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I came across this interesting article at DarkReading.com regarding how, even with all the recent news about security mishaps and hacker misdeeds, corporate decision makers still view computer security as something non-strategic, as something more akin to an operational expense like building maintenance. But the fact that a serious security breech can undermine an entire company means that the folks working in security need to upgrade their approach.

The trouble with the old approach is that most IT departments tend to operate as silos, or wholly separate departments that tend to stay outside corporate politics. This is understandable, as in survey after survey, IT people continually rate office politics as the least desirable aspect of their job.

Compounding the problem, the folks in IT who focus on technology and security have a tendency to look at their vital work as above office politics. And the problem only grows from the fact that, on the other side, it is those executives who are least supportive of IT security that typically have the most boardroom influence.

Thus, the big bosses aren't shown how good security can directly impact customer confidence, buyer loyalty, and the value of the brand. All they are shown is how security can protect a business, not how it can help build a business.

The best way to change this is for an IT department to make sure that security matters are mapped alongside the company's business plan. This will enable top executives to see how their decisions affect security policy and vice versa, and therefore allow them to factor in security issues before new programs are undertaken.

Regrettably, the only way to do this is through office politics. And basically, in today’s corporate environment, an unwillingness to play politics simply translates into a willingness not to be heard.

Posted by pschooff in Better Protection • Small Medium Enterprise |Digg This|Add to del.icio.us

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