How to Structure Your Cybersecurity Strategy
In today’s fast-moving digital world, cyberattacks are not a matter of if — but when . That’s why a strong cybersecurity strategy must cover both prevention and response .
Enter: Left of Boom and Right of Boom — two strategic frameworks that help businesses prepare for, prevent, and recover from cyber threats.
Let’s break down what these terms mean — and how you can build a comprehensive security plan around them.
What Are “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom”?
These military-inspired terms describe the two phases of a cybersecurity strategy:
- Left of Boom : Everything you do before an attack happens. Focuses on prevention , risk reduction , and threat detection .
- Right of Boom : Everything you do after an attack occurs. Focuses on response , recovery , and resilience .
Together, they form a full-circle approach to cybersecurity — helping your business stay secure before an incident and bounce back quickly if one does occur.
Left of Boom: Preventative Security Measures
This is where you build your defenses and reduce the chances of a successful attack.
🔒 1. User Awareness & Training
Employees are often the first line of defense. Regular cybersecurity training helps them:
- Spot phishing emails
- Avoid social engineering traps
- Practice safe browsing habits
Did you know? Training can reduce phishing success rates by up to 75% .
🔐 2. Access Control & Authentication
Limit access to only what users need. Use:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Least Privilege Access
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
This minimizes damage even if credentials are compromised.
🛠️ 3. Patch Management & Software Updates
Outdated systems are vulnerable systems. Automate updates and patch management to close security gaps before attackers find them.
🌐 4. Network Security Tools
Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint protection to monitor and block threats in real time.
🔍 5. Security Audits & Penetration Testing
Regular audits and simulated attacks help identify weaknesses before hackers do. Proactive testing ensures your defenses are ready when it counts.
Right of Boom: Response & Recovery Strategies
Even the best defenses can be breached. This phase prepares you to respond quickly and recover effectively .
🆘 1. Incident Response Plan
Have a clear plan in place for responding to a breach. Include:
- Who does what during an attack
- How to isolate affected systems
- Communication protocols for IT, leadership, and customers
Test your plan regularly — don’t wait until disaster strikes.
💾 2. Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
Backups are your safety net. Make sure you have:
- Frequent, automated backups
- Offsite or air-gapped copies
- A tested recovery plan
This ensures you can restore operations — even after ransomware or data loss.
🕵️ 3. Forensic Analysis After an Incident
After a breach, understanding what happened is key. Conduct a forensic analysis to:
- Identify the root cause
- Assess the impact
- Improve future defenses
Knowledge gained now can prevent future breaches.
⚖️ 4. Legal & Compliance Actions
Many regulations require timely reporting of breaches. Be prepared to:
- Notify affected parties
- Report to regulators
- Maintain transparency with stakeholders
Staying compliant protects both your data and your reputation.
Why You Need Both Sides of the Boom
Cybersecurity isn’t just about stopping attacks — it’s about being ready for them.
A strong Left of Boom strategy reduces risk and strengthens your posture. A solid Right of Boom plan ensures you can recover quickly and confidently if the worst happens.
Think of it like this:
- Left of Boom = Peace of Mind
- Right of Boom = Peace After Crisis
Organizing your cybersecurity strategy into Left of Boom and Right of Boom gives you a complete picture of your security health.
It helps you:
- Stay ahead of threats
- Respond faster when incidents occur
- Protect your business, data, and reputation
