Digitization and Cybersecurity: How Do They Go Together | Antivirus Software

Who in the company is actually responsible for information security? The IT department alone? Or does a “shared responsibility approach” make more sense?

 

A smartphone is a computer that can also be used to make calls. Our vehicles are computers that you can also drive with. In addition to many other functions, the television can also receive television programs. Some find this very useful, others less so. The fact is: Companies use digitization to optimize processes, improve their customer communication and thus become more efficient and competitive. Despite all the current errors and confusion: Digitization makes our lives easier. But it also has a downside: it makes society increasingly dependent on the proper functioning of systems and thus more vulnerable. As a result, information security has become a key success factor for companies and society. 

Innovative, but Safe

Digitization primarily means that specialist departments such as sales, logistics, customer service, or human resources

·         implement digital strategies on a larger scale,
·         introduce new applications in the process,
·         develop mobile applications (or have them developed),
·         process new information and/or use new cloud services. 

This can quickly overwhelm traditionally operating security organizations in companies. Traditionally this means that a corresponding project is first checked and then approved by a central information security department. This is resource-intensive and usually not particularly fast. The result: In the best-case scenario, information security becomes a brake on the planned project. In the worse, but in reality common case, it is simply ignored or bypassed. Both of these are unsuitable for building long-term trust with customers and partners or for meeting regulatory requirements. The question is therefore how a company can provide its services innovatively and still safely. How must information security be organized so that digitized companies run optimally?

No More Tools, but New Concepts

In many organizations, information security is primarily perceived as a technical problem. In fact, it is primarily a conceptual and organizational matter. The technology is used to implement the concepts and processes or to support people in doing so. This view is necessary. It enables those responsible to grasp the new challenges that a digitization strategy brings with it.

From Authorization to Orchestration

Technology alone will not solve the problem of information security. The key lies in a conceptual approach based on orchestration and a certain degree of decentralization: Shared Responsibility, known from cloud hosting. That means: When it comes to compliance with and implementation of security guidelines, departments receive 

·         more autonomy
·         and at the same time more responsibility. 

Information security remains the top security authority. However, it primarily takes on an advisory and partnership role. 

Security Manager in The Areas

How can such a shared responsibility concept be implemented in reality? One possibility is the use of a project or area-specific Information Security Officers (ISO) or security managers. You will accompany and advise the specialist and/or IT departments in the design, implementation, and operation of digital solutions. In doing so, they ensure that operational and regulatory security requirements are complied with. However, they are still subject to the security organization to counteract any potential conflicts of interest.

Use the Strengths of The Organization

Alternative implementation options are:

·         Training and help for self-help
·         This not only raises the employees' awareness of safety aspects but also transfers valuable, practical knowledge. 

Equip Selected Roles in The Departments with Special Knowledge

As a result, the relevant employees bring this know-how to their respective areas. An HR employee who is familiar with the aspects of data security can serve as an internal point of contact and thus relieve the data privacy officer. A software developer who has specialist knowledge in the area of ​​security testing and coding can give his colleagues appropriate assistance. This principle is not new but is known in many organizations as superusers or, more recently, as user champions from application support. The options for security are diverse here, but the potential has so far not been fully exploited in practice.

Grab It and Win

Hesitation definitely doesn't pay off when it comes to information security. Digitization must be secure if it is to bring the desired success. The necessary concepts and technologies are available. It is important to adapt them to individual requirements and wishes and to implement them quickly. The most important part is to adapt antivirus software to bit fraudulent activities online. This lowers the risks and increases the chances of success.