Securing Your Business

Aligning security efforts with business goals sharpens results

Hindered by stale perceptions

For some business thinkers, security expenditures remain an overhead that falls into the category of "the cost of doing business".  But getting past the old standard of thinking of security as a necessary evil to embracing it as a valuable business asset means shaking off an outdated understanding of what needs protected. Security programs that can recognize new and developing threats do well to preserve their relevance.  But the programs which also tie in business acumen are that much more valuable.

It is only getting bigger

The industry expects operational security spending to continue to increase over the next 5 to 7 years. Reasons for this trend include the continued globalization of operations and work force growth.  There is also an increase in the frequency of disruptions encountered by businesses on many fronts. From agenda centric movements to domestic violence, these diversions consume time and money for businesses.

Security is just like any other business unit

Given the growth in security expenditures, it is evident that a more sophisticated view of security is required. Fortunately, aligning the operational needs of a business and its security requirements is no different than any other business evaluation.   The first step is to match security efforts with the goals of the business.  And once established, they need to be measured in order to manage their performance.  This is simple shift in thinking coupled with bringing security considerations to the boardroom can expand its value proposition beyond being compulsory. 

Experts in security must be business centric

To elevate security thinking to the point where it is considered a profitable endeavor it is first necessary to evaluate business vulnerabilities at a high level.  C-level thinkers need to synthesize diverse variables including financial goals, risk aversion, technology, market trends and ROI to come up with a risk profile for their company.  On a technical level, security consultants such as CSI must be able to understand the high level perception of the risks and then apply the correct security solution to the problems.  Additionally, the solution must be measurable so it can be proven to be worthy over time.  It must also be dynamic in that it can change (rapidly if necessary) to meet the ever changing risk landscape.

Picture from sporcle.com

Expanded security coverage

While turnstiles and night watchmen will probably always exist, modern security thinking goes well beyond this paradigm.  The competitiveness and complexity of business today has pushed security professionals into new disciplines.  Here are a few examples of critical business needs that are now met by security programs:  

1. Protection of intangible assets. More companies than ever are defined by their intellectual property or their brand reputation.
2. Natural and man-made disasters. A recent study revealed that almost half of all major companies do not have a business continuity plan.
3. The remote workforce. Technology has freed these workers from a controlled office setting.  Companies must now consider the safety and security of their mobile human assets.  
4. Business partner risk sharing. Interdependent companies need to communicate and coordinate security responsibilities. This is especially acute in supply chain oversight.  
5. Security Technology. Data in the form of camera analytics and biometrics do more than protect.  Businesses now leverage intelligence gathered from these platforms.

Savvy business thinkers will find value in their security programs by turning their efforts into a competitive advantage.  But once security has a seat at the table, it is no longer business as usual.  Dynamic results will be demanded as programs must not only protect the business but prove their worth though measurable outcomes.