Once upon a time, not so long ago, it was enough to simply have a Windows “Pipes” screensaver and a basic password to prevent unwanted access to your computer. Well things have certainly changed, and at break-neck pace over the years. Today we have to deal with new threats at every turn. So how do we approach this new landscape of malware, hackers, and identity/data theft? Here are some recommendations on setting the proper paradigm for your IT Security needs.
Start With Policy
IT Security Policies are the written rules and principles which guide how an organization is to secure and manage their technology. They provide maturity, structure, and accountability to make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your customers and your company.
Understand Your Industry
Although most organizations use the same basic technologies (workstations, networks, servers and key applications), their industries are all different and have specific security requirements. For example, those in the healthcare industry will need to follow HIPAA guidelines, and those in the government sector may need to adhere to NIST security standards. It’s important to know what specific security requirements your industry may have and incorporate them into your Policies.
Create an IT Security Management Plan
An IT Security Management Plan helps you to implement and measure the success of your security efforts. This puts in to motion the intentionality of executing your Policies in a controlled and measurable way. It includes implementation timelines, regular security status updates, and on-going improvement reviews of your security policies to keep up with the increasing threats.
It’s more important than ever to not only have the right IT Security Elements in place, but a way of ensuring that IT Security Management is part of your corporate culture. The technological landscape of our business world will continue to develop more and more dangers. What you did yesterday, may not be enough to protect you for tomorrow.
Please contact Digital323 and we would be happy to assist with the development of your IT Security Management Plans.
