on the limitations of copy-paste

http://thebluediamondgallery.com/p/policy.html

What does security mean for your organisation, and why does it matter? Who in the business is responsible for what aspects of security? How will you measure it, and who will?

Go check the policy.

A policy shouldn't merely exist (although that seems to have been the purpose with some copy-paste examples).

A well-adapted InfoSec policy can be immensely powerful. It is your vehicle for effectively delegating the responsibility for measurable security. Taking a second look at your policy can be time well spent.

a handy handrail

https://www.pexels.com/photo/contemporary-gradient-handrails-perspective-434645/

InfoSec begins with knowing your assets. Some do not have a grip on what info they own, how valuable it is and why. They are not in a position to define security, much less implement it.

Some classify info for reasons of compliance, but all too often this is an isolated project activity and the result is not merged into a meaningful whole.

Information structure tends to be more static than organisation or routines. Your information model can be an effective handrail for all sorts of management purposes.

build - measure - learn

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plastic_tape_measure.jpg

Measuring security isn't easy. There's a lot of building going on but we need to close a build-measure-learn loop in order to make sustainable progress.

How can we credibly argue for security investments, unless we quantify the current and desired future state? Metrics should be collectable, robust and meaningful. What do you wish to communicate? Base your narrative on facts that are relevant for stakeholders.

Without trying, it won't happen. Find a couple of simple metrics and start measuring now.

the strongest link

https://www.flickr.com/photos/86530412@N02/8253443979

People are sometimes regarded the "weakest link". This is a mistake.

It is factually wrong. All that great technology which is supposed to save us has been created by... people.

Also, such labelling is counterproductive. Yes, people make all sorts of mistakes. But security is a holistic quality. Only motivated, knowledgeable individuals can orchestrate security mechanisms into a meaningful whole. So, build a pervasive quality culture, let your co-workers know they are the strongest link and watch them grow.