What do you do if your organization's Information Security is hindering overall success?

it's crucial to address security promptly and effectively 1)we Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organization's information security practices. Identify specific areas where security measures are impeding productivity, innovation, or other key aspects of success. 2)we Identify Root Cause-restrictive policies, outdated technology, lack of training, or other factors. 3)we Engage with key stakeholders, including executives, IT professionals, department heads, and employees, gather insights and perspectives on the challenges faced. 4)Balance Security and Business Needs 5) Invest in Training and Awareness

I think it's important first to define what "success" actually is for you and your business. E.g., is it organisational success - the ability to achieve business goals whilst maintaining an acceptable level of risk? Which this article seems to be aiming at. Or is it success in terms of meeting the specific targets of your security strategy and program? Whilst both of these success measures are inherently entwined, it still makes a difference to know exactly what you are aiming for. Regardless, the best way to assess the impact of your plans is to communicate with business stakeholders, not just to understand their needs, but also to hear their pain points.

Evaluate Current Policies: Conduct a thorough review of existing security protocols to identify specific areas where they may be too restrictive or outdated. Gather Feedback: Collect input from various departments about how security measures affect their workflows and productivity. Risk Assessment: Perform a detailed risk assessment to understand the potential impacts of modifying security measures. Update and Optimize: Adjust and streamline security policies and tools to ensure they are both effective and efficient. This might involve adopting newer technologies or methods. Balance Security with Usability: Implement user-friendly security solutions that maintain strong protection without significantly disrupting user experience

To begin assessing our organization's security posture, we first need to identify how it is impacting our delivery, costs, or any other negative impacts. Next, we must determine the root cause, whether it is due to human error, lack of awareness, or if our security policies are up to standard. It's crucial to connect with every team to gather their inputs on the matter. Once we have analyzed all this information, we should convey it to management. Based on the inputs received, if the issues are due to human error, ensure that everyone receives security awareness training. If the issues stem from policies or technologies, work on strengthening them. Finally, measure all the actions taken to ensure there is improvement.

The ultimate goal should be to integrate information security seamlessly into the organization's operations while minimizing negative impact on success. 1. Reassess the risks, it always gives a clearer view on what's really happening 2. Realign Security with the business: it is easy to be steered off course. Define what success means to the organization 3. Collaborate more with stakeholders, when everyone is on the same page, it is easier to establish progress. No Silos 4. Monitor the situation and improve, maturity comes but not in very quick steps 5. Learn, Unlearn, Relearn - Always helpful to see things from other perspectives

In my experience I've found that successful mitigation of security hindrances requires proactive collaboration across all departments. Information Security should not operate in a silo; it needs to be integrated into every aspect of the organization's operations. By fostering open communication and collaboration between IT, operations, HR, and other relevant departments, we can ensure that security measures are aligned with organizational goals and priorities. Together, we can create a culture where security is everyone's responsibility, and success is driven by a strong foundation of robust security practices.

If the organization's Information Security measures are hindering overall success, it's crucial to reassess the balance between security and productivity. Start by conducting a thorough review of existing security protocols to identify any unnecessary restrictions or inefficiencies. Collaborate with IT and security teams to find alternative solutions that maintain security while minimizing disruption to workflow. Implement targeted training programs to educate employees on best practices for security without impeding productivity.

Involvement of Information security team from the beginning of any project will reduce the hinderance on Information security on the overall success of the organization

If Information Security measures are impeding overall success, reassess their impact by conducting a thorough examination of the balance between security protocols and operational efficiency. Identify specific bottlenecks or limitations caused by security measures and weigh them against potential risks. Implement solutions that mitigate these risks without significantly compromising productivity. Regularly review and adapt security strategies to ensure alignment with evolving organizational needs and industry standards.

La gestión de la seguridad y la estrategia se debe considerar como una actividad viva, con una dinámica propia, por lo cual es fundamental su actualización permanente. Lo que hoy es la respuesta, mañana ya no es efectiva.

