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Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture

Paul Mealus

This course will teach you about completing a holistic security evaluation, and how to shape it into a repeatable practice that helps raise the IT security posture for the whole company.

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This course will teach you about completing a holistic security evaluation, and how to shape it into a repeatable practice that helps raise the IT security posture for the whole company.

Assessing your organization’s security is a long process consisting of many moving parts. In this course, Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture, you will gain the ability to complete an end-to-end security evaluation to provide a “map” of your company’s security posture. First, you will learn about the practices of security evaluation. Next, you will discover the many tools and techniques available. Finally, you will explore how to effectively juggle the amount of work, evidence, and data collection required of an assessment. When you’re finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of auditing, governance, and critical thinking needed to evaluate your organization’s security.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Security Evaluation Security Assessment Iterative Security Evaluation Security Posture Social Engineering Security Benchmarking Governance

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
The Case for Evaluating Your Organization’s Security
Planning and Organizing the Evaluation
Collecting Data and Conducting Interviews
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores security evaluation techniques and principles used by IT professionals to improve security within companies
Provides a comprehensive study into various methods and tools for evaluating an organization's security posture
Empowers learners to efficiently navigate the complex task of security assessment through data collection and analysis techniques
Taught by Paul Mealus, an expert in the field of IT security with extensive experience in security evaluations
Requires extensive background knowledge and experience in IT security concepts and practices
May not be suitable for beginners or those with limited knowledge of IT security

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Reviews summary

Holistic security evaluation framework

According to learners, "Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture" is a largely positive course providing a comprehensive and practical framework for security assessment. Students appreciate the clear, concise explanations from the instructor, which demystify complex topics. The course particularly excels in teaching a repeatable evaluation process, covering holistic aspects from physical security to social engineering, and emphasizing the iterative nature of security improvements. While it offers immense value for understanding the "big picture" and strategic planning, some learners noted a desire for more technical depth and hands-on demonstrations of specific tools, suggesting it's best for those seeking procedural knowledge over deep technical skills.
Stresses continuous improvement and ongoing evaluations.
"The discussions on defining benchmarks and iterative evaluations were particularly insightful, highlighting that security is an ongoing process."
"The emphasis on setting benchmarks and the iterative nature of security evaluations resonated deeply with me. It’s not just about a one-time assessment but about continuous improvement."
Instructor simplifies complex concepts effectively.
"The instructor's explanations were clear and concise, making complex topics easy to grasp."
"The instructor managed to simplify potentially overwhelming information."
"The instructor is very effective at conveying complex ideas simply."
Offers immediately applicable tools and strategic insights.
"I especially appreciated the practical examples and the emphasis on building a repeatable evaluation process."
"The framework for conducting an evaluation is excellent and immediately applicable."
"The practical approach to planning and data collection is immensely valuable."
Provides a holistic, repeatable evaluation methodology.
"The content was incredibly relevant and up-to-date, covering not just the technical aspects but also the crucial organizational and human elements of security."
"Excellent course that provides a comprehensive roadmap for assessing security. The structure is logical, moving from planning to execution and follow-up."
"It provides a good framework... a valuable course for understanding the entire evaluation process."
Highlights methodology, less on deep technical skills.
"I was expecting more technical depth on penetration testing tools and vulnerability scanning, but it focused more on the procedural aspects."
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the tools section – I would have liked more hands-on demonstrations or deeper dives into specific tools."
"If you're looking for an overview, it's good, but not for deep technical skills. For someone with some prior security experience, this course might feel redundant."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture with these activities:
Seek Mentorship from Security Professionals
Identify and connect with experienced security professionals who can provide guidance and support during your security evaluation journey.
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and conferences to network with security professionals.
  • Reach out to your personal and professional network for referrals.
  • Join online forums and communities dedicated to security.
Complete Security Evaluation Tutorials
Follow online tutorials to strengthen your understanding of the security evaluation process.
Show steps
  • Search for and identify relevant security evaluation tutorials online.
  • Complete the tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
Strengthen Your Technical Acumen
Develop a strong technical foundation by exploring relevant tutorials and resources to reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Security Standards
Show steps
  • Identify and curate high-quality tutorials
  • Follow through on selected tutorials by implementing concepts and testing solutions
  • Document key learnings and insights gained from the tutorials
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Simulate Security Evaluations
Enhance your practical skills by conducting mock security evaluations. This will provide you with hands-on experience and build your confidence in applying the concepts learned in the course.
Browse courses on Security Assessments
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of the simulated evaluation
  • Gather and analyze data using various assessment tools
  • Identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the simulated system
  • Develop recommendations to address the identified security gaps
Build a Comprehensive Security Evaluation Framework
Create a tailored security evaluation framework specific to your organization's needs. This will enable you to conduct thorough and effective evaluations, ensuring alignment with industry best practices.
Show steps
  • Gather and analyze relevant security standards and regulations
  • Identify and prioritize key security controls
  • Develop a structured evaluation methodology
  • Document the framework and obtain stakeholder buy-in

