Managing the Digital Enterprise | Security (print version)

11. SECURITY

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Everyone has a stake in the security of transactions on the web. Customers must have confidence in the transmission of sensitive financial and personal information to web merchants. Businesses must be certain in the knowledge that payment information collected over web storefronts is indeed valid. Furthermore, merchants must undertake additional precautions to ensure that databases with confidential information from their customers are not compromised by hackers or malicious employees.

The challenge of operating a secure web site is very real. The number of companies that have been attacked by hackers has grown dramatically the past few years. The losses from security breaches, in terms of the time and effort expended and lost productivity, are mounting. CERT, which monitors reports of computer network security breaches from around the world has registered a steep rise in the number of reported incidents in the past few years.

BEST PRACTICES FOR ENTERPRISE NETWORK SECURITY MANAGEMENT (A.C.T.I.O.N.S)
Authentication	Implement processes and procedures to authenticate, or verify, the users of the network. This may include techniques such as PKI using smart cards, secure tokens, biometrics, or a combination of efforts.
Configuration management	Plan enterprise architecture and deployment with security in mind. Manage configurations to know exactly what hardware, operating systems and software are in use, including specific versions and patches applied; create robust access and software change controls, segregate responsibilities; implement best practices; and, do not use default security settings.
Training	Train all employees on the need for IT security and ensure that security is factored into developing business operations. Foster an enterprise culture of safety and security.
Incident response	Develop an enterprise capability for responding to incidents, mitigating damage, recovering systems, investigating and capturing forensic evidence, and working with law enforcement.
Organization network	Organize enterprise security management, IT management, and risk management functions to promote efficient exchange of information and leverage corporate knowledge.
Network management	Create a regular process to assess, remediate, and monitor the vulnerabilities of the network; consider developing automated processes for vulnerability reporting, patching, and detecting insider threats. Internal and external IT security audits can also supplement these efforts.
Smart procurement	Ensure that security is embedded in the business operations and the systems that support them. Embedding security is easier than “bolting it on” after the fact.
Source: President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board, National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace