IT SECURITY MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

We live in a society where information is abundant. Having the ‘right’ information when it is required is essential, if the organisation is to carry out its duties in an efficient and effective manner. Information Technology (IT) has transformed the way business is conducted. IT is the heart and backbone of vital business processes and key information storage, protection and access. However, this reliance of IT has created new risks for business, from access to vital information to business disruption. It is unsurprising that security has become a key component of most companies IT strategies.

Despite this, many companies still view IT security as an unnecessary business cost, and ignore many of its benefits. There are several explanations for this, and it cannot be discounted that IT security is seen as unglamorous compared to other areas of IT. One further reason that is supported in recent research is the lack of effort spent in measuring IT security value. In addition, while it may be difficult to assess the value on IT security, there are several areas where it offers meaningful value.

One such area where it has a significant impact is risk management. This has become a key way for stakeholders to measure a company's success. Strong risk management strategies are of fundamental importance for investors, insurers, partners, customers and employees, all of whom wish to have confidence in the company's ability to cope with any contingency.

Divergent attitudes to IT security have created an unusual conflict among leading companies. On one hand, some believe that IT security is not only important, but through risk management, it also helps demonstrate a company's competency. Therefore, it can influence a company's potential to attract customers as well as investment. On the other hand, many continue to view IT security as an overhead cost, seemingly unaware of the benefits a proactive and articulate IT security policy can bring.

"The problem is that IT security and risk management have different meanings to different managers. There is a lack of understanding generally – Willie Fitzgerald”.

While the true value of IT security may never be known, many companies seek to measure the value they receive from it. Many companies quantify and track these benefits using risk management techniques and models. Corporate heads of IT can even use risk management to justify new investment in security. Further use of risk mitigation techniques can enhance IT security strategies while making them more efficient and cost effective.

Most business or organizations do not have a dedicated IT security manager or security department. Someone else in the organisation is always responsible for these duties and normally their primary duties and responsibilities takes priority and don't necessarily have the time or expertise to comprehensively deal with all security matters.

Cyanre offer this service for clients who don’t have a requirement for a full-time dedicated security manager but, from time to time, may have some need for IT security related support or professional service to be rendered.