Intelligent IT security and endpoint protection tools are critical components of security governance, and the stakes within today’s threat landscape have never been higher. A lapse in identity protection or zero trust networks could spell financial disaster for a company. In fact, IBM data shows that the average cost of a data breach has risen to an eye-watering $4.24 million.

Our recent piece on the ‘Four core principles of cybersecurity‘ outlined surefire ways to safeguard your organisation’s data. But what about the other end of the spectrum? How can companies identify and rectify issues in their security governance before they become a problem?

This article will outline the four biggest mistakes in IT security governance so you have a comprehensive view of today’s cloud security challenges and how best to tackle them as an organisation. Read on to find out more.

1. Not realising you’re a target with less-than-perfect cloud IT security

Many business leaders utilising cloud data storage mistakenly believe they are not vulnerable to security breaches from outside attackers. However, this is not the case.

The barriers to entry in becoming a cybercriminal are very low, yet the cost to a brand’s reputation (not to mention their company finances) is staggeringly high. Furthermore, GDPR breaches (issued to businesses for not adequately handling customer data) are also extremely costly.

Therefore, vigilance is key and should be a top priority for all senior business leaders. IT managers need reliable security governance systems and full visibility over user data, secure identity and access management protocols, encryption, and more.

Businesses can partner with managed security service providers and receive timely guidance on the latest cloud security threats and how to mitigate them and how to remediate fast. This can only come with in-near-real-time insights of behaviours and attacks and with the expert support of a security operations centre.

2. Not embedding IT security everywhere

As cybersecurity threats are ever-changing, best practice IT security governance must be an omnipresent element within all modern businesses.

For example, senior IT leaders are responsible for the technicalities of isolating the data on applications, controlling user access levels, and controlling identities across IT infrastructures.

However, companies also need to ensure that users enjoy a seamless platform experience and understand why IT security protocols are vitally important to building a reliable brand. In some cases, embedding security governance in your organisation may involve a more personal touch. For instance, executives can emphasise the risk to the business if they were to fall victim to an attack. Promoting IT security internally may also involve addressing privacy concerns, in order to alleviate some users’ worries about BYOD or remote working processes.

Security governance leaders should also collaborate between cloud users and solutions providers to find the best way to maintain a robust IT network. For example, could your users benefit from a single-sign on process across multiple platforms, or is multifactor authentication more secure for your needs? Or, would a combination of both methods work best for your organisation?

Right from the moment you migrate your systems to the cloud, using a managed IT service provider can help ensure you get unparalleled IT protection and embed a cyber security-minded culture across all departments of your business.

3. Not using the right tools to maintain zero trust networks

At the beginning of the pandemic, businesses rushed to implement work-from-home IT systems, so they didn’t have to close their doors completely during a health crisis. Consequently, the same organisations ended up relying on outdated IT security models, posing a huge risk to IT security governance.

For example, in heavily regulated sectors (such as the financial services industry), using free web-based cloud services (like Google Docs) can be very risky from an IT security point of view. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority reported a 51% rise in cyber attacks of financial services firms in 2021. 31% of the attacks were classed as data breaches.

Secure cloud systems are, therefore, crucial in creating a safe IT environment for the modern work-from-home workforce. For example, without Identity and Access Management (IAM) technologies in place, firms leave themselves open to numerous cyber attack methods. They also risk fines for not complying with IT privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.

There is no short-cut to instilling high-quality cybersecurity measures in your organisation. Investing in the proper IT security and identity protection tools is the easiest and most cost-effective way to keep your organisation safe and compliant with evolving international laws. Read more in this previous post about what is involved in building Zero Trust Networks and why they are so important to modern businesses.

4. Not working with users to create sustainable endpoint protection policies

Sustainable user and endpoint protection policies help make IT security governance easier on the whole. However, many business leaders do not collaborate with system users to improve IT security or report back on any potential issues they might notice.

Verizon found that around 30% of cybersecurity incidents in 2021 originated from data mishandling within an organisation.

These figures suggest that many executives could do more to insulate their users from data breaches, while still making programmes accessible for those who use them daily. By taking an identity-based security approach, business leaders can minimise the risk of IT users inadvertently exposing company data to would-be attackers.

Implement security governance and identity protection best practices today

Understanding the contours of cybersecurity means you can establish sustainable security governance in your organisation.

By working with your network users and embedding security within your broader strategy, your network can be resilient to breaches. Moreover, working with a managed security service means you’re up to date on the latest developments and can access market-leading tools to protect your data.

Update your IT security playbook with Atech

Atech is a nine-time Microsoft Gold partner and a leading provider of cloud security solutions. We also hold Crest accreditation for our SOC.

We have a strong track record in helping mid-sized businesses strengthen their security. To date, we’ve migrated or refactored over 10,000 servers in Azure and maintain a 94% first-time fix rate with clients.

Get in touch to learn more about our expertise and services, and safeguard your data today.