Think cyber risk management is just a problem for the IT department? Think again.

Let’s rewind to the fall of 2023. MGM Resorts, a global hospitality giant, was brought to its knees. It wasn’t a super-sophisticated technical exploit that breached their defenses. It was a 10-minute phone call. A threat actor, pretending to be an employee, simply tricked the IT help desk into giving them access.

The fallout was biblical. Slot machines went dark. Digital room keys stopped working. Reservation systems crashed. The company lost millions of dollars a day, and the reputational damage was immense. This wasn’t a hypothetical scenario from a security conference; it was a real-world disaster that underscores a critical truth: waiting for cyber-attacks to happen isn’t a strategy, it’s a surrender.

Proactive cyber risk mitigation is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s a fundamental part of staying in business. Companies that adopt effective cyber risk mitigation strategies reduce the chance of similar disasters happening to them.

So, what are cyber risks?

Before you can build your defenses, you need to know what you’re up against. “Cyber risk” is a broad term. That’s why understanding the most common cyber threats is the first step to identifying risks and protecting your organization.

• Data breaches: This is when cybercriminals get their hands on data they shouldn’t have—customer lists, employee PII, secret sauce recipes, you name it. It often happens because of a weak link, like an unpatched server or a single employee falling for a phishing scam.
• Ransomware: Imagine walking into your office one morning to find every file on every computer locked with a message demanding a hefty bitcoin payment to get them back. That’s ransomware. It doesn’t just steal your data; it paralyzes your entire operation until you pay up (or, hopefully, restore from a clean backup).
• Phishing: This is the art of deception. It’s the “your bank” email with a link to “verify your account.” These scams are designed to trick your people into willingly handing over the keys. This is where robust employee training becomes a critical defense.
• Insider threats are some of the trickiest cybersecurity risks to handle. They could be a disgruntled employee intentionally stealing data on their way out the door or “Well-Meaning Bob” in accounting, who accidentally emails a sensitive spreadsheet to the wrong person. Because they already have legitimate access, their actions are much harder to spot.

Ignoring these cyber threats can lead to some truly business-ending consequences:

• The financial bleeding: This isn’t just about the cost of an incident response plan. It’s the regulatory fines (which can be massive), the legal fees from lawsuits, and the sheer cost of lost business while your systems are down.
• The trust implosion: You’ve spent years, maybe decades, building a reputation with your customers. A single breach can shatter that trust overnight. Why would customers give you their data if they don’t believe you can protect it?
• The regulatory hammer: A breach doesn’t just trigger fines, but it forces your entire organization into audit mode. You’ll need to investigate, document, report, and possibly overhaul security practices to satisfy regulators. For companies under GDPR, HIPAA, or similar frameworks, that means intense scrutiny, tight deadlines, and long-term oversight that diverts focus from business as usual.

Okay, so what is cyber risk mitigation?

Let’s clear up a common misconception. Cyber risk mitigation strategies don’t mean becoming invincible. No organization, not even the NSA, can stop 100% of cyber-attacks. It’s not about building an impenetrable fortress.

A better analogy is modern home security. Effective risk management strategies in cybersecurity are about:

• Reducing the likelihood: Making your house a less attractive target. You install strong locks (access controls), trim the bushes so burglars can’t hide, and have good lighting. In the digital world, this is patching vulnerabilities, implementing multi-factor authentication, and training your people.
• Minimizing the impact: Accepting that someone might still get in, and being ready for it. You have an alarm system that goes off (intrusion detection systems), security cameras to see what they did, and insurance to cover the losses. This is your incident response plan, your backups, and your ability to recover quickly.

Cyber risk mitigation is the ongoing process of shrinking your attack surface while building your resilience. Effective cyber risk mitigation efforts are a blend of people, processes, and technology, all working together.

The case for being proactive

Waiting for an attack to happen before you get serious about security is like trying to buy fire insurance while your house is engulfed in flames. It’s too late, and the damage is done. A proactive approach to reducing cybersecurity risks is not just smarter; it’s essential for survival.

1. It’s just cheaper. Regular vulnerability assessments and patching flaws during routine maintenance are among the smartest cyber risk mitigation strategies. They cost a tiny fraction of what it costs to clean up after a full-blown ransomware attack—the difference between a $100 oil change and a $5,000 engine replacement.
2. It keeps the business running. Every minute your systems are down is a minute you’re not serving customers, processing orders, or generating revenue.
3. It keeps you out of regulatory hot water. Auditors and regulators want to see evidence of a living, breathing security program, not a dusty policy binder on a shelf.
4. It becomes a competitive advantage. In a world full of data breaches, being the company that can prove it takes security seriously is a powerful differentiator.

How to reduce cybersecurity risks: key strategies

Cybersecurity risk management can feel like you’re playing a frantic game of whack-a-mole, and the moles have Ph. D.s in hacking. It’s overwhelming. But building effective cyber risk mitigation strategies doesn’t mean you must become a cybersecurity expert overnight.

It’s about having a clear playbook. Let’s break down the essential strategies into practical, no-nonsense steps that show you exactly how to mitigate cyber risk.

1. Patch, patch, patch!

Keeping your software and systems up-to-date is the cybersecurity equivalent of brushing your teeth. It’s a simple, daily habit that prevents a world of expensive, painful digital root canals down the line.

When companies discover a security flaw in their software, they release a patch to fix it. Cybercriminals love unpatched systems; it’s like leaving your front door unlocked.

Automate your patching process wherever possible. Use tools that automatically apply security updates to operating systems (like Windows) and common applications (like Adobe and Chrome).

2. Establish strong access controls: The velvet rope policy

Think of your network as an exclusive nightclub. Access controls are your bouncers. They enforce the principle of least privilege, which is a fancy way of saying: people only get access to what they absolutely need to do their job, and nothing more.

