Types of Information Systems Security and Requirements
Information systems security is continually changing. With the number of cyber threats growing exponentially, information security requirements must defend against advanced security threats that could (and do!) Put your business at risk.
Table of Contents
What are your Information Systems Security requirements?
Do you know where to start to protect your data and your network adequately? In an environment where businesses are constantly bombarded with threats, understanding the security needs of your business is essential. It is what this blog is about!
Information Systems Security requirements – Three types of obligations to consider
Understanding your information security needs is the most critical first step in developing a robust information security strategy. Compliance requirements alone mustn’t determine which obligations to consider. Sometimes, the needs of your business and your customers can be more significant.
When considering your information security needs, as an organization, you should consider three types of security obligations:
Business Obligations: These are the security obligations that you have. Example, you are responsible for ensuring that company information – customer data, employee files, and so on – is secure and available when needed.
Regulatory Obligations: These are legal, compliance, or contractual obligations that your security team must meet. For example, establishments in the healthcare industry must be HIPAA compliant.
Customer commitments: These are the security commitments that the customer expects from your company. For example, if you were a manufacturing company that provided custom parts, those customers might need to require that all proprietary design files be encrypted.
Most common professional commitments for your information security needs
Businesses like you understand the need for security today. Failure to meet these business obligations can lead to operational problems, affect the functioning of your business, and ultimately affect your bottom line. Here are the most common business commitments to consider when determining your information security needs:
Business continuity
The most significant obligation of businesses towards their information security needs is to ensure the continuity of business services if regular activity disrupts by an event (such as the COVID-19 pandemic.). All information security requirements must consider business continuity.
End-user safety
Another important consideration is the safety of the end-user. It includes security awareness and training of end-users to limit end-user exploitation and to troubleshoot end users.
Risk management
Information security risks (threats and vulnerabilities) must be identified, defined, quantified, and managed. It includes prioritizing and assessing risks to systems and data.
Security awareness
Your new information security program should raise the company’s general awareness of information security to ensure that privacy and security concerns mitigate and respected and adequately addressed.
Integration and interoperability
The security program you put in place requires well-defined and mature processes and controls that support obligations related to information security, confidentiality, and compliance management.
Data protection
The main expectation is that sensitive or critical information protects from unauthorized access and disclosure. It also raises more detailed expectations, such as proper access control, encryption, and threat management.
Ease of use for end-users
Security controls should be simple for end users and not affect their ability to perform their tasks. If it interferes with their skills, they are less likely to comply.
Innovation
The security strategy you implement must support innovative processes and allow the freedom to use new technologies.
Confidence and security
Security controls should ensure a high level of trust and security for the organization that data is protected by following industry-standard best practices.
Transparency of governance
There should be transparency about security risks and capabilities, including reporting security breaches and incidents to management.
Project management
Security analysis and design should be incorporated into project management processes to ensure that a risk-based approach follows without unduly limiting the ability to initiate or complete projects.
Also Read : Mobile Network State, What does it mean?
Most Common Regulatory Obligations for Your Information Security Needs
When it comes to your legal requirements for the security of your data, it is essential to note that many of them are required by law or by compliance obligations. Here are the most critical regulatory obligations to consider:
Law on the protection of personal data and electronic documents (PIPEDA)
This legal requirement applies to private sector organizations that collect personal information in Canada to protect personal information in the course of commercial activities. Learn more.
General data protection regulation (GDPR)
The GDPR applies to organizations within the EU and outside the EU that offer goods services to companies or individual customers in the EU. About the confidentiality of data and the “right to be forgotten.” Learn more.
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
This rule applies to any organization that processes, transmits, or stores credit card information to ensure the protection of cardholder data. Learn more.
Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX)
These rules apply to public companies that have registered stocks or bonds with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to help ensure data integrity against financial fraud and to improve accuracy. Information provided by companies. Learn more.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Law (GLBA)
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Financial Modernization Act 1999, applies to the financial sector and requires financial institutions, including banks and lenders, to explain how they share and protect private information.
Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)
This regulation is a standard by the Canadian and US governments that defines various security requirements for encryption algorithms and the processing of documents, including cryptographic modules. Learn more.
