Hotman Group, LLC

Protecting our businesses in today's world is tough. Every company operates differently, which can lead to disagreements on how to approach security. When organizations aren't united in addressing these challenges, achieving cybersecurity goals becomes even harder.   That's where a third-party team comes in. These experts offer an objective viewpoint, cutting through corporate politics to drive progress and mediate differing opinions effectively. Many companies struggle with cybersecurity staffing shortages and burnout but third-party teams specialize in handling critical cybersecurity tasks, providing expertise and bandwidth to complement internal resources.   Here are some key strategies we've recommended for enhancing cybersecurity practices at the organizations we support:   Be transparent about your cybersecurity posture and communicate its value to clients and stakeholders.   Build a robust cybersecurity program instead of just focusing on technical aspects like specific reports. A strong risk management foundation guides effective assessments and initiatives.   Regular security assessments should evolve annually, becoming more comprehensive. Stagnation in assessments represents a missed opportunity to enhance overall security.   Staying focused on the "why" behind your cybersecurity efforts and working together to build resilient security programs is the best way to be a responsible steward of your business. Utilizing staff augmentation strategically can help navigate cybersecurity challenges and achieve lasting improvements in business resilience.   #Cybersecurity #RiskManagement #BusinessResilience #StaffAugmentation

In today's digital age, technology is undeniably a game-changer, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, it's crucial to remember that technology is not a substitute for human expertise and adaptability. Here's why finding the right balance is key:   Technology should be viewed as a partner to human capabilities, not a replacement. By leveraging technology wisely, businesses can amplify the skills and talents of their workforce, leading to greater productivity and success.   Rather than fearing automation, embrace it as a tool to enhance human potential. Technology can automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for employees to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.   One of the greatest strengths of humans is our ability to adapt to change. While technology provides solutions to current challenges, it's humans who can anticipate future needs, innovate, and evolve alongside evolving technologies.   The key lies in strategically integrating technology into existing workflows and processes, ensuring that it complements and enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them outright.   By embracing technology as a catalyst for human potential, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation, and growth while maintaining the uniquely human touch that sets them apart.   How do you strike the balance between technology and human expertise in your organization? Share your insights below!   #Technology #HumanExpertise #Innovation #BusinessSuccess #Adaptability

As emphasis on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) grows across all industries, it's crucial to shift from seeing it as a "nice-to-have" to a "need-to-have" aspect of operations. This shift requires abandoning outdated views of cybersecurity as an expense and understanding how a well-implemented program drives revenue and efficiency.   We're all busy enough without more problems and rules. But as customer demands and regulatory pressures increase, quick fixes can end up costing more in the long run. Just like buying a quality knife set saves you money over time. You can opt for the cheaper set but after a few months when the blades are dull and the metal has started to rust, you realize the more expensive set would have been the better choice. Investing in the right GRC tools and procedures early can save time and resources.   Success in GRC isn't just about buying top-tier tools—it's about integrating people, processes, and tools effectively. Since time is finite, optimizing how we use it is essential.   Engaging in board discussions on GRC's strategic value, leveraging third-party expertise for tool selection, or investing in staff training—all efforts to integrate security as a value—are worthwhile.   Let's shift our mindset towards viewing GRC as a strategic investment—one that drives business performance and customer satisfaction.   #Governance #Risk #Compliance #Cybersecurity #GRC

Attention all GRC professionals! Do you find yourself under pressure to cut costs on risk and compliance projects while still maximizing efficiency and upholding top-tier security and compliance standards? You're not facing this challenge alone. Join us at GRC Connect Chicago, where we'll delve into strategies and solutions to help you confidently navigate this complex landscape. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your approach to GRC! Save the Date: April 16-17, 2024 Location: Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop Featuring insights from thought leaders, industry experts, and seasoned professionals, this event is a must for every Enterprise GRC practitioner. Gain invaluable insights, delve into real-world case studies, and uncover actionable content. Secure your spot today and take the first step towards unlocking the full potential of your GRC initiatives! We'll leave the link to register in the comments! We'll see you there! #GRC #Governance #Risk #Compliance #Chicago #DecisionMaking #CompetitiveAdvantage #Networking

I'm thrilled to invite you all to join me and the brilliant CTO, Ken Phelan, for a power-packed webinar on GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) this coming March 28th at 9:30 am EST!   I'm honored to be representing Hotman Group alongside Ken as we delve into the realm of GRC risk management. Together, we'll be exploring strategies to elevate your proficiency in risk-based decision-making, detection, continuous risk monitoring, and response.   Whether you're a seasoned professional in the field or just dipping your toes into the world of GRC, this webinar promises valuable insights and actionable takeaways to bolster your expertise.   Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with industry peers! Secure your spot by registering below. See you there! #GRC #RiskManagement #Webinar #ProfessionalDevelopment

