Information security, called “infosec,” is an essential cybersecurity component involving your data security processes. It protects your company and customer information while ensuring accessibility for authorized users.
Unfortunately, organizations face significant challenges in securing data, including internal and external vulnerabilities. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, strategic infosec roadmaps reduce your risk. Learn what information security is and how to establish a plan that protects your business and members.
What Is Information Security?
In short, information security procedures and tools let the right people access data and keep malicious users out. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines infosec as: “The protection of information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction in order to provide confidentiality, integrity and availability.”
Information security falls into several categories, including:
- Application Security: Addresses software vulnerabilities in application programming interfaces (APIs) and web and mobile platforms.
- Incident Response: Continually monitors connected devices, users and services and investigates potential threats or unusual behaviors.
- Cloud Security: Uses third-party applications in secure environments, allowing remote access without substantially increasing risk.
- Infrastructure Security: Protects servers, mobile devices, desktops, data centers and networks.
- Cryptography: Validates users and data authenticity through digital signatures and encryption in transit and at rest.
- Vulnerability Management: Constantly scans business environments for weaknesses and prioritizes actions according to the scale of risk.
Infosec involves access control, physical and environmental security and cybersecurity. Regardless of the type, information security relies on three primary principles: confidentiality, integrity and availability.
Confidentiality is the tenet that only those with the proper authorization should access data. Integrity refers to data accuracy, consistency and trustworthiness. Lastly, availability is the pillar that ensures information is accessible to authorized users with minimal interruptions.
Infosec Challenges and Solutions
The FBI Internet Crime Report revealed that $6.9 billion in potential losses were reported in 2021, compared to $1.4 billion in 2017. Businesses facing access control issues were among the 323,972 reported phishing crimes, an increase of more than 1,000% since 2017.
Weak data security leads to reputational harm, poor user experiences and critical data theft or loss. However, risk-averse organizations may limit their growth, whereas not enough security infrastructure leaves a business vulnerable.
Finding the middle position requires understanding your risk appetite and maturity level. Yet, developing solutions that manage risk across proprietary and third-party platforms and in-house and remote users is even more challenging.
An effective information security plan focusing on robust systems helps companies mitigate risk. It often includes a purposeful approach to software integration and solutions for each vulnerability, from identity and access management (IAM) technologies to zero trust network access. Collaborative partnerships enable leaders to implement solutions quickly and scale as their business grows.
Establishing a Strong Information Security Strategy
Harden your security by creating and executing an infosec plan. It documents your company’s process for protecting your data assets and outlines your continuity and recovery objectives. The process can be extensive and requires thorough assessments . However, the end result is an actionable blueprint that works today and scales to meet your future requirements.
Work with professionals who understand how to maximize the value of your vendor relationships while mitigating risks. The Migus Group is an extension of your team, assisting with strategic planning, implementation and management.
Together, your security team should:
- Understand current security measures and threats.
- Perform cyber risk analysis and assessment.
- Identify applicable regulations and develop a compliance plan.
- Create an incident management and disaster recovery process.
Take Charge of Your Information Security
The Migus Group understands the infosec challenges your organization faces. We can help you assess and address risks, find access management solutions and secure your company’s data assets.
Our partnership gives you access to experts with the depth and breadth of knowledge required to overcome challenges today and in the future. Contact The Migus Group to explore a solution as unique as your business.
Jessica Elliott is a business technology writer specializing in cloud-hosted and cybersecurity services. Her work appears in U.S. News, Business.com and Investopedia.