If an attacker compromises an account, these solutions limit the damage that threat actors can do. They might get into the marketing department’s files, but they can’t access the crown jewels in finance or engineering.

Use network access control solutions and restrict access based on roles.

3. Embrace multi-factor authentication (MFA)

If you do only one thing from this list, make it this one. Passwords alone are dead. They are stolen, guessed, and phished by the millions every day.

MFA requires a second piece of proof (besides the password) to log in. This is usually a code from a phone app, a text message, or a fingerprint.

Even if a threat actor steals an employee’s password, they can’t log in without that second factor. It single-handedly stops the vast majority of account takeover cyber-attacks. Mandate it for everything: email, VPN, cloud computing platforms, everything.

4. Use smart password policies

People are predictable. We reuse passwords, make them too simple, and write them down.

Enforce strong password requirements (length and complexity). Even better, deploy a business password manager. It generates, stores, and fills in unique, complex passwords for every site. This actually makes life easier for your employees while making you dramatically more secure.

5. Build digital bulkheads: Network segmentation

This is like the watertight compartments on a ship. If one section floods, it doesn’t sink the whole vessel. By dividing your network into smaller, isolated segments using network segmentation solutions, you contain the “blast radius” of an attack.

How it works: you put your guest Wi-Fi on a completely separate network from your corporate one. You isolate the servers that handle credit card payments from the general office network.

If a cybercriminal gets into one segment, they can’t easily move laterally across your network to steal more valuable data.

6. 24/7 digital security guard: Continuous monitoring

You wouldn’t leave your office unlocked and unattended overnight, so why do it with your network? Continuous monitoring tools catch subtle cyber threats before they turn into disasters. They are your eyes and ears, constantly watching for suspicious activity.

These systems, including intrusion detection systems (IDS), watch for signs of trouble, like a user logging in from two countries at once, a massive data download at 3 a.m., or traffic going to a known malicious server.

Actionable step: centralize your logs. Having all your security event data in one place improves network visibility and allows you to connect the dots and spot an attack before it becomes a full-blown breach.

7. Use encrypted connections

Sending unencrypted data over the internet is like mailing your company secrets on a postcard. Anyone who intercepts it can read it.

Ensure all connections are encrypted using technologies like a corporate VPN or, even better, a modern ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) solution. This wraps your data in a layer of gibberish that only the intended recipient can decode. This is non-negotiable for remote work and cloud computing.

8. Back up your data (and test it!)

Backups are your parachute. When a ransomware attack hits and your files are held hostage, a good backup is the only thing that will save you.

Use the 3-2-1 rule: it’s simple and it works.

• 3 copies of your data.
• 2 different types of storage media.
• 1 copy stored offline or off-site, safe from any network attack.

A backup you haven’t tested is just a rumor. Regularly practice restoring your data to make sure your parachute actually opens when you need it.

9. Understand your risks: Perform regular risk assessments

You can’t effectively mitigate cyber risk if you don’t know where your weaknesses are. A regular cybersecurity risk assessment is like an annual health check-up for your company’s security posture.

This process helps you identify risks by conducting vulnerability assessments to find technical flaws and evaluating threats to your business. It gives you a prioritized to-do list so you can fix the most dangerous problems first.

10. Don’t panic in a crisis: Develop an incident response plan

When an attack happens (and one day, it might), the worst thing you can do is panic. An incident response plan is one of your most crucial cyber risk mitigation strategies.

A clear, step-by-step document that outlines exactly who does what during a security breach. Who do you call? How do you isolate the affected systems? How do you communicate with customers?

Run regular “fire drills” (tabletop exercises) to make sure everyone knows their role. It’s better to feel awkward in a practice session than to be clueless during a real 3 a.m. crisis.

11. Build your human firewall: Invest in employee training

Your employees can be your greatest security asset or your biggest liability. The difference is employee training.

Don’t just force them through a boring annual PowerPoint. Use engaging, continuous training with real-world examples and simulated phishing attacks.

Create a culture of security where every employee feels empowered and responsible for protecting the company. Teach them to be suspicious, to question weird requests, and to report anything that feels “off.” Regular employee training strengthens your overall cyber risk mitigation efforts.

12. Don’t go it alone: Work with security partners

Managing risk in the modern threat landscape is a full-time job. Don’t be afraid to bring in the experts.

Partnering with a third-party security provider gives you access to specialized tools and expertise you likely don’t have in-house. They can help you implement everything from ZTNA and advanced intrusion detection systems to credential management and incident response.

Risk-reduction technologies that matter most

Let’s talk tech now. The market is flooded with tools, each promising to be the silver bullet for all your cybersecurity risks. But building effective cyber risk mitigation strategies isn’t about buying the shiniest new toy. It’s about assembling a smart, layered toolkit in which each piece has a specific job.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

At its core, IAM answers two simple questions: “Who are you?” (authentication) and “What are you allowed to do?” (authorization). Think of it as the world’s most diligent bouncer for your entire digital world.

IAM systems are the central command for all user access controls. They manage who gets a key and which doors that key can open.

Many cyber-attacks don’t start with a threat actor brute-forcing their way in; they start with stolen credentials. If a bad actor has a valid username and password, they can just walk right in the front door.

1. Single Sign-On (SSO): Instead of juggling 50 different passwords, your employee logs in once to a central portal, which then securely grants them access to all the apps they need. It’s convenient, but more importantly, it means IT has one place to manage—and revoke—access instantly.
2. MFA: This is non-negotiable. This simple step single-handedly stops the vast majority of account takeover attempts. Implementing multi-factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to mitigate cyber risk.
3. User provisioning: If your company has an identity provider, configure user provisioning across work tools and critical systems. It streamlines onboarding and makes offboarding safer by quickly revoking access for former employees.

