Considering that the frequency and severity of cyber crime are on the rise, no business can operate without the protection of a strong IT security portfolio. To do so would only invite unnecessary risks. There is no panacea for securing your organization; however, understanding processes, procedures and the people using the system is the best place to start improving your IT security portfolio.
Watch Your ROI
It’s easy for your IT security portfolio to balloon out of control. You might assume that any investment in a secure posture is a smart one, but in some cases, it’s just a waste of money. You might be paying to guard against threats that pose you very little risk, or paying for a level of security that’s weaker than you realize. Every entry in your IT security portfolio should be able to deliver a demonstrated ROI.
Understand the Consequences
What would the real impact on your company be if you were to face a cybersecurity attack? Many companies fail to think through this scenario completely and leave gaps in their IT security portfolio as a result. Understand where the attacks are likely to be directed, where they are likely to come from, and how your company will be affected.
Identify Your Most Important Assets
Any data breach is consequential, but some more so than others. For instance, financial records and sensitive personnel information matters a lot more than your employee handbook. Make sure you’ve identified the data assets that are most important to the present and future success of your company and secured them appropriately. The importance of this data should be reflected in the makeup of your IT security portfolio.
Focus on User Behaviors
Your IT security portfolio is an important protection, but not the only one. The simple fact is that if your staff does things that put your data at risk, no level of protection will keep it safe. Make sure that everyone with access to your IT understands the importance of picking strong passwords, recognizing common scams and hacker strategies, and securing mobile devices.
Put the Right Staff in Place
The strength of your IT security portfolio is related in part to the protections you have in place and in part to the people administering the portfolio. Without qualified security specialists on your team, the portfolio won’t operate the way it’s intended to or evolve the way it’s required to. You need to have staff with the right credentials, and enough staff to respond to the scope of the threats you face.
Expertise is the most important feature to have in your IT security portfolio. If you lack the security staff you need to reliably protect your data, let The Squires Group help you bring top talent on board.
