What is Balanced Security ?

Introduction

During my tenure as Head of Security for an organisation, I was asked the question “What is Good Enough Security”. This question is common among stakeholders who would seek clarity on how security aligns with organisational goals and objectives.

As security leaders, it is our duty to articulate a comprehensive reason that not only addresses this question but reinforces the importance of security within an organisation to the executive leadership. In some organisations the security is seen as a blocker to progress and in some other organisations it is viewed as a mere paper filling exercise.

The perception of seeing security as blocker is often stems from a disconnect between security strategy and business objectives, on the other hand when security is reduced a paper filling exercise, it often reflects lack of understanding of its role in protecting organisation value

Both views, in my opinion, are misconceptions.

Balanced Security

For me the most secure system is the one that does not exist . Any product we create will have some risk which can be materialised. But the question is what is the time and resources needed for the risk to materialise and ultimately what's the impact to the organisation.

So for me what we need is a balanced approach to security.

For me Balanced Security is a Framework that prioritises organisation goals and enables delivery based on risk - with clear short term and long term strategy.

‍

‍

Key Priniciples

Here are the key principles to achieve balanced security in any organisation.

1. Senior Leadership Support
2. Alignment on Organizational Goals across Security and Technology
3. Clear short term and long term strategy
4. Proactive security program based on critical thinking and risk
5. Culture with Trust, Clarity, Transparency, Collaboration and Communication

By the way this is the foundation of our mission statement Proactive Security with Purpose.

Conclusion

Thank you for your time and we will look into how all this fits with a real example in coming insights.