The Importance of good corporate Information Security
July 18th 2016
When it comes to organisational management, good IT security is key, and plays a vital supporting role in broader data security processes and approaches.
What does it involve?
Sometimes abbreviated to InfoSec, information security processes seek to defend corporate information from unauthorised access, disclosure, change, usage, destruction, modification and so forth. The term is a generalised one and applies to all types of data, both physical and electronic. In today's world of data hackers and digital financial crime, the topic is more critical than ever, and organisations need to invest in robust systems, processes and infrastructure to protect data from malicious intent.
The benefits of getting it right
Good security practices equate to good business, and IT departments that invest in the latest techniques and processes can support the broader organisation in maintaining robust business continuity, compliance and management approaches.
If an IT department - whether in house or managed IT that is contracted in - can demonstrate best in class abilities with data and info security - typically guided by an audited information security policy, then customers, staff and other stakeholders will be protected. This can help to win new contracts, retain business and demonstrate a broader quality ethos across the entire organisation that helps it to develop its brand and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
The costs of getting it wrong
If a business fails to safeguard its customers or operation with the right security processes, it will leave itself open to fraud, identity and financial theft, financial loss and other serious risks. Often these outcomes will leave the organisation at risk of prosecution, particularly where confidential customer information is compromised. This can result in hefty fines and an ongoing loss of business if the reputation of the organisation itself is compromised. The best solution is to invest in good information security from the start and recognise that this translates into financial investment - for systems - and time investment - to train staff and implement a robust and secure culture of work within the broader operation.
Most organisations will also invest in regular internal audits, especially if they work in a regulated industry that is subject to external auditing and compliance checks. This helps to embed a broader culture of good security and gives certainty to the organisation that the IT practices that they are investing in and embedding are fully compliant with the latest legislation and regulations.
Robust approaches
A majority of larger organisations will choose to develop their approaches and accredit them via standards such as ISO 27001 - Information Security Management. Accreditation to such a standard offers benefits when an organisation is tendering and pitching for business - particularly regulated or publicly funded business. It also demonstrates to customers and other stakeholders that robust processes are in place and that the right security systems are being implemented, invested in and managed.
Other organisations will choose to use internal resource or consultants to develop their own processes for security, and information security via a broader data security policy. This policy may need to be adjusted for different departments and contracts to recognise their business practices, legal requirements and customer expectations.
Many will also seek to buy in managed IT services in Ireland to ensure they are benefiting from the latest best in class security systems and processes, without needing to necessarily maintain large in-house resources. This can be a valuable and cost-effective solution that provides access to expertise, cloud based secure systems, and better ways of doing things overall. Managed services give access to a wide range of experts without the overheads of in-house teams. They offer flexibility, quality services across a broad remit, knowledge of what other industries and competitors are doing, access to cutting edge knowledge and demonstrable return on investment.
Contact IT Force to find out more about how our outsourced and flexible IT services can help you with your broader security programme, and the value that we can provide.