Technology
Just How Important is Information Security Management?
Ask any IT professional today and chances are most will tell you that security is a top priority in their department. Increasing numbers of destructive viruses, worms, and hackers have caused businesses to realize the importance of securing their networks.
Savvy business owners recognize that the stakes are very high: decreased profits, opportunity costs, lost productivity, privacy concerns, and corporate liability. Information Security Management must be a top priority not only in the IT department but in the entire organization.
Security issues have created an increasing flow of resources (capital investment, personnel, time) dedicated to migrating the risks associated with security threats. While we don't need to focus on security at a technical level, you do need to understand and manager your larger security issues that affect your business.
Because hackers and viruses do not discriminate as to business size, any computer or network that has an internet connection is at risk. The only way to consistently limit your risk is to understand and manage potential threats with a comprehensive Information Security Management program. Some common concerns that such a program should address include:
- A budget for purchasing the necessary components of an efficient security solution
- Developing technical expertise and knowledge required to keep up with rapidly changing security threats
- Devoting necessary internal resources and time to properly maintain a comprehensive security program
You are ultimately responsible for implementing a cost-effective security program that protects the stability of your network and the security of invaluable company data. So, what is the first step you need to take in developing an effective Information Security Management program?
It starts with a complete assessment of the business' potential vulnerabilities, evaluation of the likelihood of a security threat, and the effects that a security breach would have on your business. The next step is to prioritize these vulnerabilities according to their potential impact. It's important for upper management to be involved in determining priority levels as most organizations do not have the resources available to implement high-level security measures throughout all functional areas of the business.
Finally, a high-level security policy should be implemented for the entire organization. The goal of your policy is to establish a set of corporate security standards that can be applied throughout the business. It's critical that the security policy aligned with te overall goals of your business and championed by all in management.
An effective Information Security Management program ensures that a proper infrastructure is deployed. The organization must continually be informed of impending threats, efficiency countering these threats, and proactively managing the business's risk.
Implementing such a program is no easy task. Small to mid-sized companies that may have tighter security budgets and less internal resources should consider outside assistance. Having a solid Information Security Management program in place to protect the organization against security threats could be the difference between staying business or not.