Secure networking (VPN, ZTNA, FWaaS)

The traditional network security model trusted anything inside the perimeter. Once you were inside the network (often via a VPN), you could access almost anything. In today’s world of remote work and cloud computing, that model is a recipe for disaster.

These technologies secure the connections between your users, your apps, and the internet, no matter where they are.

1. The old guard (VPN): A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel from a user’s device to the company network. It’s like an exclusive, private highway. The problem is that the highway leads to the entire city, not just the one building you need to visit.
2. The new sheriff in town (ZTNA): Zero Trust Network Access is a game-changer. It operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Instead of giving a user access to the whole network, ZTNA grants access to a specific application only after verifying their identity. It’s like having a bouncer at the door of every single room in your office, checking IDs every time.
3. Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS): A cloud-based security guard for all your internet traffic. It’s perfect for distributed teams because it protects everyone, whether they’re at home, in a coffee shop, or at the office, without needing a physical box in every location.

Endpoint protection and management

Your endpoints—laptops, servers, and mobile phones—are where the action happens. They’re also where most cyber threats first land. Basic antivirus isn’t enough anymore.
You need tools designed to protect the devices your team uses every day. This is a critical part of any cybersecurity risk management plan.

1. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Think of antivirus as a security guard who checks IDs at the door. If malware does get in, EDR helps you understand how it happened and what it did.
2. Mobile Device Management (MDM): In the age of “Bring Your Own Device,” MDM is your rule-enforcer. It ensures that any phone or tablet accessing company data meets your security standards (e.g., has a passcode, is encrypted) and allows you to wipe the device remotely if it’s lost or stolen.

They are essential for defending your devices against today’s sophisticated cyber threats.

Threat detection and response: The security command center (XDR, IDS/IPS)

You can’t stop every single threat at the gate. Some will slip through. Your success in managing risk depends on how fast you can spot them and shut them down.

These are your “eyes and ears” on the network, looking for the tell-tale signs of an attack in progress.

• Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): An IDS is like a silent alarm—it sees something suspicious on the network and tells you about it. An IPS goes one step further; it’s the alarm that also automatically drops the security shutters to block the threat.
• Extended Detection and Response (XDR): This is the evolution. XDR is like a central intelligence hub. It pulls in alerts from your endpoints (EDR), your network (IDS/IPS), your cloud environments, and your email security, then uses AI to connect the dots. Instead of seeing five separate, low-level alerts, your team sees one correlated incident: “This attacker phished Bob, stole his credentials, and is now trying to access the finance server.” This context is crucial for a fast and effective incident response plan.

Vulnerability and risk management

Your systems have flaws. Every piece of software does. The goal of vulnerability assessments is to find those weak spots and fix them before a cybercriminal does. This is proactive cyber risk mitigation at its best.

• What it is: The process of systematically scanning your systems to identify risks and security weaknesses, prioritizing them based on severity, and tracking them until they’re fixed.
• How it works: Instead of waiting for the annual cybersecurity risk assessment, automated scanners continuously check your assets for known vulnerabilities (like outdated software or misconfigurations). This gives you a real-time to-do list, allowing you to patch the most critical holes first. It turns firefighting into a manageable, ongoing process.

Data Loss Prevention and backup (DLP): Protecting your most sensitive data

Some data is more valuable than others. DLP and robust backups are all about making sure your most sensitive information doesn’t walk out the door and that you can recover if the worst happens.

DLP tools act like a smart guard for your data itself. They identify, monitor, and protect sensitive info wherever it lives and travels.

A scenario: An employee is about to accidentally email a spreadsheet containing thousands of customer credit card numbers to an external address. A good DLP solution will pop up with a warning: “This file appears to contain sensitive data. Are you sure you want to send it?” In many cases, it will block the action entirely.

Backups are your “undo” button for a catastrophe like ransomware. Modern backups should be “immutable”—meaning once they’re written, they can’t be altered or deleted by anyone, including ransomware.

Cloud and SaaS security

Moving to the cloud doesn’t mean you can outsource your security responsibility. Misconfigurations in cloud computing environments (like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) are a leading cause of major data breaches.

Cloud and SaaS security tools are specifically designed to monitor your cloud infrastructure and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) apps (like Microsoft 365 or Salesforce) for security gaps. They act like an automated security audit, constantly checking for things like publicly exposed storage buckets, excessive user permissions, or services that aren’t compliant with regulations.

Security Automation and Orchestration (SOAR)

SOAR automates the repetitive, time-consuming tasks so the human experts can focus on actual threat hunting and investigation.

It is a platform that connects all your other security tools and automates response workflows. Example in action:

1. An alert for a potentially malicious file comes in from your EDR.
2. The SOAR platform automatically takes the file hash and runs it against multiple threat intelligence databases.
3. It finds a match—it’s a known piece of malware!
4. It automatically creates a high-priority ticket in your ticketing system, enriches it with all the data it found, and quarantines the affected endpoint. This all happens in seconds, before a human analyst has even finished their coffee. These cyber risk mitigation strategies are all about speed and efficiency.

User education and behavior analytics (UEBA)

Finally, and most importantly, remember that technology alone is not a complete solution. Your people are your first and last line of defense. Knowing how to mitigate cyber risk starts with them.

It’s a two-pronged approach combining proactive training with smart technology that learns user behavior:

• Employee training: This isn’t about a boring annual slideshow. Effective training involves regular, engaging content and realistic phishing simulations to teach employees how to spot and report threats. It’s about building a culture of security.
• User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA): This is the tech that backs up the training. UEBA tools create a baseline of “normal” activity for every user. If a user suddenly starts accessing unusual files, logging in at odd hours, or downloading huge amounts of data, the system flags it as anomalous behavior, giving you an early warning of a potential inside threat or compromised account.

