Key Elements of Information Security Programs

Controls: Derived from policies aligned with goals and objectives.
- Types include standards, procedures, baselines, guidelines.
- Categories: technical, administrative (procedural), and physical controls.
- Types of controls: deterrent, preventive, detective, corrective.
Monitoring and Metrics:
- Essential for evaluating if controls provide adequate security.
- Involves functional and assurance-related monitoring for validation.
Program Management Knowledge:
- Security manager's responsibility to manage security controls effectively.
- Ensuring controls are effective and cost-efficient.
Technology Awareness:
- Understand available technologies and assess them against organizational goals.
- Decisions should align with business expectations and budget constraints.

Compliance Requirements: Must align controls with legal and regulatory mandates.
Physical Security: Essential to protect systems from physical threats (e.g., unauthorized access).
Cultural Implications:
- Importance of cultural change and ethics in implementation.
- Organizational tone set by leadership regarding security responsibility.
Cost and Budget:
- Security investments must return value and align with organization goals.
- Proportional expenditure on security measures is critical.
Staff Skills:
- Importance of having skilled personnel, possibly CISM certified.
Logistics: Need alignment of resources with operational requirements.

Management Support:
- Critical for success; lack leads to reactive security functions.
- Management involvement ensures alignment with organizational objectives.
Funding and Staffing:
- Directly linked to the level of management support.
Compliance Assumptions:
- Regular assessment of compliance obligations required; avoid assumptions.
Visibility and Trending:
- Continuous monitoring of environment trends and employee turnover as key risk indicators.