How do you avoid information security breaches

Given the frequent news coverage of high-profile information security breaches, it is natural for many of us to wonder how we can prevent becoming the subject of negative headlines. Let's explore where we can begin to address this concern.

Preventing security breaches is not the sole responsibility of an individual, regardless of their technical expertise, knowledge, or position. It is a shared responsibility, where every employee within an organization bears some level of accountability for safeguarding information and avoiding security breaches.

Each employee should ask themselves three fundamental questions:

• What are we protecting?

• From whom are we protecting it?

• How are we going to protect it?

If you find yourself unsure or unclear about the answers to these questions, the first step is to consult your line manager for internal advice and guidance. If you are a line manager and unsure, seek out your organization's information security manager, who can provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure the protection of valuable information in alignment with ISO 27001 certification standards.

What are we protecting?

Although the answer to the question "What are we protecting?" may seem obvious, it is surprising how frequently organizations lack clarity on this matter. If you are unsure about the information you are managing or responsible for, it becomes challenging to identify the appropriate protective measures. Having a clear understanding of the organization's information is crucial for determining the necessary safeguards.

Employees across the organization handle various types of information, each with its own access control requirements. However, it is vital for all employees to have a clear understanding of the information they are working with and how it should be managed and handled. Information security professionals often refer to this as an asset list and the practice of "information classification and handling."

Creating an asset list involves identifying and documenting the different types of information assets within the organization, such as customer data, financial records, intellectual property, or sensitive documents. Once the assets are identified, they can be classified based on their sensitivity, value, and potential impact if compromised. This classification informs the appropriate handling procedures, access controls, and protective measures that should be applied to each asset.

By establishing a comprehensive asset list and implementing information classification and handling practices, organizations can ensure that employees have a clear understanding of the information they are dealing with and how to protect it effectively.

From whom are we protecting our information?

Once we have a clear understanding of what information we are protecting, the next step is to identify the threat vectors or potential sources of harm. Threat vectors can be categorized as internal or external and can further be divided into human and technical categories. The specific subcategories of threat vectors may vary based on factors such as the organization's geographical location, political climate, and economic situation. It is crucial to identify and realistically assess these threat vectors.

Internal threat vectors refer to risks originating from within the organization, such as employees or contractors who may intentionally or unintentionally compromise information security. External threat vectors, on the other hand, come from outside the organization and can include malicious actors, hackers, competitors, or even natural disasters.

Human threat vectors involve actions or behaviors of individuals that may pose a risk to information security. This can include social engineering, insider threats, or human errors. Technical threat vectors, on the other hand, involve vulnerabilities in technology systems, such as software vulnerabilities, insecure network configurations, or weak access controls.

To accurately identify the threat vectors, organizations should conduct a thorough risk assessment that considers their specific context and environment. This assessment will help identify potential threats and vulnerabilities that are relevant to the organization, allowing for the development of appropriate security measures and controls.

By understanding and realistically assessing the threat vectors, organizations can better prioritize their security efforts and implement measures that effectively mitigate the identified risks.

How are we going to protect it?

After determining the "what" and "who," we now focus on the "how" of protecting information. Unfortunately, there is no single solution or quick fix for this. The first step is to establish a structured approach within the organization and foster transparency and a holistic perspective on information security management. This structure will define roles and responsibilities and outline the methods through which information will be protected, in accordance with ISO 27001 implementation guidelines.

Several information security frameworks can support this effort, including those provided by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), among others. Conducting an information security risk assessment will help identify areas where time, effort, and investment are needed to address vulnerabilities and risks effectively.

However, the most critical aspect is to foster a culture of shared responsibility for information security across all employees, regardless of their roles. Everyone should understand that they play a part in safeguarding information. Equally important is cultivating an open culture where employees are encouraged to report near-misses and potential security incidents. By creating an environment where incidents and concerns can be openly discussed and addressed, organizations can learn from near-misses and prevent future security breaches.

Ultimately, achieving effective information security requires a combination of structured processes, frameworks, risk assessments, employee awareness, and a supportive organizational culture that encourages active participation and continuous improvement in information security practices, aligned with ISO 27001 implementation principles.