Putting it into practice with Nord Security

Alright, that was a lot of theory. So, how do you actually execute cyber risk mitigation strategies without hiring a dozen new people? This is where the right platform makes the difference.

Nord Security’s suite of network security solutions is designed to tackle these exact problems. NordLayer implements the strict Zero Trust access we talked about, ensuring users only get to the apps they need. NordPass tackles the company-wide password problem head-on, while NordStellar provides threat intelligence to help you detect potential attacks early.

They’re built to work together, giving you a cohesive security layer instead of a messy patchwork of tools. It’s about making robust cyber risk mitigation genuinely manageable. Contact sales to see how Nord Security can help your organization.

In this day and age, when a cyber-attack happens roughly every 40 seconds, no industry is safe from threats. Every organization, regardless of what it does, faces some level of risk.

That said, some industries are targeted far more than others. Healthcare, unfortunately, is near the top of that list. First, let us explain why that’s the case. Later, we’ll discuss what healthcare facilities and institutions can do to better protect themselves against hacking attempts.

Why the healthcare industry is particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks

The key reason why healthcare is often targeted by cybercriminals is that it deals with highly valuable data. To provide their services, healthcare companies must store and manage large volumes of electronic health records, sensitive patient information, and other confidential files. We’re talking ID documents, Social Security numbers, medical histories, insurance papers, and more. All of those, as you can guess, are highly sought after on the dark web.

And that’s only part of the problem. We also need to consider that many healthcare organizations still rely on outdated computer systems and legacy infrastructure. Yesterday’s technologies simply can’t keep up with today’s cybersecurity threats—and attackers know this all too well.

Add to that the growing number of connected devices used in hospitals and clinics—many of which lack proper security—and you get a large attack surface. In this scenario, every device creates a potential risk that cybercriminals can exploit to break into the system.

The consequences of cyber-attacks for healthcare organizations

Let’s start with this: if sensitive data—personally identifying information, electronic health records, insurance details, and so on—gets leaked, the consequences can be far-reaching. For instance, attackers can use it to file fake insurance claims. They might also get prescription drugs illegally. In some cases, they could even blackmail patients or medical institutions to keep medical records private.

Of course, the impact of the breach on an organization can be profound. It can lead to severe financial losses and big damage to its reputation. Regular and potential customers may lose trust and run off to competitors.

And if you think incidents like this are probably rare, we hate to tell you otherwise. Cyber-attacks on healthcare companies have been on the rise over the last few years.

In 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that the average number of healthcare breaches was two per day. That’s millions of medical records compromised each year. This explains why healthcare organizations cannot afford to rely on half-measures when it comes to cybersecurity.

How to defend against cyber-attacks in healthcare

Just because the healthcare industry is a frequent target for cybercriminals doesn’t mean organizations in this sector should feel helpless. There are plenty of effective strategies and solutions available. If you’re part of this sector, here’s how you can improve your defenses:

Control who has access to electronic medical records

One way to boost healthcare cybersecurity is by adopting the Zero Trust model. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “Never trust, always verify”—that’s what it’s all about. It means you double-check everyone’s identity every time they need to access sensitive resources, even if you’re 100% sure they work at your company. It may sound strict, but it’s one of the best methods to stop unauthorized access.

Also, just because someone is part of the team doesn’t mean they should have unlimited access to all sensitive information. You want to make sure people only access the apps and data they actually need, based on their role and responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to set up proper access permissions for each user in your organization.

Tools like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions can help you put this framework into practice. They let you set up proper identity checks and control access effectively, so employees only reach what they need for their work—and nothing more.

And one more thing. While focusing on digital access, remember to also control physical access to areas where servers and patient records are stored. Limiting this access helps prevent damage to equipment and data theft.

Divide your network into smaller parts

Speaking of controlling access to resources, you can take that concept further by breaking up your company’s network into smaller elements called “segments.” This process is called network segmentation. Basically, by using firewalls, gateways, and internet protocols, you create separate areas of the network for specific user groups to operate in—without giving them access to the other parts.

How does this help? For one, if a security incident occurs, it will be contained within that one particular segment. This means it won’t spread across the entire network. This not only helps you identify and resolve the issue faster but also protects the rest of your IT environment.

Use encryption to protect all patient records

When you encrypt sensitive information like medical research and patient records, you ensure that even if someone gets hold of this data, it will appear as a scrambled mess when they try to open it. All the information stays unreadable until the correct decryption key is provided.

Encryption is especially useful when you’re sharing sensitive information online, particularly between remote sites or workers. To keep data secure in transit, end-to-end encryption is often used. This means the data is encrypted right on the sender’s device and stays encrypted until it reaches the intended recipient, where it’s decrypted.

Because the data remains encrypted throughout its entire journey, even if someone intercepts it while it passes from point A to point B, they won’t be able to read or misuse it. Just remember that this protection requires using strong algorithms like AES-256 or XChaCha20 for encrypting your data—some weaker ones can still be cracked with modern hacking tools.

Get everyone to use only strong passwords

No matter how much you invest in healthcare cybersecurity, all that effort can go to waste if employees are using weak passwords. Verizon reports that web attacks happen mostly due to stolen credentials (77%) and easily guessable passwords (21%). That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone on every team uses strong, hard-to-guess credentials.

To make this happen, you can use an advanced business password manager that allows you to enforce a strong password policy. Plus, it can help employees easily create, manage, and securely store strong passwords for all their work accounts. This way, they won’t have to struggle with coming up with long, random strings of characters or keep passwords written down in notebooks.

Add more protection layers to your online accounts

Considering how advanced threat actors’ methods have become for cracking passwords, one thing’s for sure—passwords alone might not be enough to keep work accounts safe. That’s why it’s important to add extra layers of security, like multi-factor authentication (MFA).

