How do you evaluate and update your operational systems security policies and procedures?

Operational systems are the backbone of any organization, enabling the delivery of products, services, and value to customers and stakeholders. However, they also face various security challenges, such as cyberattacks, data breaches, compliance issues, and human errors. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate and update your operational systems security policies and procedures regularly, to ensure that they are effective, efficient, and aligned with your business goals and best practices. In this article, we will discuss how you can do that in six steps.

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1 Assess your current state

The first step is to assess your current state of operational systems security, by conducting a comprehensive audit of your existing policies and procedures, as well as your hardware, software, networks, and data. You should identify the strengths and weaknesses of your security posture, the gaps and risks in your protection, and the opportunities and threats in your environment. You should also benchmark your performance against industry standards and regulations, such as ISO 27001, NIST, or GDPR.

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Luis Elias

Consultor de Tecnologia | Adequação LGPD | Segurança da Informação | Proteção de Dados | Privacidade | membro da APDADOS ⇪⇪
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Você pode usar ferramentas e métodos para realizar essa avaliação, como: Usar o snap-in da Política de Segurança Local ou o Editor de Política de Grupo Local para verificar e editar as configurações de política de segurança do seu dispositivo ou da sua organização. Usar a ferramenta de linha de comando secedit para aplicar, analisar, exportar ou importar configurações de política de segurança. Usar o Gerenciador de Conformidade de Segurança para criar, gerenciar e analisar modelos de segurança que contêm as políticas de segurança que você deseja aplicar. Usar o Serviço de Atestado de Integridade do Dispositivo para verificar se o seu dispositivo está em um bom estado de segurança e se ele pode acessar recursos corporativos.

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2 Define your objectives

The second step is to define your objectives for improving your operational systems security, by setting clear and measurable goals and indicators, based on your audit results and business needs. You should prioritize the most critical and urgent issues, and align your objectives with your organizational vision and strategy. You should also consider the costs and benefits of your security initiatives, and the resources and capabilities required to implement them.

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Luis Elias

Consultor de Tecnologia | Adequação LGPD | Segurança da Informação | Proteção de Dados | Privacidade | membro da APDADOS ⇪⇪
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Usar a metodologia SMART para criar objetivos específicos, mensuráveis, alcançáveis, relevantes e temporais. Usar o modelo OKR para definir objetivos e resultados-chave que sejam ambiciosos, inspiradores e alinhados com a missão da sua organização. Usar o ciclo PDCA para planejar, executar, verificar e ajustar seus objetivos e iniciativas de segurança de forma contínua e sistemática. Você deve considerar fatores como: O tipo e o nível de segurança que você deseja para o seu sistema operacional. As ferramentas e os recursos que você pode usar para aplicar, monitorar e auditar as suas políticas e procedimentos de segurança. A forma de comunicar e treinar os seus usuários e colaboradores.

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3 Update your policies and procedures

The third step is to update your policies and procedures for operational systems security, by revising, adding, or removing the rules and guidelines that govern your security operations and activities. You should ensure that your policies and procedures are consistent, comprehensive, and compliant with the relevant laws and regulations. You should also communicate and document your policies and procedures clearly and effectively, and train your staff and stakeholders on how to follow them.

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Luis Elias

Consultor de Tecnologia | Adequação LGPD | Segurança da Informação | Proteção de Dados | Privacidade | membro da APDADOS ⇪⇪
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Usar o Windows Update para manter seu sistema operacional e seus drivers atualizados com os recursos e correções de segurança mais recentes. Usar o Windows Defender para proteger seu dispositivo contra vírus, malware e outras ameaças. Usar o Firewall do Windows para controlar o tráfego de rede e bloquear conexões não autorizadas ou maliciosas. Usar o BitLocker para criptografar seus dados e impedir que sejam acessados por pessoas não autorizadas.

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4 Implement your changes

The fourth step is to implement your changes for operational systems security, by deploying the necessary tools, technologies, and processes to enhance your security controls and capabilities. You should ensure that your changes are tested, verified, and validated before going live, and that they are compatible and integrated with your existing operational systems. You should also monitor and manage your changes during and after the implementation, and address any issues or challenges that may arise.

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5 Evaluate your outcomes

The fifth step is to evaluate your outcomes for operational systems security, by measuring and analyzing the results and impacts of your changes, using the goals and indicators that you defined earlier. You should compare your outcomes with your expectations and benchmarks, and identify the successes and failures of your security initiatives. You should also collect and review feedback from your staff and stakeholders, and learn from their experiences and insights.

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6 Review and improve

The sixth and final step is to review and improve your operational systems security policies and procedures, by reflecting on your evaluation findings and feedback, and identifying the areas and aspects that need further improvement or adjustment. You should also recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of your staff and stakeholders, and celebrate the progress and value that you have created. You should also plan for the next cycle of evaluation and update, and keep your operational systems security policies and procedures agile and adaptable.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you evaluate and update your operational systems security policies and procedures?

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1 Assess your current state

2 Define your objectives

3 Update your policies and procedures

4 Implement your changes

5 Evaluate your outcomes

6 Review and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

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