We need to find a common ground and a message needs to be conveyed strongly that security is everyone's responsibility. We should acknowledge the importance of information security and collaborate with the InfoSec team to find solutions. Security shouldn't be about eliminating all risks but managing them effectively. Work with the business team to develop an approach that prioritizes controls based on the potential impact of a security breach. Frame the issue in terms of the negative impact on the business. Explain how hindering overall success can leave the organization more vulnerable in the long run. Stay objective and avoid accusatory language or assigning blame. Focus on finding a workable solution that meets everyone's needs.

Updating information security policies is crucial for balancing protection with productivity. By integrating advanced technologies and emphasizing staff retraining, organizations can enhance security measures without impeding workflow. This approach strengthens defenses and aligns with the dynamic nature of cyber threats, ensuring policies remain relevant and effective in safeguarding assets while supporting business objectives.

Integrate advanced technologies that enhance both security and operational efficiency. This approach ensures that your security measures support rather than hinder your organizational goals. Conduct comprehensive training sessions to ensure all employees understand the importance of security and how it relates to their roles. Well-informed staff are your first line of defense against security breaches. Update your security policies to be clear and concise, providing straightforward guidelines that enable employees to perform their duties efficiently without compromising security.

Begin by reviewing existing policies to ensure they align with current threats and organizational needs. Identify areas where policies may be too restrictive or outdated, hindering productivity or innovation. Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to develop flexible, risk-based policies that prioritize both security and operational efficiency. Implement clear guidelines for employees, emphasizing the importance of security while empowering them to make informed decisions. Regularly revisit and update policies to adapt to evolving threats and business requirements, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in information security practices.

After pinpointing the areas where current Information Security measures are impacting organizational performance, proceed to update your policies. Aim not to reduce security, but to optimize it in alignment with organizational goals. Consider integrating advanced technologies that enhance both security and operational efficiency. Additionally, retrain staff to emphasize the critical role of security in their day-to-day activities. Ensure that your updated policies are clear and concise, offering guidelines that allow employees to work efficiently without compromising security standards.

Once you've pinpointed the areas where your information security may be weak or outdated, it is important to revise and update your information security policies accordingly. This involves reviewing existing policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure they address current threats and challenges. Updates may include strengthening access controls, enhancing data encryption practices, clarifying employee responsibilities, and integrating new technologies or best practices. Regular updates to information security policies help to keep them aligned with evolving cyber threats and ensure that the organization is better equipped to protect its sensitive information from potential breaches or attacks.

Keep your policies up to date and consistent with all services hosted or used by this company, where all criteria must be shared and all due or improper access must be mapped within it;

Security-by-design is the big objective that you want to align across your stakeholders, business partners, and teams. Security often comes down to cost-benefit and risk tolerance, leading by prioritizing this work will help you gain buy-in and alignment within your organization.

Empower employees to become advocates for security by providing opportunities for them to champion best practices and share knowledge with their peers.

- Según mi experiencia promover la cultura de ciberseguridad dentro de la empresa es un factor diferenciador y que ayuda al CISO a tener negocio de su lado. Hay concienciar de manera a todos los niveles de la organización.

A security-conscious culture is about enforcing rules and embedding security as a value in every employee's mindset. This approach transforms security from a perceived barrier to a shared goal, enhancing compliance and innovation. Encouraging participation in security processes empowers employees, making them proactive defenders of the organization's digital assets.

Cultivate a culture of security awareness and accountability throughout the organization. Educate employees about the importance of Information Security and their role in maintaining it. Encourage a proactive approach to security, where employees feel empowered to report potential threats or vulnerabilities

If you're not sure how to go about building a "culture that values security…" consider taking a little time to read about the "safety culture" of the US Navy, which was developed under fire in World War II and became highly polished during the Cold War. Like safety, security should be a practice (not a "project") integrated into all activities and supported as a core value of the organization.

Information security is an arduous and difficult journey. For this reason, over the period we must ensure that people understand the real need to add and improve controls, so that the organization has security in delivering its means of income. When people are aware and familiar with an action, it is much easier to promote improvements.

Foster a culture of collaboration and communication between security teams and other departments within the organization. Encourage cross-functional teams to work together on security initiatives and share information and best practices to improve overall security effectiveness.