By implementing MFA, you require users to prove their identity with something beyond a password. This can be a code sent to their phone or a biometric scan. Access is granted only after that second step is verified. That way, even if someone does get hold of an employee’s password, they still won’t be able to break into their account.

Educate your employees

You can’t expect your team to follow security rules if you don’t explain why those rules exist in the first place.

That’s why investing in cybersecurity training is essential. In these sessions, the team should learn the basics of cyber threats and how to respond to attacks. For example, they should find out what a ransomware attack is, what types of information they can handle online, and what to do if they accidentally click on a phishing link.

By clearly explaining the threats, how they work, and how to avoid them, you greatly increase the chances that employees won’t make the human errors that can lead to security breaches. Also, if you need a knowledge base to refer to, you can check out our Cybersecurity Learning Centre. It covers everything from basic security frameworks to HIPAA compliance.

Update and monitor all software and devices regularly

Most of the software and hardware used in hospitals and clinics receive regular patches and updates, which are specifically designed to strengthen system and device security. With cyber-attacks becoming more and more sophisticated, staying on top of these updates is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect mobile devices and improve IoT security.

Outdated software can create major vulnerabilities and weaken your device posture security. That’s why it’s so important not to skip updates, not even one. It might not seem urgent at the time, but missing that update could leave your systems exposed when you least expect it.

It’s also crucial that you continuously monitor all devices and platforms within your IT infrastructure. Why? To stay aware of everything connected to your company’s network, ensure each one complies with your security policies, and quickly identify any unusual behavior before it leads to potential vulnerabilities.

With NordLayer, you’re covered on key cybersecurity fronts

NordLayer is a toggle-ready network security platform that checks all the right boxes—especially for healthcare organizations looking to strengthen their defenses. In fact, it delivers on many of the key cybersecurity practices we’ve covered in this article.

For starters, it offers a cutting-edge Business VPN to ensure your team can safely access your network from anywhere. But that’s just the beginning. NordLayer also allows you to segment your network and control who can access what, while monitoring user activity. What’s more, it enables you to apply Zero Trust principles, so every user’s identity is checked before each login. It also helps maintain strong device posture security by allowing you to keep tabs on all devices in your network. Throw in multi-factor authentication, DNS filtering, malware prevention, and strong encryption, and you’ve got a tool built for serious protection.

Bottom line? NordLayer is designed to be an all-in-one solution for many of the cybersecurity challenges healthcare companies face. If you’re in the healthcare industry and want to learn more about our product, just contact our team. We’ll be happy to show you what NordLayer can do to protect your organization.

ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2: Which compliance standard is better for your organization? This question often comes up when companies need to prove they take data security seriously, especially in fast-growing or highly regulated industries.

Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 offer trusted frameworks for protecting sensitive information, but they take different paths to get there.

SOC 2 specifies criteria for how companies should manage controls to protect customer data from unauthorized access, cybersecurity incidents, and other risks. ISO 27001 goes deeper, providing a framework for implementing an end-to-end security system that covers people, technologies, and processes.

Not sure which one fits your business best? You’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll compare ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2, how they differ, what they have in common, and how to choose the right security compliance standard for your organization.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a global standard for managing information security. Created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) outlines how to build a strong information security management system (ISMS). It addresses areas such as risk assessment, access control, and incident response.

The framework categorizes its controls into four key themes: organizational, people, operational, and technological. If your business handles customer data, ISO 27001 demonstrates that you have structured, reliable systems that help keep that information safe.

To get ISO 27001 certification, an accredited third-party auditor must confirm that you meet all the compliance requirements. This certification is a good fit for companies that want to build trust, meet regulatory expectations, and protect sensitive information.

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 stands for Systems and Organization Controls 2. It’s a security compliance standard created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to help companies keep customer data safer from data breaches, unauthorized access, and other cyber threats.

A SOC 2 report proves your company’s security measures are effective. It’s like a trust badge that shows you handle, process, and store customers’ data responsibly and securely.

Who benefits from a SOC 2 report?

• Cloud service providers
• SaaS companies
• Digital financial companies
• Healthcare organizations

If you’re in one of these industries, having SOC 2 compliance will give you a competitive edge.

ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2: Key differences

One big difference between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 is how compliance is verified. ISO 27001 gives you an official certification. Pass the requirements, and you’re certified—simple as that.

SOC 2 works a bit differently. You don’t get a certificate. Instead, an independent auditor writes a SOC 2 attestation report, giving their expert opinion on whether you meet the SOC 2 compliance criteria.

So, how do ISO 27001 and SOC 2 differ? Both certification and attestation involve a deep dive by an external auditor. Certification feels more formal, but in some industries, ISO 27001 carries more weight.

Here is a summary of the main differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001:

Let’s take a closer look at ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2 to understand them better.

Compliance requirements

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 share quite a few security controls, but they don’t ask for the same level of implementation.

Both standards say you need to apply internal controls that are relevant to your business. But ISO 27001 tends to be stricter. You’ll need to meet more criteria and cover a broader set of controls to be fully ISO 27001 compliant.

SOC 2 is a bit more flexible. It’s based on five Trust Services Criteria—but only one (Security) is required in every SOC 2 report. The other four (Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy) are optional, depending on what your company does.

Location: Which standard do your customers expect?

Both SOC 2 attestation and ISO 27001 certification are respected in the security and technology world, but where you do business can influence which one you need.

If your clients are in North America, SOC 2 is usually the go-to. It’s the standard most U.S. and Canadian companies expect.

On the other hand, ISO 27001 is more common internationally. So if you’re working with customers in Europe, Asia, or other global markets, ISO 27001 is likely the better fit.

Timeline: How long does it take to get compliant?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 differ not only in what they ask of you but also in the amount of time it takes to complete.

