strategies that minimize disruption. For example, schedule updates during off-peak hours or implement a staged rollout to ensure business continuity. Discuss the use of virtualization to test updates before full deployment. These alternatives can help alleviate some of their concerns while maintaining network security.

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4 Continuous Monitoring

Emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of their network. Explain how security tools and protocols can detect unusual activity and provide early warnings of potential breaches. Assure them that with proper monitoring, the network can remain secure even between updates, as you'll be able to respond quickly to any threats.

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5 Policy Implementation

Advocate for the implementation of a robust security policy that mandates regular updates. This policy should outline responsibilities, procedures, and timelines for security maintenance. Having a formal policy in place can help shift the perspective from optional updates to essential maintenance tasks that are part of routine operations.

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6 Persuasion Techniques

Finally, use persuasion techniques to encourage compliance with security updates. Appeal to their business sense by discussing the cost-effectiveness of preventative measures versus the expense of recovering from a security incident. Share success stories and best practices from other clients who maintain regular update schedules.

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Gerald Hoon

Aspiring Accredited Investor with a Cybersecurity Edge | Nanyang Business School '26
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Encouraging compliance with security updates can be achieved by highlighting the personal impact of data breaches. Emphasize the potential for reputational damage and loss of customer trust. Explain how regular updates protect not just the organization but also their clients’ sensitive information. Use real-world examples of breaches and the severe consequences that resulted from neglected updates. Stress the ease and efficiency of regular updates compared to the chaos and cost of responding to an incident. This approach personalizes the importance of security, fostering a proactive mindset towards updates and protection.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Tejas Vishe

Security Administrator @Safran| Top Network Security Voice |Ex Accenture| Ex Wipro |Network Security | Cloud Security |Palo Alto| FortiGate |Azure|F5 LTM
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✔Conduct a risk assessment: identify critical assets and potential threats. ✔Prioritize Risks: Create a risk matrix to prioritize threats. ✔Develop a Security Roadmap: Propose a phased approach with clear milestones. ✔Monitor and Report Regularly: Implement continuous monitoring solutions. ✔Leverage Third-Party Audits: Engage third-party auditors for unbiased reviews. ✔Ensure Compliance: Emphasize the importance of regulatory compliance.

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Your client is resistant to security updates. How do you ensure their network remains protected?

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2

3

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5

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1 Educate Clients

2 Risk Assessment

3 Alternative Strategies

4 Continuous Monitoring

5 Policy Implementation

6 Persuasion Techniques

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

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Your client is resistant to security updates. How do you ensure their network remains protected?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Educate Clients

2 Risk Assessment

3 Alternative Strategies

4 Continuous Monitoring

5 Policy Implementation

6 Persuasion Techniques

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

Rate this article

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