Culture and security awareness are essential for the success of the journey of a technological environment. We must highlight why operational controls and processes are necessary to evolve the security maturity of the environment. On many occasions, it is important that we compare cybersecurity with everyday actions, to facilitate understanding.

In today's digital world, keeping information safe is crucial for businesses to thrive. Using technology is key to achieving this while still succeeding as a company. Look for security tools that do things automatically, so you don't have to spend as much time on them. Also, consider tools that help you see how secure your systems are, so you can make quick decisions. By using these kinds of technology, you can make sure your company stays safe without slowing down. This way, you can focus on growing your business while keeping it protected from cyber threats.

Implementing a centralized IAM tool to administer and manage access to the various application components, will be a strong security posture too.

Innovation and adoption of technology is an important attribute to balance information security for any organization. Staying informed about new cyber security threats and innovation. Adapt your cybersecurity program to incorporate new technologies and methods to combat emerging threats. Utilize technologies such as firewalls , anti-virus software , encryption , and intrusion detection systems to protect you infrastructure. Regular update and patch systems to defend against known vulnerabilities. Deploy tools that will provide visibility into your assets and infrastructure. You can't protect what you can't see.

Technology is the great enabler if used responsibly. Our Fraud- Security team was noticing unusually high volume of promotion traffic coming into our platform. Upon deep inspection and after many investigations, we came to realize that bad actors had found a path through our customer journey to exploit our promotional offer. The Fraud Team worked alongside our partners in customer service, product and engineering to design and deploy a customized machine learning solution to identify the risky activity and prevent the bad actors from stealing from the company. Seeking a technology enabled solution took stress off customer service and saved the business hundreds of thousands in costs lost to fraud.

To effectively balance information security with organizational success, leverage technology that enhances both efficiency and security. Seek out tools that automate routine security tasks, reducing the time and resources needed for maintenance while ensuring consistency. Additionally, implement technologies that offer comprehensive visibility into your security posture, allowing for swift and informed decision-making. By choosing the right technology, you can streamline security processes without compromising the robustness of protection, ensuring that security measures support rather than hinder organizational objectives.

Invest in and deploy advanced security technologies to strengthen your organization's defenses against cyber threats. This may include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption tools, and security analytics platforms.

Keeping data safe shouldn't slow us down! Tech tools can help find that sweet spot between security and getting things done. Look for features that automate tasks, saving you time and effort on keeping systems secure. Also, consider tools that give you a clear picture of your overall security health. This lets you make smart decisions quickly, so you can stay protected without getting bogged down. The right technology can streamline your security practices without sacrificing an inch of safety.

Using technology wisely helps keep our information safe while still making sure our organization runs smoothly. echnology offers various tools and solutions that can strengthen security protocols while also enhancing efficiency and productivity. For instance, implementing encryption technologies can safeguard sensitive data without hindering its accessibility for authorized users. Similarly, advanced authentication methods, such as bio-metrics or multi factor authentication, can provide strong security without sacrificing user experience. Additionally, automated monitoring systems can detect and respond to security threats in real time, reducing the risk of data breaches or system compromises.

Engaging with external information security experts can offer valuable insights and specialized knowledge to overcome challenges. These experts can conduct audits, suggest improvements, and implement best practices that align with organizational goals while maintaining security standards. By leveraging their expertise, organizations can enhance their security posture and ensure that security measures support overall success without hindering operations.

When it comes to keeping your information safe, sometimes you need outside experts. These experts can give you fresh ideas and special knowledge that your team might not have. They'll check what you're already doing for security and suggest ways to make it better. By working with them, you can make sure your security is strong without making things too complicated. Getting help from experts isn't just about fixing problems now. It's about making sure your business stays safe and successful in the long run.

Experts could be external or internal, you may look into people with expertise within your organization and ask for their help or ask for external consultants to help you with identify the cause and resolve the issue.

Sometimes, you need outside help to solve information security problems. Information security experts can offer fresh ideas and special knowledge that your team might not have. They can check your systems, find weaknesses, and suggest ways to make them stronger. Getting help from these experts can improve your security and keep your organization safer from online threats.

