Expanding Security Measures: The Imperative of Going Beyond Compliance Checks in Information Protection
In today's digital age, organizations face a myriad of risks if they neglect their security products. A lack of attention can leave them vulnerable and exposed, potentially leading to devastating data breaches. However, with careful consideration and diligent maintenance, organizations can decrease their risk and get the most from their security investments.
According to recent surveys, over 70% of organizations acknowledge that their ineffective use of security products puts them at risk. This highlights the urgent need for improvement in product, support, and maintenance areas. It is essential to understand that ignoring proper use of IT security products is equivalent to not having them at all.
One of the barriers to using security products to their full potential is time consumption, with 16% of survey respondents citing this as a significant issue. However, investing time upfront in learning the product and allocating smaller amounts of time monthly or quarterly for review can significantly improve the effectiveness of these tools.
Training is crucial for organizations to achieve maximum security potential from their IT security products. Options range from online tutorials to in-person tutelage, providing opportunities for every organization, regardless of size or expertise. Furthermore, the vendor's performance during the sales process can indicate their future support quality, which is vital for maintaining the effectiveness of the products over time.
Chris Stoneff, VP technical management at Lieberman Software Corporation, emphasizes the need for more emphasis on the security aspect of IT security products. He stresses that no single security product on the market can provide 100% security when dropped into an organization without attention. Instead, organizations must choose products that align with their organizational needs, available expertise, support options, training availability, and supplier responsiveness.
Moreover, continuous compliance, rather than compliance as a one-time event, is more effective. Products that make compliance easier to maintain exist and should be considered. The importance of choosing and maintaining the right security product to prevent data breaches cannot be overstated. The cost of choosing and maintaining the right security product is worth preventing the devastation of a data breach.
Interestingly, over 61% of attendees at this year's RSA Conference admitted to deploying IT security products primarily to meet compliance regulations, not for increased security. This revelation underscores the need for organizations to reconsider their approach to security, focusing on the long-term benefits of effective use rather than mere compliance.
In conclusion, the industry needs improvement in product, support, and maintenance areas. Organizations must prioritize choosing the right security products, investing in training, and committing to ongoing maintenance to ensure their digital security. By doing so, they can protect themselves from the risks of data breaches and reap the benefits of a secure digital environment.
