When it comes to the security of your business's IT infrastructure, it is critical that your data security team is on the same page regarding security protocols for every conceivable threat. With global information security spending to exceed 124 billion by 2019, data security is at the top of the list of every CIO executive’s priorities.
Having a solid security infrastructure is important, but what's even more important is streamlined standard operating procedures across the board. Elements such as cloud configuration, firewall setup, scripting, incident response, and network segmentation, all need to be configured and deployed to counter active threats as well as guard against possible ones. Once configured and deployed, it is important to streamline it, which is where your employees require adequate training, demos and trials to ensure they perform in the event of a hack.
Security infrastructure of every firm is different, it all mainly depends on the size, scope, and the environment of a firm. Due to this consistency in security can prove to be a sizable challenge, executives have to navigate multiple teams and departments to ensure everyone is on the same page. If there is an overall lack of procedure and protocols, security implementation becomes next to impossible.
Consistency in information security comes from compliance of SOPs and security protocols, as well as from following the instructions and training provided to your employees. Ensure your security department doesn't fall back to its old habits by holding cyber security training as well as quarterly drills.
Here are five ways information security training can aid in establishing consistency in data security.
Creation and implementation of security protocols
To begin with streamlining your security SOPs, creating a policy for every security measure is a great way to start. Since each business has unique security requirements, procedures and contingencies need to be created for each aspect of security according to the unique business needs. A few examples of the security procedures and policies training your firm might need, include employee training, software updates, policy for firewall management, limited access, incident response, physical security, and business continuity.
Once the policies for each of the aforementioned items have been created, time needs to be devoted for the implementation of these policies. Your greatest security defense technology is practically worthless if it isn't properly implemented. If none of your employees are using the policy that has been explicitly written out, your business is in just as much risk as before you went through all this trouble. It is highly recommended that all these policies make their way into the employee training handout.
Ensure everything is documented
In addition to creating and implementing procedures and policies; you also need to have each of them documented and make them accessible to your employees, preferably in your company cloud. This way, in case of an unforeseen event, employees can refer to the procedures and protocols to get a better handle on the situation.
Should there be a breach in your company's network, having the documentation can protect you from potential expensive liabilities. Having an accurate and thorough security protocols and policies documented will aid auditors in clearly seeing the measures you've taken in maintaining security.
The list of documents you must definitely include is employee manuals, procedures and policies, agreements with third party vendors and network monitoring and logging.
Establish reliable communication channels between departments
Among the many security concerns companies have, one that is the most common is that one department doesn't know what the other department is doing. The next step of the training is to ensure that good policies are created and implemented to improve communication between teams and departments.
The easier it is for teams and departments to communicate with one another, the more in sync they will be on implementing security. A few ways you can take a step towards better security include; holding weekly meetings between departments, addressing needs by holding Q&As for each department, interdepartmental meetings to create unified goals, and encouraging cooperation by holding communication exercises
Frequently train staff on security protocols
Your best laid out plans and policies aren't worth anything if your staff isn't trained properly. For the network to be compromised or data to be stolen all you need is one careless employee. Frequent trainings need to be held as a reminder to your staff on how data should be handled, and policies implemented.
Here are a few things this training program covers:
Follow best practices on data security
Maintaining a firm's network security is quite complex, with so many moving parts, personnel with access, and policies. It is pertinent that every person who plays even a minute role must follow the best practices laid out by the CIO.
In order to avoid breach of data, implement best practices for data security, like:
- Limiting administrative access - Ensure that the employees have access to only the data they require to do their jobs and nothing more. Thus, eliminating potential data theft.
- White list applications - Set standard applications for each class of employees and white list them, while blacklisting potentially harmful applications.
While taking the aforementioned steps may require your company to invest more money and time, it would still be a major step towards making your security more consistent and streamlined towards your overall organizational goals. All the while making your precious network and data more secure. A singular vision for security, streamlined for your entire company.