Bien que je sois d’accord sur l’utilité parfois d’avoir recours à une expertise externe, je ne pense pas que cela soit une nécessité. Tout dépend des ressources et compétences disponibles en interne. L’avantage d’utiliser au maximum l’expertise interne, c’est l’assurance pour celui qui rédige la politique de mieux connaître la culture interne, le vocabulaire et termes spécifiques utilisés au sein de l’organisation et donc de produire des documents adaptés et efficaces. Il n’y a rien de pire qu’un document générique qui ne parle à personne. L’expertise externe pourrait être pertinente par exemple pour structurer le document.

Engaging with external experts will provide valuable insights to understand if the internal security teams are following the risk tolerance of the organization. Ultimately, security protocols should support the organization's mission not hinder it. A clear understanding of the risk tolerance across the organization will allow the experts to assist the internal teams implement a security posture that supports the business while ensuring appropriate protection for the company's risk tolerance.

La permanente colaboración de expertos es esencial para generar una estrategia de ciberdefensa, que sea estructurada en base a un trabajo multidisciplinario, con integrantes con experiencia, que sean un aporte concreto y ya probado. No se puede estar experimentando, sino aprendiendo y creciendo con inteligencia.

Seek guidance from Information Security experts or consultants who can provide insights and recommendations tailored to your organization's specific challenges and objectives. Their expertise can help you identify gaps in your security posture and implement effective solutions.

Engaging experts can be incredibly beneficial when balancing information security and business success. Their ability is valuable in strategic planning, risk assessments, policy and procedure development, incident response planning, security awareness and training, compliance management, and evaluating and implementing emerging technologies. Additionally, managed security service providers (MSSPs) can offer specialised abilities and technologies that may be challenging to keep in-house. When engaging experts, it is crucial to consider factors such as experience, communication and collaboration skills, ability to transfer knowledge, cultural fit, and the scope and deliverables of the engagement.

Offer training and resources to help team members develop the skills necessary for effective collaboration. This might include training in communication, conflict resolution, project management, and other relevant areas.

Define specific KPIs that measure your information security's effectiveness and its impact on organizational success. These metrics should reflect your security's efficiency and alignment with business objectives. Schedule routine assessments of these KPIs to ensure that your security measures support and do not obstruct your operations. This continuous review helps identify areas that need adjustment or improvement. Use the insights from regular KPI evaluations to stay flexible and modify your information security strategy. Adapting to changing conditions and threats ensures your security posture remains robust and relevant.

I would advocate for implementing three tiers of metrics tailored to different audiences: a high-level view for the board of directors, a more detailed view for the executive team, and a streamlined version at the department level. It's crucial to provide context for these metrics, ideally comparing them not only month-over-month but also against a peer group of similarly sized companies in the same industry. This comparison enhances the relevance and competitiveness of the metrics. To further enhance our strategy, leveraging advanced analytics and real-time monitoring technologies can provide ongoing insights and allow for swift adjustments, keeping our security measures both effective and adaptable to changing conditions

Continuously monitor the effectiveness of your Information Security measures and adjust them as needed. Regularly assess your organization's security posture, conduct risk assessments, and track key performance indicators to gauge progress over time.

Continuously monitor the impact of the changes made to the Information Security measures. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of the implemented solutions and their impact on overall organizational success. Regularly review and adjust the strategies as needed to maintain the desired balance between security and operational efficiency.

In my experience within the IT sector, I've learned the critical role of monitoring progress in overcoming information security challenges. Proactively monitoring our progress helps us stay agile and responsive to evolving threats and business needs. By prioritizing continuous improvement and adaptability through progress monitoring, organizations can effectively leverage information security to drive overall success and innovation.

A área de TI tende a ser mais excutora do que planejadora, visto o perfil técnico do time. Porém é de extrama importancia que o gestor não se deixe levar para reatividade em prol do planejamento. É importante ter um olhar crítico para entender se os KPIs definidos para o TI de fato agregram valor, desafiam a equipe e estão alinhados com o objetivo do negócio. Isso define a diferença entre um setor de TI que é só um centro de custo dentro da empresa ou um parceiro estratégico do negócio.

