What do you do if your organization's Information Security is hindering overall success?
When your organization’s information security measures start to impede success, you're facing a complex challenge. It's crucial to protect sensitive data from threats like cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access. However, when security protocols become too restrictive, they can slow down operations, stifle innovation, and frustrate employees. Balancing security with operational efficiency is key. You need to ensure that your security measures are robust enough to protect your organization, but flexible enough to allow for growth and success.
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Upen SachdevPrincipal Partner @ Deloitte | US Advisory Lead Alliance Partner for Google Cloud, Deloitte CISO Academy Leader, former…
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J K ARORA💎 Mentored 5000+Entrepreneur I Founder I CEO I CARGO MOVERS I IATA I Intl logistics I Customs Broker | MBA,IIFT I WCA…
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Chintan ParekhCompliance, Risk & Cyber Executive l Global Chief Privacy Officer l Strategic Advisor for boards l Experience in…
To address information security issues, start by assessing the impact of current security measures on your organization's success. This involves analyzing how security protocols affect day-to-day operations and identifying areas where they may be too restrictive. You should gather feedback from various departments to understand the challenges they face. This will help you pinpoint specific security policies that are causing bottlenecks or hindering productivity and innovation.
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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are impeding productivity, innovation, or other key aspects of success. 2)we Identify Root Cause-restrictive policies, outdated technology, lack of training, or other factors. 3)we Engage with key stakeholders, including executives, IT professionals, department heads, and employees,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
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Security measures should support, not hinder, your organization's objectives. If you find security protocols are impeding performance, consider a detailed security impact assessment. This involves reviewing specific security policies and processes that may be causing unnecessary obstacles, and gathering cross-organizational feedback on how these measures impact daily operations and innovation
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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.
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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
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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.
Once you've identified the problematic areas, it's time to update your information security policies. This doesn't mean reducing security but rather optimizing it to support your organizational goals. Revising policies could involve adopting new technologies that offer both security and efficiency, or retraining staff to better understand the importance of security in their roles. Ensure that your policies are clear, concise, and provide guidelines that enable employees to work effectively without compromising security.
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Offer regular workshops, webinars, and interactive modules covering topics such as phishing awareness, data handling protocols, and incident response procedures.
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- Tras detectar las incompatibilidades con negocio y el impacto que estan provocando al negocio es importante definir una estrategia. Como ejemplo, hay que revisar las políticas de seguridad y resolver los conflicto que pueden provocar a negocio pero sin reducir el nivel de seguridad.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Creating a culture that values security while promoting success is essential. This means integrating security awareness into the fabric of your organization. Encourage open communication about security concerns and involve employees in the process of finding solutions. By fostering a culture where everyone feels responsible for information security, you can build a more resilient organization where security measures are seen as enablers rather than obstacles.
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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.
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Empower employees to become advocates for security by providing opportunities for them to champion best practices and share knowledge with their peers.
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By aligning security with everyone's responsibilities, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their actions concerning security matters. This approach not only promotes individual accountability but also fosters a culture where security is prioritized at all levels. Through adequate training and awareness initiatives, employees can better understand the significance of their role in upholding security standards, contributing to a stronger and more resilient organizational security posture.
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- 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.
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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.
Leveraging technology can help balance information security with organizational success. Look for security tools that offer automation, which can reduce the time and effort required to maintain secure systems. Additionally, consider technologies that provide better visibility into your security posture, enabling you to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. The right technology can streamline security processes while maintaining a high level of protection.
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La tecnología se debe aprovechar con la experiencia y el desarrollo de las soluciones de nicho. Cada día las amenazas digitales son más complejas y sofisticadas. El constante aprendizaje que nos dá la inteligencia artificial nos permite detecciones tempranas y respuestas más efectivas.
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Regarding the "Leverage Technology" Part Actually, I've been there, watching security protocols stifle innovation and pace. In my journey, I discovered the magic lies in leveraging technology smartly. We used advanced, integrated security tools that not only enhanced our protection but also kept our agility intact. Tools like AI-driven threat detection can anticipate problems before they arise, letting us stay fast and flexible without compromising security. My Personal Advice, Don’t let stringent security slow you down. Instead, upgrade and integrate your tech. Make it your ally, not your adversary.
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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.
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Implementing a centralized IAM tool to administer and manage access to the various application components, will be a strong security posture too.
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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.
Sometimes, you need external expertise to overcome information security challenges. Engaging with information security experts can provide fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge that your in-house team may lack. These experts can help you audit your current security measures, suggest improvements, and implement best practices that align with your organizational goals without compromising security.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Finally, continuous monitoring of your progress is vital. Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the effectiveness of your information security against its impact on success. Regularly review these metrics to ensure that security measures are facilitating, not hindering, your organization's objectives. This ongoing evaluation will help you stay agile and make necessary adjustments to your information security strategy over time.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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