How can IT operations management align their security strategy with the overall cybersecurity strategy?
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IT operations management (ITOM) is the process of overseeing the design, deployment, maintenance, and optimization of IT systems and services. Security is a vital aspect of ITOM, as it ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and resources. However, security is not only a technical issue, but also a strategic one that requires alignment with the overall cybersecurity strategy of the organization. How can IT operations management align their security strategy with the overall cybersecurity strategy? Here are some tips to help you achieve this goal.
The first step to align your security strategy with the cybersecurity strategy is to understand what the latter entails. The cybersecurity strategy is a high-level document that defines the vision, mission, objectives, principles, and policies of the organization regarding cybersecurity. It also identifies the key stakeholders, roles, responsibilities, and governance mechanisms for cybersecurity. The cybersecurity strategy should be aligned with the business strategy, the risk appetite, the legal and regulatory requirements, and the industry standards and best practices. As an ITOM professional, you should familiarize yourself with the cybersecurity strategy and its implications for your IT operations.
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Eko Kurniawan
Information Technology Operations Manager @ Veris | MCTS, Network Infrastructure
First we need to understand organization's security goal's and objectives, should have a clear understanding of the organization's overall cybersecurity strategy, including its goals, priorities, and risk tolerance.
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Jayesh John
IT Management | Startup | MBA IT
Both the management of IT operations and the cybersecurity strategy should be in harmony with the overarching business objectives of the organization. Based on this alignment, policies and procedures can be developed to guide the organization effectively.
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Sachin Parashar
Cyber Security Executive at UpGuard | Empowering Organizations with Total Cyber Security Visibility | Leading #1 Third Party & Supplier Risk Platform 🏆 | Expert in SaaS, TPRM, Data Breach, and ISO 27001 Compliance
For IT operations management, aligning with the cybersecurity strategy is paramount. First, understand the organization's overarching cybersecurity goals. Then, establish clear communication channels with the cybersecurity team. Collaborate to identify vulnerabilities, implement robust security measures, and ensure that IT operations are in harmony with the broader cybersecurity strategy, thus fortifying the organization's defenses.
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The next step to align your security strategy with the cybersecurity strategy is to assess the current security posture of your IT operations. This means evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your IT systems and services from a security perspective. You can use various tools and frameworks to conduct a security assessment, such as SWOT analysis, gap analysis, maturity models, or risk assessments. The security assessment should cover the technical, organizational, and human aspects of your IT operations, such as the infrastructure, the processes, the policies, the procedures, the controls, the metrics, the incidents, the vulnerabilities, the threats, the awareness, and the training.
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Sachin Parashar
Cyber Security Executive at UpGuard | Empowering Organizations with Total Cyber Security Visibility | Leading #1 Third Party & Supplier Risk Platform 🏆 | Expert in SaaS, TPRM, Data Breach, and ISO 27001 Compliance
Accessing the cybersecurity posture is vital for IT operations management to align their strategy. Begin by assessing existing security measures and identifying weaknesses. Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to bridge gaps and integrate security protocols. Ensure continuous monitoring and agile adaptation, thus fostering synergy between IT operations and the broader cybersecurity strategy.
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William Quinones
Security assessment should be part of the multiple scheduled tasks of the IT department. Run different scenarios, drills, use cyber attack simulation tools. This will not only help assess vulnerabilities but be proactive instead of reactive.
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Mike Schultz
People Leader, Technologist, Strategist and IT Executive
The SecOps team mentioned in the previous comment are the key to understanding the security posture from an InfoSec point of view, understanding the risk and ensuring the the most risky areas are address as priority. This can be via a SWOT, OODA or any other tool designed to interrogate the various aspect of security, from people, through process, technology and policies. The output from this should be a clearly defined action plan to how to translate the security posture into action. When completed the whole cycle will start again and should be reviewed using Six Sigma or process improvement tools to ensure it is always fit for purpose and appropriate for the organisation.
The third step to align your security strategy with the cybersecurity strategy is to define the specific security goals for your IT operations. These goals should be derived from the cybersecurity strategy and reflect its vision, mission, objectives, and principles. The security goals should also be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, a security goal for your IT operations could be to reduce the number of security incidents by 20% within a year, or to achieve a certain level of compliance with a security standard or framework.
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Sachin Parashar
Cyber Security Executive at UpGuard | Empowering Organizations with Total Cyber Security Visibility | Leading #1 Third Party & Supplier Risk Platform 🏆 | Expert in SaaS, TPRM, Data Breach, and ISO 27001 Compliance
Defining security goals is the foundation of alignment. IT operations management must establish clear objectives such as data protection, threat mitigation, and compliance adherence. These goals serve as guiding principles, allowing IT operations to synchronize their security strategy with the broader cybersecurity mission, creating a fortified organizational defense.
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Mike Schultz
People Leader, Technologist, Strategist and IT Executive
Out of the OODA, SWOT or the process re-engineering (if this is a second or tertiary pass) the security goals and priorities will be defined and agreed upon with all stakeholders (InfoSec, SecOps, Risk and Compliance, Business and IT). These will be translated into clear KPIs for the teams and this will ensure that all involved are working towards the same strategic goals highlighted and defined in the previous steps.
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Hilton Martin
ICT Executive at Ster-Kinekor Theatres
Identify Critical Assets and Vulnerabilities: Work with the Cybersecurity Team to identify critical assets and potential vulnerabilities within the IT Infrastructure. Conduct risk assessments and prioritise assets and vulnerabilities based on potential impact and likelihood of exploitation.
