Managing Your Cybersecurity Projects More Effectively

 

Are you managing several cybersecurity projects at the same time? Do you feel that you could manage your projects more effectively, but don’t know where to start?

 

Related post: Best Practices for a Successful Cybersecurity Project

 

We’ve compiled 6 steps that will help you plan your cybersecurity projects more effectively:

1. Get executive buy-in
2. Align with your corporate strategy
3. Define “SMART” goals
4. Assign a project manager
5. Evaluate your project ROI
6. Communication is key

*Disclaimer: In this article, we focus on some of the most commonly-cited tips for effective project management within the cybersecurity context. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but is intended for guidance only.

 

1.    Get Executive Buy-In

Managing a cybersecurity project without executive buy-in is like building a house without the signoff of the homeowner… risky.

Make sure that your executive team is fully briefed about your projects and understands how they will help support overall business goals and manage your risks. Your executives will be particularly interested in your current cybersecurity posture and in how your projects will improve your posture sustainably and effectively.

With executive buy-in, you will be more likely to get the budget you need and build the necessary trust to continue them going forward.

 

2.    Align with Your Corporate Strategy

A successful cybersecurity project is aligned to the overall business strategy and goals.

Before taking on a new cybersecurity project, think about how this project will contribute to your organization’s success. You can ask yourself:

• Will it protect your most critical assets?
• Will it strengthen your overall security posture?
• Will it decrease your exposure to cyberthreats?
• Will it help you manage your risks more effectively?
• Will it bring measurable return on investment (ROI)?
• Will it focus on security controls that make sense for your business context?

The closer your cybersecurity projects are aligned with your overarching business strategy, the more successful they will be.

 

3.    Define "SMART" Goals

A cybersecurity project is more likely to succeed if it has clearly-defined SMART goals.

SMART goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound.

• Specific: Your goal is defined as much as possible (who? what? where? why?).
• Measurable: You can track the progress of the project and measure its outcome. (how?).
• Achievable: Your project is reasonable enough to be completed within the specific timeframe and with the available means (personnel, budget, equipment).
• Relevant: Your project is worthwhile executing and will help you get closer to your goals and address your challenges.
• Timebound: Your project has a clear start and end date, as well as milestones to monitor performance along the way (when?).

 

4.    Assign a Project Manager

A cybersecurity project is just as good as the project management team behind it.

Assigning a dedicated project manager can help your organization:

• Ensure smooth project execution
• Remain within budget requirements
• Track project performance
• Facilitate communication
• Optimize resource allocation
• Ensure quality assurance
• Evaluate project ROI

 

5.    Evaluate Project ROI

Once your cybersecurity project is completed, you will need to demonstrate its return on investment (ROI).

Now is the time to revisit your SMART goals that you established at the beginning of your project and evaluate whether you were able to meet your goals or not.

Evaluating your return on investment after a cybersecurity project will not only help you assess project performance, but also pave the way for seeking additional funds going forward. Make sure to share your findings with your executive team for optimal transparency and

 

6.    Communication is Key

30% of all projects fail due to poor communication.

What this means for cybersecurity project managers is that they must prioritize effective communication throughout the duration of the project. The longer poor communications linger, the greater the risk of project failure

Remember to communicate regularly and prioritize effective communications throughout the project by keeping the 5Ws in mind:

• Who do you to communicate to?
• What needs to be communicated?
• When do you need to communicate?
• Where do you need to communicate?
• Why are you communicating?

Regular and centralized communications will help you manage your cybersecurity projects more effectively.