IT asset management for robust cyber security
IT Asset Management involves identifying and managing all assets in a company or organization’s IT infrastructure including hardware, software and data. Effective asset management can significantly improve cybersecurity through a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of an organization’s IT infrastructure.
What’s the most important asset for every organization?
Assets can be defined as anything within an organization that has the potential to generate value. This can include a wide range of things such as intellectual property, customer data, various types of technology such as hardware and software, physical locations, financial capital, and last but not least, the knowledge and skills of employees.
Essentially everything contributing to the growth and success of an organization is considered an asset.
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive information and prevent data breaches. Companies, organizations and individuals must take steps to make their cybersecurity robust and effective. One effective way to achieve this is to implement asset management.
How implementing asset management can improve cybersecurity
- Identifying vulnerabilities
Effective asset management allows an organization to identify all devices and software used in their IT infrastructure. This identification process can reveal outdated or vulnerable devices or software that are susceptible to cyberattacks. Once identified, these vulnerabilities can be addressed through updates, patches or replacements. - Following and monitoring devices
Asset management allows an organization to track and monitor the usage of all devices in their IT infrastructure. This monitoring can detect unusual or suspicious behavior such as unauthorized access or attempts to download malware. This information can help an organization respond quickly and effectively to possible cyber security incidents. - Maintain an inventory
Effective asset management ensures that an organization has an up-to-date inventory of all devices and software in their IT infrastructure. This inventory can help an organization keep track of the location and use of devices and create an accurate list of assets to be protected. - Improving incident response
Asset management can improve an organization’s incident response capability by providing a complete picture of its IT infrastructure. With this information, an organization can quickly and accurately identify the source of a cyberattack and take the necessary steps to mitigate its effects. - Minimize conflicts and ensure optimal performance
Asset management is a critical part of most business operations and includes various aspects such as IT operations, financial accounting, software licensing, procurement and logistics. While each of these areas may have unique requirements for its management, there is often overlap and interdependence. It’s important to integrate and coordinate management across an organization to minimize conflicts and ensure optimal performance.
List of recommendations for effective asset management
Implementing asset management requires a comprehensive and structured approach. Here are some steps organizations can take to implement effective asset management:
- Inventory
A complete inventory of all IT assets should be maintained, including hardware devices, software programs and data, along with their attributes and configurations. - Categorization
Assets need to be classified based on their significance and criticality for the organization. This helps by determining appropriate security measures. - Risk assessment
A risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to IT assets and their potential impact on the organization. - Access Control
Access controls should be implemented to ensure that only authorized users have access to resources and that access rights are based on the principle of least privilege. - Monitoring
Regular checks and audits should be conducted to detect suspicious activity or potential security breaches. - Incident response
An incident response plan should be in place to ensure that security incidents are detected, reported and addressed quickly. - Patching and updates
Assets should be regularly updated and patched to fix known vulnerabilities and protect against new threats. - Training and awareness
Employees should be trained in cybersecurity best practices and made aware of their role and responsibilities in protecting the organization’s IT assets.
Cleaning up assets that are no longer of use
To minimize risk and ensure optimal performance, it’s advisable to retain only the necessary systems and data. Redundant or obsolete systems or information that can’t be tied to the needs of a business should be decommissioned, with all associated data removed and relevant accounts or credentials disabled. Retaining assets that are no longer of use can increase vulnerability and expose information without any benefit. Cleaning up such assets helps reduce unnecessary risks.
In short…
Effective asset management can significantly improve cybersecurity by providing a complete picture of an organization’s IT infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities, tracking and monitoring devices, maintaining an inventory and improving incident response.
Implementing asset management requires a comprehensive and structured approach, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By prioritizing cybersecurity and implementing effective asset management, organizations can protect sensitive information, prevent data breaches and ensure their continued success in the digital age.
While cybersecurity is an essential aspect of asset management, it shouldn’t be limited to just cybersecurity.
Need advice or help implementing asset management? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!
OpenSight Summer Series
During the OpenSight Summer Series, we publish weekly blogs that elaborate on the following topics:
- Risk management
- Engagement and training
- Asset management
- Architecture and configuration
- Vulnerability management
- Identity and access management
- Information security
- Logging and monitoring
- Incident management
- Supply chain security
By implementing the security measures outlined in these 10 steps, organizations can reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks and reduce the impact of potential incidents. Learn more about the OpenSight Summer Series here!
