What we could all learn from the Lulu data breach — and what to do about it

An infamous hacking group claimed responsibility for the cyber attack on Lulu Hypermarket, a well-known chain of supermarkets and retail companies, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. 

The data —  including email addresses, phone numbers, order details and financial data — of 200,000 customers was compromised, some of which was published on Breach Forums. The group also claim to have the data of millions more of the chain’s customers, which it is threatening to publish “at a later date”.

Sadly, incidents like this are far from an anomaly, but do serve to underline the importance of impenetrable cyber security. This should always include: 

• Training employees in cyber awareness
• Professional advice and support
• Regularly patching and updating systems

A culture of security awareness is absolutely imperative, not only to protect sensitive customer data, but also to safeguard the company’s reputation and financial stability. 

But where to start, when seeking to identify where your company’s weaknesses are, in cybersecurity terms? Cybersecurity gap analysis. This will do all of the following:

1. Identify vulnerabilities: Pinpoints weaknesses in the current cybersecurity infrastructure.
2. Ensure compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards and regulations.
3. Provide risk management: Assesses risk exposure and prioritizes actions.
4. Enable resource allocation: Focuses resources on critical areas needing improvement.
5. Provide strategic planning: Provides insights for developing a robust cybersecurity strategy.
6. Improve incident response: Enhances the ability to respond to security incidents.
7. Strengthen security: Reduces the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.
8. Build confidence: Demonstrates proactive cybersecurity measures to stakeholders.
9. Identify potential gaps in the company's IT environment: This includes IT management, IT operations, and IT governance.
10. Provide assurance: about the health and state of the company's cybersecurity posture and overall IT environment.
11. Provide insight and recommendations: about the best course of action moving forward while ensuring that all improvements are feasible financially

Cybersecurity gap analysis is a crucial tool for improving security measures, ensuring compliance, and planning for future threats.

Learn more about your cyber security posture with a free cyber security gap analysis. Book yours here.