When it comes to protecting your data and information management systems, you can’t wait around to respond to whatever new threat pops up next. Instead, you need to take a proactive stance and develop intentional security architecture.
Technopedia identifies several key traits of security architecture:
- addresses the necessities and potential risks involved in a certain scenario or environment
- specifies when and where to apply security controls
- is reproducible
- has clearly defined design principles
- includes in-depth documentation of security control specifications
- addresses the connections between components of the overall structure
With state and federal regulators – not to mention consumers – demanding great protection of information resources, a robust security architecture is a must. But to be effective, all elements must work together. With that in mind, here are five areas that too many companies give short shrift or even overlook completely.
#1 – Email Security
Email is a powerful tool for business and personal communication. However, it can also be a major vulnerability for an information system. After all, security architecture is about building layers of protection around your data. Emails must go through those walls to reach their recipients.
#2 – Employee Training & Awareness
Traditionally, cybersecurity has been seen as an IT issue. Actually, individuals at every level of an organization have a role in implementing the security architecture. The best way to foster the broad support needed for a successful ISP? Create a corporate culture where awareness and compliance are a part of everyone’s daily activities.
#3 – Automated Updates & Software Patches
Even the best-built defenses won’t continue to offer protection if they aren’t maintained. Software maintenance — whether for applications or anti-virus/anti-malware programs — usually takes the form of updates and patches. (Developers sometimes use these terms interchangeably; but generally speaking, an update introduces new functionalities while a patch fixes a known issue.)
#4 – Documentation
In the medical profession, there’s an expression, “If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen.” That reminder is equally valid when it comes to implementing security architecture and responding to potential or actual threats. Even in the most stressful circumstances, document all findings and actions taken. Such records form not only an invaluable resource for preventing future events, but they may also help defend against regulatory or legal actions.
#5 – Notification & Filing Requirements
Sadly, it’s probably not a question of if you will experience a cybersecurity event, but when. That’s when notification and filing requirements come into play. Unfortunately, many businesses devote far less effort to planning for this part of the process. Who needs to be notified and when and by what method varies from state to state. It may also depend on the type of information compromised.
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