SAVE THE DATE! We are partnering with Hyperproof in an upcoming webinar! Cheri Hotman-CPA, MBA, CISSP Managing Partner at Hotman Group will be exploring how to turn GRC from a compliance chore into a strategic advantage. Join us as we dive into practical strategies for breaking down silos, unifying data, and prioritizing initiatives. Register now to secure your spot. #GRC #webinar #compliance #strategicadvantage

Starting a risk management program as a business owner? Here's a crucial step: Focus on Segregation of Duties.   Segregation of Duties means sharing tasks among team members to avoid one person having too much control. It's like teamwork that keeps your organization in check.   By spreading out important tasks, you lower the risk of mistakes or wrongdoing. This not only protects you from internal issues but also strengthens your defenses against outside threats.   Segregation of Duties works hand in hand with your cybersecurity efforts. It's a key layer in safeguarding sensitive information and minimizing the impact of security breaches.   Going beyond just following rules, this strategy promotes adaptability. As roles change, the Segregation of Duties framework lets you adjust responsibilities, staying on top of new risks.   Following global best practices, implementing Segregation of Duties shows your commitment to transparency, accountability, and a strong organizational structure.   In a world full of different risks, Segregation of Duties isn't just a routine; it's a vital strategy.   Let's build a culture of being aware of risks and staying resilient. #RiskManagement #SegregationOfDuties #BusinessStrategy #GRC 

Independent Risk Assessments? Why Bother?   These independent assessments are like a trustworthy friend validating that you've got everything right when it comes to cybersecurity and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). It's not just an internal pat on the back; it's a stamp of approval from an impartial outsider, which boosts your credibility.   You know how sometimes we can't see our mistakes because we're too close to them? Independent assessments give us a clear, unbiased view of our cybersecurity and GRC situation, helping us spot any potential risks without internal biases.   The cyber world moves fast. Independent assessments help us keep up, making sure our cybersecurity and GRC practices remain up-to-date and effective against the latest threats and regulations.   These assessments show the world that you mean business when it comes to cybersecurity and GRC. They're a tangible way to prove your dedication to protecting your data, your customers, and your reputation.   If you want to be seen as a leader in cybersecurity and GRC, independent assessments are a game-changer. They're not just about ticking boxes; they're about ensuring your business stays secure, compliant, and ahead of the curve.   #CyberSecurity #GRC #RiskAssessments #SecureData #Compliance

Are you navigating the maze of cyber threats without a clear roadmap?   When it comes to cybersecurity, everyone needs to step up their game.   Small businesses, big corporations, government agencies, and even individual users are at risk of cyberattacks.   These attacks can have serious consequences, ranging from financial losses to damage to your reputation.   The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has a helpful guide called "10 Steps to Cyber Security."   These steps are a great way to get a handle on your organization's security.   Let's break them down:   Risk Management: Focus on the areas that are most at risk. Engagement and Training: Train your team to spot and deal with security threats. Asset Management: Know what you have so you can protect it. Architecture and Configuration: Design your systems with security in mind. Vulnerability Management: Keep an eye out for weak spots and fix them. Identity and Access Management: Control who has access to your systems and data. Data Security: Keep your data safe from prying eyes. Logging and Monitoring: Keep an eye on what's happening in your systems. Incident Management: Have a plan for when things go wrong. Supply Chain Security: Make sure your partners are keeping their data secure too.   Implementing these steps isn't a one-and-done deal. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, so keep checking and improving your security. Got any cybersecurity tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!   #Cybersecurity #RiskManagement #DataProtection #SecurityAwareness #NCSC #10StepsToCyberSecurity

The journey with Hotman Group begins when our clients encounter challenges in implementing GRC tools, grappling with compliance project bandwidth and knowledge gaps. Choosing our consulting services for our expertise, security experts find the missing link that bridges compliance gaps left by competitors. We go beyond expectations, operationalizing GRC tools, achieving significant milestones like ISO and SOC 2 certifications, and providing the essential bandwidth for addressing crucial compliance concerns. What initiates as a compliance project blossoms into an enduring relationship, with us taking charge of compliance and empowering clients to concentrate on security. #SecurityAndCompliance #TransformativePartnership