Security and privacy are key matters that affect every business. There is an increasing awareness that effective IT Security Governance is fundamental to achieving business objectives, maintaining regulatory compliance and meeting stakeholder requirements.

Here are 5 signs that show your IT Security Governance program is on the right path:

1. The Board Understands IT Security’s Role in the execution of Business Processes
The board of directors understands that information security is critical to the enterprise and demands to be updated regularly on IT security performance and breaches. The board ensures that internal and external audits of the security program are conducted regularly and reported on quarterly. The enterprise security program, security processes, and security’s role in business processes are also audited regularly.

2. There is a Cross-Organizational Security Team

As we discussed before, IT Security Governance is not solely the responsibility of the CIO or CISO. The effectiveness of IT Security Governance is reached through collaboration. Senior management, the CFO, CIO, COO,CMO, the heads of HR and PR , all have to meet regularly to discuss various aspects of the security program and specific security issues they deal with in their departments.

3. The CISO Communicates Directly with the CEO and Board of Directors
The CISO earns the trust of the CEO. He/She focuses on the biggest security issues of the day, is able to explain them in succint non-technical jargon that the CEO understands, and keeps lines of communication open. This prepares the CEO to lead communications to external stakeholders when a major security breach happens.

4. Security Risks Are Regularly Reviewed
Security risks are reviewed before each critical decision. Executive management holds line management responsible for carrying out security risk management activities for their specific business units.

5. There Is a Security-Awareness Enterprise Culture
Employees understand security risks. They are held accountable for complying with security policies and procedures. They recognize security issues. More importantly, they report security breaches, intentional compromises, or violations of policies and procedures.

Implementing an effective IT Security Governance program poses unique challenges to every enterprise. Treating IT Security as a core business requirement requires the support of the board of directors, executives, middle managers and employees.