How to start a cybersecurity program (or restart one that lapsed)

**Executive summary:** This article provides practical advice for CISOs and security teams on jump-starting or maintaining a security program under constrained resources: prioritize quickly deploying a few effective tools and processes to buy time, favor broad "good enough" visibility over waiting for a perfect asset inventory, extend focus to cloud and user endpoints, and proactively plan tabletop exercises and contingency mappings to handle staffing or budget reductions.