In this discussion, we will tackle the idea of information security evolution. Also, we will learn about how this evolution works in modern day.
Know About Information Security Evolution
What is information security evolution? Information security evolution means a continuous process of getting better at information security.
This process is usually driven by a combination of technology. Also, regulations and the need to be competitive.
To make this concrete, we look at a few examples. The US Health Insurance Portability.
Also, the Accountability Act (HIPAA) has driven a lot of evolution in information security. The law requires that organizations address certain aspects of information security.
That has caused many to adopt new ways of protecting data. In the early 2000s, economic pressures forced many companies.
It is to outsource their IT operations to save money. A big concern was how to ensure that the outsourcing company could be trusted with your company’s data.
This led many companies to adopt cloud computing. That is providing a more secure method for outsourcing IT functions.
In Addition Ideas
In addition, there have been several high-profile data breaches in recent years. These have helped drive technology vendors.
Also, users alike are adopting what is now known as advanced persistent threat (APT) detection systems. These systems can detect attacks that use custom-made malware.
Moreover, other advanced hacking methods to penetrate networks and steal data. So evolution is driven by technology, regulations.
Also, the need for competitive advantage. We see these three factors defining the evolution of information security even today.
For example, there is now legislation focused on protecting personally identifiable information (PII). There has also been an increase in regulations related to protection against the theft of trade secrets.
Also, there is increased competition in certain industries. That is driving the need for improved information security practices.
How Does Evolution Work?
Security evolution usually occurs in three stages from the following:
- awareness,
- analysis and
- action.
During the awareness stage, people become aware that they need to do something about information security problems. Usually, because they hear about them happening to someone else.
Moreover, it is because they hear something about new regulations coming down the pipeline that will force them into compliance. At this point, people usually start asking questions like “how bad is our situation?”.
Also, they might ask “how do we know if we’re good enough?”. So, during the analysis stage, people evaluate what is needed for compliance or other reasons. Such as competitive pressure.
They might either look for off-the-shelf solutions or hire consultants to help them work out an appropriate plan for their organization.
During this phase, people have to figure out what to do and then determine how to do it. How do they get the resources they need? What implementation plan will work best for them?
In addition, what implementation steps will they have to follow? How can they measure their progress? There are a lot of implementation issues to deal with. Some of them are very technical.
They require IT, staff, with advanced skills. Other implementation issues are more about how business processes will change. These also require advanced planning and skills.
The Last Stage: Implementation
Finally, during the last stage, there is the monitoring period.
This is when people verify that the implemented information security elements are working as planned. They might discover problems during this stage. Or they might be dealing with issues identified during the awareness stage.
For example, if there is a problem with how employees handle sensitive data, or if there is a need to improve physical security at the facility.
At this point, people usually go through another cycle of awareness, analysis, and action.
Repeat these processes until you’re happy with your security posture. Then you can move on to the next phase of information security evolution.