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The fourth step to align your security strategy with the cybersecurity strategy is to implement the security measures that will help you achieve your security goals. These measures can include technical, organizational, and human interventions, such as installing security software or hardware, updating security policies or procedures, implementing security controls or audits, conducting security training or awareness campaigns, or establishing security teams or committees. The security measures should be prioritized based on their impact, feasibility, cost, and urgency. They should also be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency.
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Sachin Parashar
Cyber Security Executive at UpGuard | Empowering Organizations with Total Cyber Security Visibility | Leading #1 Third Party & Supplier Risk Platform 🏆 | Expert in SaaS, TPRM, Data Breach, and ISO 27001 Compliance
Implementing security measures requires a systematic approach. IT operations management should identify vulnerabilities, deploy firewalls, encryption, and access controls. Regular patch management and employee training are key components. Close collaboration with the cybersecurity team ensures alignment with the overarching cybersecurity strategy, bolstering the organization's defenses.
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Abdulmalik Musa
Results-Oriented IT Professional | Specializing in Building Value-Driven Mobile and Web Platforms | Driving Digital Transformation
Collaboratively create and enforce security policies and procedures that align with cybersecurity best practices. These policies should cover areas such as access control, data protection, incident response, and more.
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Mike Schultz
People Leader, Technologist, Strategist and IT Executive
Implementation involves all role players from the business as this is business wide requirement and its essential that all parties are brought along for the ride. Not just for implementation but for a clear understand of WHY things are being done. If business understand why there is a need for patch management or anti virus updates they will be far more open to providing change control windows and so forth to allow the IT teams to do their security functions of patching, remediation, iOS updates, firewall policy update etc that could cause slight business disruption. All of which should be managed through a bespoke change control process that is fir for purpose for the organisation to ensure minimum downtime and maximum protection.
The fifth step to align your security strategy with the cybersecurity strategy is to communicate and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders. These stakeholders can include the senior management, the business units, the IT staff, the security staff, the external partners, the customers, or the regulators. Communication and collaboration are essential to ensure the alignment, integration, and coordination of the security efforts across the organization. They are also important to raise awareness, foster trust, solicit feedback, and share best practices. You can use various channels and methods to communicate and collaborate, such as meetings, reports, newsletters, surveys, workshops, or forums.
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Mike Schultz
People Leader, Technologist, Strategist and IT Executive
Part of the change control process is communication. This is both between InfoSec and SecOps as to when and how the remediation will be done along with UAT and functional testing, as well as between SecOps and business to manage expectation, minimise necessary downtime and ensure maximum available security posture. Client and suppliers should also be included in the communications plan if appropriate. Cooperation, a single shared view and clear deliverables, outputs and procedures should drive a synergistic approach to security and remediation. Lastly in the event of a actual event it is vital that everyone knows their role, communications plans have been defined, drafted and understood - ready to enact when needed.
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Sachin Parashar
Cyber Security Executive at UpGuard | Empowering Organizations with Total Cyber Security Visibility | Leading #1 Third Party & Supplier Risk Platform 🏆 | Expert in SaaS, TPRM, Data Breach, and ISO 27001 Compliance
Effective alignment between IT operations and cybersecurity hinges on communication and collaboration. Regular meetings and sharing insights are crucial. Jointly analyze emerging threats and develop responsive strategies. This synergy fosters a united front, enhancing the organization's resilience against evolving cyber risks.
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Abdulmalik Musa
Results-Oriented IT Professional | Specializing in Building Value-Driven Mobile and Web Platforms | Driving Digital Transformation
Establishing strong communication and collaboration between IT operations and cybersecurity teams as well as external stakeholders is very important. Regular meetings and cross-team initiatives are essential for sharing information, insights, and aligning strategies.
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The sixth and final step to align your security strategy with the cybersecurity strategy is to review and improve your security performance and practices. This means collecting and analyzing data and information on the security outcomes, impacts, and challenges of your IT operations. You can use various indicators and metrics to measure and report on your security performance, such as the number, type, severity, and resolution of security incidents, the level of compliance with security standards or frameworks, the satisfaction of security stakeholders, or the return on security investment. You should also identify and implement the lessons learned, the best practices, and the improvement opportunities for your security strategy and measures.
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George Tsilosani
Experienced IT | OPS | PMO executive in IT/Aviation/Aerospace industries
In my humble opinion, IT and Security should always be separated on the organizational level. Problems start when you have 1 person as a VP or CIO/CISO (on the top of this hierarchical pyramid). This is a very big concern and risk because conflict of interests.
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William Quinones
I would like to add, cybersecurity should be part of your security strategy. This should also be part of training or new employees orientation. Remember, security starts at the human level.
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Mohammed AlAli
Senior Support Specialist & Systems Administrator,
Communication and Collaboration: Promote communication and collaboration between IT operations and cybersecurity teams. Regular meetings, shared documentation, and cross-training can help in fostering a closer relationship. Risk Assessment: Collaboratively assess and prioritize risks. Identify potential vulnerabilities in IT operations and determine the impact on the organization's overall security posture. Incident Response Plan: Develop an incident response plan that includes both IT operations and cybersecurity elements. This plan should outline the roles and responsibilities of each team in the event of a security incident.