So, if your organization needs to demonstrate compliance quickly, SOC 2 Type 1 offers a faster path. However, for clients who require long-term assurance of your security practices, SOC 2 Type 2 or ISO 27001 may provide the depth and credibility they expect.

Audit process: What to expect with ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2

Both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 follow a structured process. You’ll need to define your security goals, run a gap analysis, implement key controls, collect documentation, and set up a system for ongoing improvement.

The difference lies in who audits you.

• ISO 27001 requires an accredited certification body to certify your compliance.
• SOC 2 must be audited by a licensed CPA firm.

Renewal timelines also differ:

• SOC 2 Type 2 reports are valid for 12 months, typically renewed every year.
• ISO 27001 certificates last for three years, with annual surveillance audits and a full recertification audit in year three.

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 focus on core principles like data security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Both require organizations to implement strong security measures and undergo independent audits to prove it. In fact, there’s up to 80% overlap between the two frameworks, so working toward one puts you well on the way to meeting the other.

While neither is mandatory, getting certified or attested shows clients and partners that your data protection practices are trustworthy.

ISO 27001 and SOC 2: Which one is right for you?

Choosing between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 depends on your goals, clients, and the maturity of your current information security setup. Both standards help service organizations demonstrate strong, reliable security practices, and each is designed to meet different business needs.

When to choose ISO 27001

Go with ISO 27001 if you’re building an information security management system (ISMS) from the ground up. This standard is globally recognized, making it ideal if you work with international clients or want to show that your data protection measures meet global expectations.

• It’s a great fit for organizations looking for a structured, long-term approach to security.
• Stakeholders and partners often view ISO 27001 certification as a strong signal of trust.
• It’s more rigorous and requires more resources, but it builds a robust foundation.

When to choose SOC 2

SOC 2 is a better option if your organization already has an ISMS and wants to validate its controls. It’s especially relevant for service organizations that operate primarily in North America.

• SOC 2 offers more flexibility, letting you focus audits on specific Trust Services Criteria.
• It’s a lighter, faster, and often more cost-effective route for companies that want tailored insights into their information security practices.
• It’s a strong choice if you need to meet client demands without committing to global certification yet.

When to choose both

For some organizations, the best answer is both.

Use ISO 27001 to establish a robust, globally recognized information security management system. Once that’s in place, conduct regular SOC 2 audits to keep improving and get detailed feedback on how well your controls work.

Together, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 give you full-spectrum credibility, offering both the structured foundation and ongoing validation your clients expect, no matter where they are. It’s a smart move for growing companies that take data protection seriously and want to stay competitive in multiple markets.

Choosing between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It really depends on your goals, resources, and where your clients are.

How NordLayer helps you stay ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliant

Whether you’re building an ISMS from scratch or fine-tuning existing controls, NordLayer supports your compliance journey. We have security solutions to meet both compliance standards.

• Access controls: Network Access Control (NAC) solutions like Cloud Firewall and Device Posture Security help manage access to sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access your network.
• Encryption: NordLayer encrypts traffic in transit using the AES-256 and ChaCha20 algorithms to help you meet the data security standards required by both frameworks.
• Secure access to data in the cloud: Whether you’re using AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Entra ID, we help secure your cloud environments with Site-to-Site network connectors and SaaS security solutions.
• Network visibility: With event logging, real-time monitoring, and device posture monitoring, NordLayer helps you monitor network access and maintain audit logs for up to 60 days.
• Threat prevention: NordLayer’s Threat prevention features help restrict access to untrusted websites and users, detect and stop malicious downloads, and prevent potentially harmful malware or other cyber threats from infecting your devices.

NordLayer is designed for modern, fast-growing organizations that want flexibility without sacrificing control. Whether you’re pursuing ISO 27001, SOC 2, or both, we support your compliance journey.

Contact our sales team to find out how NordLayer can help you achieve your goals.

ISO 2700 vs. SOC 2: Frequently Asked Questions

SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001: Which makes more sense for your business?

SOC 2 is great if you work mostly with U.S. clients and want a flexible audit. ISO 27001 is better for global businesses needing a structured security system. Pick the one that fits your goals, or go for both.

Can a company become ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliant at the same time?

Yes, it can. These two security standards share a lot, especially when it comes to information security controls and data protection. Combining the processes can save time, reduce duplicated effort, and give your business a stronger, more unified approach to service organization security.

When might ISO 27001 not be enough?

ISO 27001 may fall short if clients specifically require a SOC 2 report, or if you need detailed, customer-facing proof of control performance over time. In U.S. markets, SOC 2 often holds greater practical relevance.

How to achieve SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance?

Start by defining your security goals, conducting a gap analysis, and implementing required controls. For ISO 27001, work with an accredited certification body; for SOC 2, use a licensed CPA firm. Maintain continuous monitoring and documentation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Use it at your own risk and consult a licensed professional for legal matters. Content may not be up-to-date or applicable to your jurisdiction and is subject to change without notice.

If your business has multiple locations, you probably want them all to stay connected, right? You need information to flow smoothly between sites, without any hiccups. But it’s not like you can achieve that by just plugging in a few cables. It doesn’t work like that.

What you need is to set up—that is, digitally build—a robust and secure network that can connect multiple offices without ever putting your company’s data at risk. That’s where a VPN enters the scene. Let’s show you how you can use it to create a secure connection between your sites.

Why companies need to connect multiple offices securely

It doesn’t matter if your company connects just two offices or a dozen—once you’ve got one network linking multiple locations, someone might be looking for a way to get into one site and use it as a gateway to others.

That is, if your connection isn’t properly secured, cybercriminals could potentially break into your internal systems from any of the connected sites. Even if not, they might try to intercept sensitive data as it moves between locations. Either way, it could lead to stolen customer information, leaked intellectual property, or exposed communication like internal emails.

