What is the Cyber Risk Management Portal?

Over the past four years the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland worked tirelessly to develop the Cyber Risk Management Portal. With the assistance of funding from the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), the school finalized the portal to offer organizations, enterprises, federal and state governments the opportunity to test themselves against the newest IT and Supply Chain Risk management standards and best practices.

Upon completion of registration at https://cyberchain.rhsmith.umd.edu/, users have the chance to utilize enterprise assessment and network mapping tools available for their disposal for risk management for their organization. In light of the growing threat landscape and the possible increase of breaches across the financial sector, business and public leaders must focus on risk management, bolstering cyber security, data breach prevention and response.

The emergence of this portal encoruages risk analysis and offers organizations across the private and public sectors a chance to improve communication to better fight cyber threats. On the “Cyber Chain” users can access the Enterprise Risk Assessment Tool, Supply Chain Assessment Tool, Mapping Tool, Easy to Use Executive Dashboard, and the news feeds with cyber security alerts.

If you’re hesitant to register for the services available, at least keep an eye on the “National Vulnerability Database” which is linked to the National Vulnerability Database sponsored by NIST and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An unaware security professional leaves the door wide open to potential attacks.

Are the bad guys winning the cyber war?

Resources such as this portal are evidence of the slowly evolving improved communication efforts between security professionals. Unfortunately, the bad guys are winning the battle when it comes to sharing information and communication for cyber attacks. Though no one could predict the escalating number of breaches, including the major data breach at University of Maryland.

The tools and resources available through this new online risk assessment portal do supply companies and organizations with support, but it does not excuse the need for knowledgeable and aware security professionals who understand the NIST guidelines and standards, especially as President Obama called for improvement in cyber security standards in light of the numerous breaches affecting the financial, educational, and private sectors. That’s why Risk Management Framework (RMF) training proves essential to live up to the stronger government standards necessary to combat the rise in attacks.

Do you believe resources and platforms are pivotal in preventing and blocking cyber attacks?