Normally, IT Governance Aligns IT With The Business ✓ Solved

Normally IT Governance Aligns The IT With The Business

IT governance aligns IT with business governance policies. IT governance is a broader term that includes IT policies encompassing infrastructure, software applications, networking-related applications, infrastructure projects, and IT security of the organization. The primary goal of IT governance is to develop the organization’s IT policy to fulfill business requirements. Most organizations have some type of information security program in place, which is necessary in the current IT environment as information possesses significant value.

In recent years, IT technology has undergone significant changes, prompting organizations to rethink their business policies. Automation and artificial intelligence have transformed how information flows within organizations, affecting the value of data. Business management is now focused on maximizing the value of this data and modifying business models accordingly. Consequently, IT governance programs need to be redesigned to align with these new business models.

Legacy policies are no longer effective under new business models, necessitating changes to the IT policies (Martànez & Gaona, 2015). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) plays a crucial role in maintaining global standards. Implementing ISO standards helps organizations establish trust with their clients and build reputations in the market.

ISO developed the 27001 standard specifically for information security management systems, outlining a framework for data control within organizations. This standard includes policies and best practices about how an organization can manage its data. ISO 27001 does not prescribe specific tools or methods but provides guidance for successfully developing an IT security program.

The ISO 27001 standard breaks down best practices into several key components. Information security policies guide how an organization can develop its information security management system. Asset management focuses on the management of IT assets, while access control defines how access to various datasets is granted to employees. Operational security covers the secure collection, storage, and analysis of data (Petters, 2020).

Information technology governance provides a framework for accountability in decision-making within organizations, emphasizing the importance of ethical and legal compliance. The critical drivers for enhancing IT governance emerged in the early 2000s when numerous companies were exposed for engaging in illegal practices, particularly in the accounting sector. High-profile corruption cases, such as Enron and Worldcom, propelled the federal government to implement stricter governance requirements across all organizational levels.

In 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was enacted, requiring CEOs and CFOs to certify their company's financial statements. This act aimed to create accountability, primarily targeting finance and accounting departments; however, it also highlighted the role of IT departments in ensuring reliable and ethical management of financial data (Pearlson, Saunders, & Gallenta, 2018).

As IT departments recognized the value of governance, IT managers became responsible for identifying risks and complying with Sarbanes-Oxley mandates. This necessity for structure and defined accountability led to the development of IT governance as a crucial element in organizations. The ISO outlines the ethical standards practitioners should follow within various professions, including network security.

The ISO provides foundational guidelines that govern how network security should be implemented effectively. In the realm of network security, the ISO has defined seven critical areas, which include an overview of network security concepts, design and implementation guidelines, reference network scenarios, securing communications using security gateways, VPN security, securing wireless IP network access, and guidelines for network virtualization security (ISO, 2020).

These ISO standards assist network security professionals in adhering to industry benchmarks, promoting efficient and effective business processes. The ISO also empowers organizations to pinpoint inefficiencies or ineffective practices, encouraging modifications to align with established standards.

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The imperative for robust IT governance has grown in tandem with the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing demand for data integrity and security. As organizations navigate complex digital landscapes, aligning IT governance with overarching business strategies is critical for success. This alignment not only fosters accountability but also enhances operational efficiency and stakeholder trust as organizations actively seek to leverage technology effectively.

A comprehensive IT governance framework is essential for ensuring that organizations can navigate the challenges posed by an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act exemplifies this need for a structured approach to governance, as it mandates specific oversight from corporate executives regarding their organization’s financial practices (Pearlson, Saunders, & Gallenta, 2018). This legislative requirement serves as a catalyst for the adoption of robust IT governance policies, compelling organizations to evaluate their processes, identify risks, and implement appropriate controls.

Furthermore, understanding the nuances of standards set by the ISO, such as the ISO 27001 standard, can empower organizations to create a systematic approach to information security management. This standard provides a roadmap that assists organizations in developing best practices for managing sensitive information, thereby safeguarding against potential data breaches or compliance failures. Adopting these standards also helps organizations to demonstrate their commitment to security and responsible data management to clients and stakeholders.

Effective IT governance necessitates a collaborative effort among various departments within the organization. Decision-making frameworks should involve input from IT, finance, legal, and compliance teams to ensure that governance policies are comprehensive and tailored to the organization's unique context. By fostering collaboration across departments, organizations can cultivate a culture of accountability that resonates throughout the organization.

Moreover, with the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, organizations must continuously assess their IT governance frameworks to ensure they remain relevant. These technologies create vast amounts of data, necessitating not only compliance with current regulations but also a proactive approach to governance that anticipates future trends and challenges. By staying ahead of the curve, organizations can mitigate risks associated with data management while seizing opportunities for innovation.

In conclusion, the transformation of IT governance in response to changing business landscapes is essential for organizations aiming to thrive in the digital age. By aligning IT governance with business strategies, embracing international standards such as ISO 27001, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, organizations can build a resilient governance framework that not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances operational efficiency and stakeholder trust.

References

• Gutiérrez-Martànez, Nàºà±ez-Gaona. (2015). Business Model for the Security of a Large-Scale PACS, Compliance with ISO/27002:2013 Standard. Journal of Digital Imaging, 28(4), 481–491.
• Jeff Petters. (2020). What is ISO 27001 Compliance? Essentials Tips and Insight. Retrieved from [source URL]
• ISO. (2020). ISO/IEC 27033 IT Network Security Standard. Retrieved from Iso27001security.com.
• Pearlson, K., Saunders, C.S., & Gallenta, D. (2018). Managing and Using Information Systems: A Strategic Approach (7th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Pearlson, K., Saunders, C.S., & Gallenta, D. (2019). Managing and Using Information Systems: A Strategic Approach (7th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Martànez, N., & Gaona, F. (2015). IT Governance: Aligning IT with Business Strategies. International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 14(2), 135-145.
• IT Governance Institute. (2006). COBIT®: A Business Framework for the Governance and Management of Enterprise IT. ISACA.
• Weill, P., & Ross, J. W. (2004). IT Governance: How Top Performers Manage IT Decision Rights for Superior Results. Harvard Business Press.
• ISACA. (2012). IT Governance and Management Frameworks. Retrieved from [source URL]
• ISO/IEC. (2013). ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements. International Organization for Standardization.