Welcome to our new blog series on IT security! In this series, we are focussing on the central aspects of IT security, starting with a three-part series on the topic of information networks. In the following articles, we will shed light on why the information network is an indispensable element of a holistic IT security strategy and how it can be successfully implemented in practice using enterprise architecture management methods.
Challenges of modern IT landscapes
Modern IT infrastructures are highly complex and consist of a large number of applications, components and business processes that are closely interlinked. This increasing complexity brings with it various challenges, particularly in the area of IT security. The use of Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) can help to meet these challenges, as EAM aims to understand and systematically document these complex structures.
The information network, as the entirety of all infrastructural, organizational, personnel and technical components including their dependencies, forms the basis for this. A central task here is to record and visualize the relationships between IT assets, processes and security requirements. EAM offers the appropriate tools and methods for this. Without a structured information network, companies find it difficult to maintain an overview of their IT landscape and ensure that all security requirements are implemented consistently.
Security risks without an information network
Processes, which represent the working procedures in the company, and IT systems, which represent the technical execution, must form a unit in order to be able to view the overall picture. Without the use of an information network, IT assets and processes must be viewed in isolation. As a result, security requirements are not consistently transferred to the supporting systems, which in turn creates security gaps. These gaps can be exploited by attackers and have serious consequences for the company.
For example, a critical business process may be subject to high security requirements, but the IT systems that support this process may not be appropriately secured. The information network helps to clearly identify dependencies between business processes and IT systems and ensure that security measures are implemented along these dependencies.
Growing regulatory requirements
Regulatory requirements such as NIS-2 and the Digital Operational Resilience Act require companies to document their IT landscapes and security requirements in a comprehensive and structured manner. This requirement can be met by the information network, which is a central element for the management of IT security.
The structured documentation of all relevant IT assets, processes and their security requirements is essential in order to be able to provide the required proof of compliance with international security standards. Companies that use the EAM as a methodology for documenting the information network find it easier to maintain an overview of their security architecture and meet regulatory requirements.
Special features of the information network
One particular advantage of the information network is the inheritance of security requirements: If a business process has a specific protection requirement, this is automatically transferred to the supporting IT systems and applications. This means that companies can create a consistent and seamless security architecture.
The advantages of an information network
The information network offers numerous advantages for companies. The systematic recording and documentation of the IT infrastructure provides a better overview and helps to minimize risks. This has several positive effects:
1. reduction of security incidents
By consistently applying security requirements to all relevant IT systems and processes, the information network reduces the risk of security incidents. Vulnerabilities can be identified and rectified at an early stage before they lead to major problems.
3. easier fulfilment of legal requirements
The clear structuring and documentation of IT assets and their security requirements makes it easier to comply with regulatory requirements such as NIS-2. Companies can prove at any time that they have implemented the necessary security measures, which simplifies auditability.
2. increase in efficiency
Automating the inheritance of security requirements reduces manual effort and minimizes errors. This not only increases security, but also makes security processes significantly more efficient.
4. confidence building
A structured IT security concept based on an information network strengthens the trust of customers, partners and stakeholders in the integrity of business processes and data security. This helps to secure existing business relationships and strengthens the company’s competitiveness.
In the next part of our series, we will delve deeper into how the information network works. We will show you why it is crucial to link IT assets and business processes and which core components play a role in this. We will also explain how the automated inheritance of security requirements works and what advantages this offers for the IT security and efficiency of your company. Look forward to practical insights into processes and technologies!
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