And that’s not all. A weak connection between company offices can open the door for malware or ransomware to spread. Just one compromised location can put your entire network at risk. That kind of breach can bring all your operations to a halt and cost you a lot of time and money.

Last but not least, there’s compliance. As you know, many industries have strict data privacy rules—like GDPR, HIPAA, and many others. So, if your office-to-office communication isn’t well protected, you could end up not being compliant with the regulations, which can lead to fines, legal issues, or damage to your reputation.

Most people think of a VPN—short for Virtual Private Network—as software that hides their device’s IP address and keeps their internet activity private. And that’s true—but VPNs can do more than that. For example, employees can use them to connect securely to their company’s internal network.

So, how does it work from the user’s perspective? This is done using a VPN client—an application that allows your device to connect securely to a VPN server. But instead of connecting to a public or random server, you’re connecting to your company’s own virtual private network.

Of course, that VPN server isn’t open to just anyone. The company must first give you access rights or configure your account to allow VPN access. Then, each time you try to log in, you’re verified, usually through authentication methods such as passwords, TOTP (time-based one-time password) codes, or magic links.

Once you’re authenticated, the VPN client and the company’s server create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internal network. This allows you to safely access files, apps, and other internal systems—just as if you were in the office, connected to the company Wi-Fi.

Key benefits of using a VPN to connect multiple locations securely

We’d go as far as to say that once a business grows beyond a single headquarters, setting up office-to-office VPN connectivity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Why? Because it brings so many benefits to how teams work and collaborate that it becomes an operational necessity.

Here are a few key advantages of connecting your offices through a VPN:

• Secure data sharing: By creating encrypted VPN tunnels between your offices, you ensure that sensitive information remains protected during transfer from one location to another.
• Consistent access to company systems: Employees in different locations—including remote workers—can securely access shared systems, services, and data as if they were all working side by side.
• Reduced costs: Rather than paying for expensive dedicated connections between offices, a VPN allows you to safely use the public internet at a fraction of the cost.
• Improved access management: When you connect multiple offices with a VPN, your IT team can easily manage network resources, monitor activity, and enforce strict security policies—all from one central place.
• Controlled access: VPN gateways let you restrict which parts of the company network employees can access, making sure that everyone can only reach the resources they’re authorized to use.
• Better collaboration: When teams can share data easily and safely across locations, working together between offices just gets smoother and more productive.

Choosing the right VPN setup for your company

Decided to connect multiple offices with a VPN? Great! Now, the next step is figuring out how to set it up. There are two main options to consider: site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN.

Each of those meets different needs and works in different ways depending on your company’s size, structure, and how your teams connect to resources. So, the setup and management will look different based on which route you take. Because of that, it’s worth taking a little time to learn about both before making a decision. Here’s what you need to know.

Site-to-site VPN

Like its name suggests, Site-to-Site VPN is about connecting entire office networks that are in different physical locations.

The way it works is by using routers or firewalls at each office, which are set up as VPN gateways. These VPN gateways encrypt and decrypt data as it travels between offices. So, data is technically moving over the public internet, but it goes through a secure tunnel from start to finish, which keeps it protected while in transit.

Once configured, these site-to-site VPN tunnels are either always active or automatically turned on when needed. As a result, devices at each location can see and access each other’s resources as if they’re on the same local network—even though they’re actually miles apart.

Remote access VPN

Remote access VPN allows individual users to connect to your company’s private network from any location.

So, unlike a site-to-site VPN, which connects multiple office networks together, here each employee’s device uses a VPN client to log in and create an encrypted connection to the company’s VPN server. Once that connection is established, the user gains access to the company’s digital resources. However, administrators can—at any point—control exactly what the user can see and do by using access controls, network segmentation, firewalls, and other security tools.

As the name implies, this setup is best suited for remote work, where employees are spread out around the world but still need secure access to the same company systems, data, and tools to do their jobs effectively. This setup can also be used to connect employees from different offices, treating each office as a remote site.

Best practices for configuring office-to-office VPN

Setting up a secure connection between offices looks different for every company—after all, no two companies have the same number of offices, countries, devices, or systems. But there are a few key things every company should do when setting up this kind of connection, and they are:

• Properly configure all VPN gateways: Set up the right IP addresses, routing rules, and firewall permissions to make sure data travels securely between locations.
• Use strong encryption: Ensure data is encrypted while in transit using up-to-date algorithms like AES-256 or XChaCha20.
• Implement authentication methods: Use techniques like multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only trusted users and devices can connect.
• Monitor your VPN setup at all times: Watch out for unusual activity or connection problems to catch potential threats before they escalate.

How Nordlayer can help secure your company network

As you’d expect from a truly advanced network access security platform, NordLayer brings the best of both worlds with a secure access service edge (SASE) solution that enables the creation of a hybrid setup combining site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN.

That’s right! With NordLayer, you can create an encrypted connection between your branch offices (Site-to-Site VPN) while also making it possible for individual users to securely connect to your company’s private network (Business VPN)—simultaneously, with advanced access controls for each VPN connection.

With such flexibility, along with features like Always On VPN and support for Zero Trust policies, NordLayer makes it easy to connect multiple offices without compromising your team’s workflows.

Today, when you rarely see someone without a mobile device in hand, the line between personal and professional devices is blurrier than ever. From checking emails to joining video calls, employees increasingly expect the freedom to use their own devices—smartphones, tablets, and laptops—to access corporate resources. This Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend isn’t going away anytime soon, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work.

While a flexible device policy can boost productivity and employee satisfaction, it also introduces serious security and privacy challenges for organizations. Without proper controls, personal devices can become weak links, exposing companies to data leaks, malware, or unauthorized access.

That’s where structured guidance comes into play. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a framework for securing mobile device usage in enterprise settings. In this article, we’ll explore how NIST helps businesses implement robust BYOD security practices while still balancing the flexibility modern work demands.

