The team at RSM Australia has put together a list of essential cybersecurity tips aimed at executives in risk management, audit and advisory roles to help businesses enhance their security measures against hackers. The 'top 5 tips', as outlined by RSM, represents a best practice guide for those working with clients in this crucial area.

As Australian companies increasingly prioritise cybersecurity, strategic advisors are being urged to pay careful consideration to the counsel they provide to their clients. This emphasis on security is especially critical when addressing the management and mitigation of risks in evolving cybersecurity landscapes. RSM Australia has committed to leading the sector with its team of global risk management leaders and cybersecurity experts who work intimately with clients across all industries.

Riaan Bronkhorst, Cyber Security & Privacy Risk Advisory Partner at RSM Australia, sees the rise of superior hackers corresponding with our society's progression into the digital age. He describes how numerous organisations have sought their advice following serious issues, including data breaches, identity theft, and instances where hackers accessed confidential files and held the organisations to ransom. Over time, RSM has refined its advice, methods and procedures, adapting its approach as risk managers and auditors are increasingly called upon to review and limit any potential risks for clients.

RSM Australia has presented five key cybersecurity advisory services that risk managers or audit executives should be considering. These include Vulnerability – Penetration, and Technical Security Testing Assessment; Security – Design, Implementation and Assessment; External – Third-party Security Assurance and Assessments; Audit – System, Application and Network security audits; and Resilience – Business Continuity Measures, Disaster Recovery, CIR and Crisis Management.

These services are essential tools for cybersecurity experts and risk managers. For instance, penetration testing is often used to assess how effortlessly a company's security system can be breached. Similarly, system, application, and network security audits allow management to design and implement new security structures. Additionally, third-party assessments generate potential breach scenarios, helping to formulate company resilience plans and crisis management strategies.

“We’re always seeking to enhance our knowledge, processes and methodologies to ensure they’re up-to-date and consistent with current hacking trends", said Bronkhorst. He emphasised the team’s ongoing commitment to security system development that benefits clients, reiterating that this is a continual endeavour for all at RSM.