An information security architecture program is associated with the management and effectiveness of the suite of preventive and detective safeguards within an environment.
The goal of an information security architecture program is to ensure that the implemented security technologies work together to meet organizational goals. This includes understanding the assets and associated data that live within an environment, along with the measurement and management of the safeguards that protect these data and assets.
Common Security Architecture Elements
Data Map — This illustrates where your information and assets are located within your organization.
Information Security Architecture Diagram — This shows where preventive and detective safeguards are located within the layers of your environment.
Information Security Architecture Program Charter — This defines the mission, mandate, objectives, and roles and responsibilities of your security architecture program.
Process Documentation — Each process area associated within information security architecture management should have defined roles and responsibilities, business rules, and associated tools.
Associated Roles — The information security architecture program is often managed by the information security architect.
Associated Security Architecture Functions
Information security architecture management is made up of the following functions:
Management of Data & Asset Map – It’s hard to have an effective security architecture if you don’t understand what the architecture is protecting. Managing that data and asset map should help you understand, categorize, and document where information and assets are located within the environment.
Documentation of Information Security Architecture – This is the visual representation of the preventive and detective security safeguards within the environment.
Global Safeguards Responsibilities – It’s common for the information security architecture to have either operational or oversight responsibilities over global safeguards. Examples include identity management, application development, or logging and monitoring, though there can be others with varying levels of responsibility and accountability for the information security architecture program.
Measuring Information Security Architecture Effectiveness – These are processes for managing the effectiveness and susceptibility of implemented safeguards within the environment.
Information Security Architecture Communication & Consulting – Since an effective information security architecture includes safeguards implemented across an entire business, this function is designed to support communication and interaction with all areas of the business.
Developing and Managing the Information Security Architecture Roadmap – As an organization changes, so will the requirements for an effective information security architecture to protect it.
Developing a Comprehensive Security Architecture program?
Building a comprehensive Security Architecture Program from scratch can be complex and time-consuming. Our information security experts strive to help organizations develop the comprehensive Information Security Architecture required.
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