5 security questions every company should ask itself

1. Do you have an IT security strategy for hybrid scenarios?

Hybrid cloud environments are increasingly driving the digital transformation in companies. Meeting security and compliance requirements is very important here. A comprehensive security strategy that considers both the private and public cloud is essential. The next step is to define appropriate security solutions that, aside from your private and public cloud infrastructure, also provide comprehensive, end-to-end external protection for your information. Get the support of a partner with expertise in both the cloud AND on-premise worlds of IT.

2. If you have implemented end-to-end security in your company, that's great! But do your employees know that?

Many threats can be alleviated through technical means such as a firewall, antivirus software, or new security technologies. But you need to consider your employees as well, and get them involved on your path to digitalization. Engage in active change management and make your employees aware of attack scenarios. While cloud technologies are not associated with insurmountable security obstacles, they do bring new demands with them. Establish a digital mindset throughout the company with training – both for the altered processes and for the new security requirements.

3. When is the right time to look after security, and where do you start?

Security starts with the small stuff. The issue of security should be included and taken into account in the digital transformation from the outset. Subsequently integrating security features into a finished structure is complex, costly and time-consuming. The focus of IT security is increasingly shifting from networks or devices to data(sets) and applications. The smallest possible critical units have to be protected along the entire value chain. Through consistent encryption combined with identity and access management, for example.

4. Do you know where your data is being processed today?

Data protection and compliance are increasingly gaining importance in the digitalization era. Thus, it is important to know on what servers and where your company data is stored and processed. The powerful portable data centers we call smartphones also have to be taken into account here. Take an inventory and establish security controls for possible weaknesses. Develop a documentation concept as well, so you can respond to data inquiries and notifications of data protection violations. When working with external service providers, you should critically question how they meet compliance and security requirements, and whether the stated methods fit your own business model.

5. How will collaboration change in the future?

The way companies work, and therefore the mode of collaboration, is changing. Working efficiently from anywhere is increasingly enabled by team chats, online meetings, and shared document preparation. Take this into account in the digitalization of your business processes, and be sure to include security here as well. Sharing confidential documents with colleagues or external business partners is a good example. Secure file sharing is indispensable here so that unauthorized third parties cannot gain access.