Continuously monitoring your information security progress is essential. Set up key performance indicators (KPIs) that evaluate the effectiveness of your security measures and their impact on organizational success. Regularly review these metrics to confirm that security protocols are supporting, rather than obstructing, your organization’s goals. This ongoing assessment allows you to remain agile, making timely adjustments to your information security strategy to better align with and support your business objectives.

Continuously monitor progress by establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge information security effectiveness. Regularly review these metrics to ensure security measures align with organizational objectives. This iterative process enables agility and facilitates necessary adjustments to the security strategy over time.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between information security and overall success is key. It may require some adjustments and compromises, but by taking a reflective approach and actively seeking solutions, organizations can ensure that their information security measures are not hindering their success, but rather enhancing it.

When Information Security starts to feel like a roadblock to success, it's time to focus on organizational change management... two effective ways to get there, focus on the "why" and explain the value of prevention over cure. "The Why" Continuous Education: Regular, engaging stakeholders on WHY we are implementing controls and what they protect will significantly enhance understanding and adherence to security protocols. Prevention over Cure: Empowering stakeholders with controls and knowledge helps prevent security breaches, fostering a smoother, more secure operational environment - demonstrating significant ROI #PreventionOverCure

If your organization's information security is hindering success, identify the specific issues and communicate with stakeholders to build support for change. Re-evaluate security controls, implementing a risk management framework and streamlining processes to improve efficiency. Leverage technology and tools, like SOAR and CASB solutions, to enhance security while reducing friction. Monitor and measure performance, collaborating with other departments to ensure alignment and effective practices. Continuously review and adapt to strike the right balance between security and business success, enabling the organization to thrive.

Bring together key stakeholders from various departments, including senior management, IT, security, and business units, to discuss the challenges and collaborate on finding solutions. It's essential to have buy-in and support from all levels of the organization to address the issue effectively.

Your information security function must be seen as a trusted advisor and partner. Information security must be baked into your change and project management processes, so that your function is consulted early and regularly. In this way, you are not the last minute stopper that simply says no. You must be open and approachable. You must seek to understand what the business is trying to achieve and work with them to meet their goals safely and securely. Stakeholder management is everything.

Information security is a business enabler. Whenever the information security impacts the business success, you need to stop, and rethink about your information security strategy. Engage more with business team and stakeholders within your organization, to redraft your information security strategy to be aligned with the overall organizational strategy. Never say no to business, your job is to assess and put security controls on the risks of the used technologies inside your organization, and there is always a solution to enable the business instead of handering its success

Primarily, information security, as well as all other obligations in regards to compliance, should support the business. If the implementation of your management system is hindering the success of the business operation, it's time to revise the system altogether. Don't let compliance be a limiting factor, but rather a supporting factor to the success story the organisation wants to tell.

In my experience, taking a methodical approach and using IT management frameworks or standards like as ITIL, ISO 20000, and others can assist to avert these sorts of disputes and effectively remove silos.

When security becomes the "Office of No", there is one thing I normally look at right away. Security is about managing risk, is the team or company extremely risk-adverse? Is the leader of that team risk-adverse? Is there a way to understand more about the risk and come closer together on how to deal with it? Has the organizational culture been damaged because of the tension between teams? Is there a way to more effectively collaborate to ensure all groups are meeting the business objectives?

Re-evaluate the Information security strategy and ensure it's aligned with the business strategy. Information Security as a whole exists to support the business. 1. Aligning security goals with business objectives ensures that your goals are achieved if the business achieves its objectives. 2. Adopt a risk-based approach, weighing the impact of security measures on productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. 3. Avoid overly restrictive controls that impede productivity and foster a culture of continuous evaluation and adaptation to address evolving threats while maintaining an optimal balance between security and business enablement. Encourage collaboration between security teams and other departments.

Your 'people' are you greatest asset and also your security champions. Make security processes something that involves everyone and ensure you celebrate success and recognise contributions, no matter how small. When people feel like their participation matters and their contribution has worth, they will gladly engage with your implementations.