IT systems are constantly vulnerable to attacks. And with the increased dependency on IT infrastructure to run our operations, it is imperative that every business is prepared for the worst. Therefore, having a comprehensive IT security plan in place is the best way to equip your business for disaster.
Unfortunately, despite the investments you can pour into cutting-edge security systems, a data breach is never 100% preventable. That’s where IT security strategies such as proactive planning and implementing policies enter to ease recovery. With robust incident response procedures for each department, and strict measures for everyone to follow, your business can limit downtime and mitigate further damage. These are just some of the aspects of an IT security plan which work to safeguard your IT assets and maintain business continuity.
So, here we explore IT security plans and how they can help you address potential security risks. We further guide you through key preparation steps to ensure your business knows what to do before integrating its IT security plan.
What is the purpose of an IT security plan?
An IT security plan, or cybersecurity plan, is a document which details how your organisation will protect its IT. Essentially, your IT security plan provides a system of policies, procedures, and controls which work to safeguard your IT systems, and the data stored on them from potential threats.
The objective of an IT security plan is to determine how vulnerable your systems are to threats. Your IT security plan should help you identify the flaws in the existing security system and improve on them. This will include writing in contingency plans for potential security compromises.
Additionally, it is important for businesses to draft their IT security plans in tune with their country’s data policies. In the UK the main legislations which apply to all businesses are the Data Protection Act (1998) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All key aspects related to IT software and hardware should be included in the plans. In addition, any policies regarding data usage by any third party are vital to your IT security plan.
Preparing and maintaining the perfect IT security plan
A structured approach is necessary to ensure how your business will respond to threats, and by which measures. And if you lack the grand budget to finance the newest cybersecurity technologies, a thorough plan is needed to uphold strong security practices. So, an IT security plan is essential, especially if you don’t have a dedicated managed IT partner or data security policies in place.
Here we cover the most important steps you should take when preparing your business’ IT security plan:
Take stock of your IT assets
Before you jump in the deep end and start writing policies, you must first identify what your assets are. From business-owned smart phones to data centres, your IT assets could include a wide range of systems. This also includes any intangible assets in the form of patents, intellectual property and data.
Taking stock is not only necessary for conducting risk assessments and preparing for audits, but aids with crucial inventory management. In turn, you can begin listing any persisting issues or anomalies which may indicate a future security threat.
In addition, having a function-led stock list can help you pinpoint value and analyse where your critical assets lie. This allows you to reallocate funds to more vulnerable areas of your security system.
Overall, by knowing your assets, their features and uses, your organisation can take a natural step towards building a strong IT security plan.
Undertake a comprehensive risk assessment
Once you have a comprehensive list of your assets, you can begin isolating vulnerable areas. Afterwards you can narrow down the reasons for these weak points and prioritise the protection of important IT assets. In addition, you may be able to identify possible threats; categorise them by internal, physical or cyber threat.
Understanding your system’s vulnerabilities and potential threats can drive your organisation to make key security decisions. Perhaps you need to cut costs on ineffective hardware which aren’t keeping your data secure. Or maybe high employee errors are a cause of concern, meaning cybersecurity training is necessary.
Conducting a risk assessment will help you get a 360-degree view of your existing IT security system. More importantly, it may be a strict requirement of your IT security plan, under data compliance laws and industry regulations. From here you can start devising the necessary contingency plans to protect your IT infrastructure.
Choose a trusted adviser to draft the security plan
You must select an experienced personnel or company adviser to create your IT security plan. Undoubtedly, IT security is sensitive information and only the most trusted professionals and your business should be privy to this knowledge.
Unless your business is IT services or tech-based, it’s most likely that you’ll have limited knowledge of cybersecurity principles. Your chosen adviser should fill the gaps, bringing specialised expertise and insight into creating an effective IT security plan. As such, they will successfully tailor security measures to your business’ vulnerabilities, ensuring that all your needs are met.
From choosing and implementing technologies, to initiating future-proofing strategies, your adviser will consider changes and long-term goals. Their experienced standing will offer your business the most guidance and support when faced with security challenges.
Have a strong disaster recovery plan
Every company, regardless of whether they provide or use IT support, should have a disaster recovery plan in place. Your disaster recovery plan essentially addresses how your business would recover and restore data after a disruption.
As a major branch of your IT security plan, your disaster recovery plan should be prepared by trusted people ahead of any possible threats. This ensures no panic and that responses can be simulated beforehand to measure effectivity. A strong disaster recovery plan aims to minimise downtime and maintain business continuity; therefore it works hand in hand with protecting your business assets.
As mentioned, it is generally advisable to utilise the services of expert business IT specialists to draft your recovery plans. Due to their wide-ranging experience and exposure to business IT incidents, they will be best suited to managing your security needs.
Update your plan as your business evolves
As your business evolves, so will the attack avenues within your infrastructure. And, with increasing data stored, your IT systems are at greater risk. So, in order to cope with the ever-changing needs of your business, IT security plans must be continually updated.
For example, if your business is planning to expand to new locations or premises, your IT security plan must adapt. This may involve adoption of new hardware, migration to new digital workspaces and expansion of new roles, which can all signify new security risks.
Reviewing the policies bi-annually or annually will help you identify any vulnerabilities in the plan. Any proposed changes are then analysed in conjunction with current strategies to measure projected success.
Communicate your plan to all personnel
Every single person in your organisation should be knowledgeable about IT security. From security staff to senior level management, all employees must receive the same level of IT training. They should know what constitutes an IT security breach, how to identify it, what to do in case of a security vulnerability and who to report the incident to.
If you’re using third party technical support for any business operations, make them aware of your planned security measures. Ultimately, the success of your IT security plan rests on the shoulders of your personnel.
Seek expert support for your IT security plan
As experts in IT security solutions and consultancy services, we provide invaluable support for London-based small-to-medium-sized businesses. So, whether you’re seeking end-to-end management of your IT systems, or you require a helping hand with the jargon, the totality services team are here to help.
Simply reach out to the totality services team to book your free consultation.