What is NIST, and why does it matter for BYOD

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a U.S. government agency that develops standards to enhance innovation and security. For cybersecurity professionals, NIST is best known for its SP 800-series, a comprehensive library of documents that offer best practices and guidance on topics ranging from managing cyber risks to implementing Zero Trust architectures.

When it comes to device BYOD strategies, NIST SP 800-124 Revision 2 (Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices in the Enterprise) is especially relevant. This document provides specific recommendations for securing both corporate and personal devices that access organizational resources.

Why is this important? Because BYOD isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic decision with significant security and privacy implications. Using recognized government security guidelines helps ensure your device policy is built on a solid foundation of proven, scalable practices.

Common BYOD risks in the workplace

Despite the benefits of BYOD—flexibility, cost savings, and improved user experience—it also exposes organizations to new vulnerabilities. According to research, improperly managed BYOD programs are a leading cause of corporate data breaches.

Some of the most pressing BYOD security risks include:

• Unsecured networks: Employees often connect to public Wi-Fi, putting sensitive data at risk
• Device loss or theft: Individual devices may lack encryption or remote wipe capabilities
• Lack of visibility: IT teams can’t monitor every device without an endpoint management strategy
• Malware exposure: Users might download malicious apps or fall victim to phishing schemes
• Shadow IT: Employees may install unauthorized apps that access business data

Without controls, BYOD can quickly turn into a security blind spot. That’s why following structured guidance is essential.

Securing BYOD the NIST way: Practical safeguards that work

The federal cybersecurity framework not only outlines the problems but also provides actionable solutions. Its recommendations help mitigate BYOD security risks using layered defenses tailored to mobile and personal device usage.

Here’s how to align your BYOD strategy with NIST SP 800-124 Rev. 2:

Device provisioning and onboarding

Before granting access, enroll personal devices into a secure environment. Provisioning includes verifying the device, applying configuration settings, and installing required security software. This baseline ensures devices meet your organization’s minimum standards before they connect to sensitive resources.

Access controls

Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) so users can only access what they need. Layer in multi-factor authentication (MFA) and contextual access policies based on user location, device health, or risk score. This helps limit exposure in case of compromise.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Use an MDM or endpoint management platform to maintain visibility and control. Features should include pushing security updates, enforcing policies, and the ability to remotely lock or wipe compromised or lost devices.

Data encryption and remote wipe

Ensure all data—in transit and at rest—is encrypted. In case of loss or theft, remote wipe capabilities help prevent data leaks from individual devices.

App vetting and restrictions

Use application allowlisting or vetting processes to control which apps can be installed. Block access to risky third-party tools or personal cloud storage solutions that may leak corporate data.

User training and awareness

Educate employees on security risks, phishing threats, and proper usage. Secure behavior is as critical as secure technology.

Continuous monitoring and threat detection

Implement real-time monitoring for suspicious activity and enforce compliance dynamically. Continuous risk assessment and monitoring allow you to respond quickly to emerging threats.

Enterprise browser

Consider using an enterprise browser—a managed, secure browser that offers isolation from local device risks. It provides a consistent security perimeter, especially in high-risk or unmanaged environments.

NIST-aligned best practices to strengthen your BYOD program

Let’s break down some of the above recommendations into best practices based on trusted security benchmarks:

1. Establish a clear BYOD policy

Before launching a BYOD initiative, create a policy that outlines acceptable use, privacy expectations, and security requirements. Employees should know what’s monitored, what’s protected, and what’s off-limits.

2. Segment network access

Create separate network segments for personal and corporate devices. Limit the blast radius in case of compromise by applying Zero Trust principles.

3. Mandate security configurations

Require security settings like screen locks, disk encryption, automatic updates, and antivirus or malware protection software. MDM tools can enforce these settings across devices.

4. Leverage enterprise identity solutions

Integrate identity providers (IdPs) and context-aware authentication to maintain control over who accesses what. Tie access to risk signals and real-time analysis.

5. Monitor device compliance

Regularly audit personally owned devices for compliance. If a device is jailbroken or out of date, automatically block it from accessing company resources.

Why NIST BYOD strategies just work

When you align your BYOD policies with NIST, you get more than just peace of mind. You build a security framework that scales, complies, and supports business growth.

Here’s what you gain:

• Stronger data protection: Encryption, MDM, and vetted apps minimize the chances of data breaches—even if a device is lost or stolen.
• Simplified compliance audits: If you’re in a regulated industry (HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS), NIST-aligned controls help you demonstrate proper security and privacy safeguards.
• Remote work enablement: Employees can work from anywhere without putting your infrastructure at risk. BYOD becomes an asset—not a liability.
• Lower security overhead: Standardizing on NIST controls reduces ad hoc fixes and cuts down on incidents and response times.

How NordLayer supports secure BYOD (and what’s coming next)

NordLayer is built to make modern work environments secure—even when employees use their own devices. Our platform helps organizations adopt BYOD without compromising visibility, control, or data security.

Here’s how we support your journey:

• Contextual access controls: Define who gets access, from where, and under what conditions—whether it’s a laptop or a smartphone.
• Network segmentation & traffic encryption: Isolate sensitive environments and secure connections using VPN tunnels and malware protection.
• Easy integration with MDM and identity platforms: NordLayer integrates seamlessly with your existing stack, making it easy to enforce security rules for individual devices.

And we’re not stopping there. Soon, we’re launching NordLayer’s Enterprise Browser, designed to extend your secure perimeter to unmanaged personal devices. It offers Zero-Trust-based session control, policy enforcement, and granular visibility into browser-based activity—all without compromising the end-user experience.

In summary, BYOD doesn’t have to mean “bring your own danger.” With NIST as your compass and tools like NordLayer in your stack, you can empower remote workers, protect your data, and build a future-proof security strategy.