Career center

Learners who complete Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Engineer
Information Security Engineers lead the design and implementation of security tools and policies to protect companies from cyberattacks and data breaches. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge of security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively plan, organize, and conduct security evaluations to ensure that your organization's IT systems and data are adequately protected.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Engineer
Security Analyst
Security Analysts monitor and analyze security systems to identify and mitigate threats to an organization's networks and data. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively analyze security systems, detect and respond to security incidents, and provide recommendations to improve the organization's security posture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively design and implement cybersecurity systems that meet the specific needs of the organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer
Cloud Security Architect
Cloud Security Architects design and implement security measures for cloud computing environments. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of a cloud computing environment and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively design and implement security measures that meet the specific needs of the cloud computing environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and support to organizations on security matters. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively provide advice and support to organizations on security matters, helping them to improve their security posture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's IT systems and controls. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's IT systems and controls, providing assurance that the organization is adequately protected from security risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts identify and assess risks to an organization's operations and assets. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively identify and assess risks to an organization's operations and assets, helping the organization to prioritize and mitigate risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst
Data Protection Officer
Data Protection Officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with data protection laws and regulations. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively ensure that an organization complies with data protection laws and regulations, protecting the organization from legal and financial risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Protection Officer
Vulnerability Manager
Vulnerability Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities in an organization's IT systems and networks. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in an organization's IT systems and networks, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Manager
Security Operations Center Analyst
Security Operations Center Analysts monitor and respond to security events in an organization's IT systems and networks. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively monitor and respond to security events, minimizing the impact of cyberattacks and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center Analyst
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect organizations from cyberattacks and data breaches. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively design and implement security measures that meet the specific needs of the organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect
Chief Information Security Officer
Chief Information Security Officers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's IT systems and networks. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively oversee the security of an organization's IT systems and networks, protecting the organization from cyberattacks and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers are responsible for managing the security of an organization's IT systems and networks. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively manage the security of an organization's IT systems and networks, protecting the organization from cyberattacks and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager
Security Director
Security Directors are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's IT systems and networks. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively oversee the security of an organization's IT systems and networks, protecting the organization from cyberattacks and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Director
Associate Security Analyst
Associate Security Analysts monitor and analyze security systems to identify and mitigate threats to an organization's networks and data. This course may be useful as it provides knowledge and skills in security evaluation, which is essential for understanding the security posture of an organization and identifying areas that need improvement. With this knowledge, you will be able to effectively monitor and analyze security systems, detect and respond to security incidents, and provide recommendations to improve the organization's security posture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Associate Security Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture.
Cover image
Information Security The Complete Reference, Second...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of information security, covering a wide range of topics, including security assessment, risk management, and incident response. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about information security.
Information Security The Complete Reference, Second...
Paperback
Check
Information Security The Complete Reference, Second...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Deception
Save
Provides a fascinating look at the human element of security. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning how to protect themselves from social engineering attacks.
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Hardcover
$$
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Human Hacking
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to social engineering techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning how to protect themselves from social engineering attacks.
Human Hacking
Paperback
Check
Human Hacking
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Security Risk Assessment Handbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to security risk assessment. It valuable resource for anyone who is responsible for conducting security risk assessments.
The Security Risk Assessment Handbook
Paperback
$$$
The Security Risk Assessment Handbook: A Complete...
Hardcover
$$$
The Security Risk Assessment Handbook: A Complete...
Hardcover
$$$
The Security Risk Assessment Handbook: A Complete...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Security Operations Management
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to security intelligence. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about security intelligence.
Security Operations Management
Paperback
$$$
Security Operations Management
Kindle Edition
$$$
Application Container Security Guide - FINAL
Save
Provides a clear and concise guide to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Application Container Security Guide - FINAL
Paperback
Check
Application Container Security Guide - FINAL
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A Study Guide to Service Catalogue from the...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to the ISO 27001 standard. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the ISO 27001 standard.
A Study Guide to Service Catalogue from the...
Paperback
Check
A Study Guide to Service Catalogue from the...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Student Assistance: A Guide for School...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to the HIPAA Security Rule. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the HIPAA Security Rule.
Student Assistance: A Guide for School...
Paperback
Check
Student Assistance: A Guide for School...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
We Are Data Subjects
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to the GDPR. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the GDPR.
WE ARE DATA SUBJECTS: EMPOWERING YOU WITH GDPR...
Paperback
$$$

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Course image
Time
203 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Paul Mealus
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Security Management. It's comprised of 16 courses:
  1. Security Management
  2. The Governance of Information Security
  3. Information Classification
  4. Personnel Security
  5. Risk Assessment and Management
  6. Security Controls and Control Frameworks
  7. Investigations and Incident Management
  8. Business Continuity Management
  9. Security Operations
  10. Security Control Assessment
  11. Law, Ethics, and Security Compliance Management
  12. Evaluating Your Organization’s Security Posture (viewing)
  13. Running the Business of Information Security
  14. Developing and Implementing Vulnerability Management Programs
  15. Building and Implementing a Security Awareness Training Program
  16. Security Management: A Case Study
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores security evaluation techniques and principles used by IT professionals to improve security within companies
Provides a comprehensive study into various methods and tools for evaluating an organization's security posture
Empowers learners to efficiently navigate the complex task of security assessment through data collection and analysis techniques
Taught by Paul Mealus, an expert in the field of IT security with extensive experience in security evaluations
Requires extensive background knowledge and experience in IT security concepts and practices
May not be suitable for beginners or those with limited knowledge of IT security
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