As more threat actors look for new tactics to breach existing security measures, there is an increasing importance to integrating information technology (IT) and operational security personnel. A united security team is essential when it comes to confronting the many intersecting threats coming from all directions.
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Great strides are being made toward better working relationships between the IT and security professionals within organizations. More employees view security as having a higher value within the organization now, and they have a better understanding of the role they play in enterprise risk management.
All staff members realize there is a common goal to keep people, property, and data safe. Achieving high levels of security requires cooperative partnerships to develop comprehensive programs for complete protection. Processes need to be clearly defined in a well-written strategy or operating plan.
Whether in-house or outsourced, there are certain guidelines to follow to instill healthy working relationships among those people who are responsible for making technology decisions, performing security installs, and managing systems. First and foremost, an equal level of trust must be established among all parties.
Good partnerships start by bringing together leading experts in their field. These people know how to make recommendations based on industry best practices. They are respected professionals who follow industry standards and are well-versed on the best solutions being offered by leading vendors. They know and embrace their roles in support of the company’s vision and, as a team, strive to achieve that vision every day.
Everyone is on the same page with the same objective: the safety of the business. A key part to a successful partnership is the give and take of being acceptable to everyone’s point of view.
Certain responsibilities might be better suited for someone else to handle, and partners must learn to let go without resentment. At the same time, all stakeholders must be confident in the decisions being made. Communication must be open and carefully evaluated.
Essential practices form a framework that encourages security and IT leaders to implement and develop appropriate codependent strategies in their approach to securing systems and infrastructure based on a risk-aware culture, the establishment of intelligent security operations and rapid threat response, secure collaboration in the social and mobile workplace, the implementation of security-rich products and applications, designing a security-rich and resilient network, best practices for addressing security in the cloud and virtualization technologies, assuring data security, gaining cost efficiencies, working more effectively, and more.
Technology is a critical component to providing great support. The focus is on long-term benefits and getting results through the adoption, integration, and implementation of new and existing technologies. Researching, developing, and implementing innovative solutions are vital to making sure the technology incorporated is as secure as it can be and does its job.