When it comes to security concerns, it’s important to think differently, which is easier said than done. We explain five areas of focus to help frame your future strategy.
IT security is a concern for organizations in any industry. While the issue is often discussed in the context of governments and private-sector companies, all businesses need to be just as vigilant when it comes to understanding the importance of data privacy and implementing solutions to keep critical information safe.
Five items that should be at the top of your IT security agenda
Below, we outline what we believe are the top five items that business leaders need to think about when it comes to IT security.
1. Ensure that stakeholders understand how to update or transform their approach
For business leaders and stakeholders, the message could not be clearer: transform your thinking. This sounds like a tall order for organizations that typically do not have large technology budgets. However, it’s important to let the strategy — not budget concerns — lead the conversation. There are plenty of good security options that will not break the bank — you just need to find them.
2. Discuss modern methods of managing patching, updates, vulnerabilities and exploits
It is easy to get caught in a loop when it comes to IT, where the goal is to use every possible dollar to support bigger applications. But a big budget should not create a blind spot when it comes to data security. Make sure that your IT team or external consultant is up to speed on the latest methods hackers are using to access information and disrupt operations.
3. Assess your environment – do not just guess
We need facts to make smart decisions. Look at how your servers, networks and databases are running or being maintained, and see how they are protected. Test the process a bit from the “inside in” and the “outside in,” so you can know exactly what is going on and make sure that everything is properly configured for efficiency and security.
4. Document your current security landscape
Once you know what your security situation is, be sure to formally document it. Not only does this help with continuity, but it also prevents misunderstandings and disconnects that can create chaos — or worse. Retention is key to long-term visibility and needs to be part of any meaningful approach to security.
5. Roadmap future states and check in often
Chances are that you will find things in your current security setup that you’ll want to address. The next step is to document them so that you have a clear roadmap to get from Point A to Point B. However, that is not the end of the journey — it is just the beginning. You should have regular check-ins to ensure that you are pointing in the right direction and are meeting your interim goals.
How BPM can help
When setting the agenda for your organization’s IT security framework, perhaps the most important question to start with is: “What is your most valuable asset?”
Is it intellectual property? A database? A tangible asset or item? Whatever your answer to that question is, that is the North Star of your IT security investment. That’s what you are working to protect — and that end goal should always be at the forefront of your work in this space. As Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, said, “If we all started with the end in mind, we would likely pick the best tools, processes and people — and build an easy-to-use Fort Knox.”
BPM can help your organization strengthen its IT security through better technology. Learn more about how to leverage BPM’s managed services to realize your organization’s vision. Visit our interactive guide.
