Rising cybersecurity threats and new regulations have put intense pressure on organizations to manage their IT environments effectively. However, many still rely on outdated or fragmented IT controls. According to recent insights from Info-Tech Research Group, lacking a robust IT Controls Register can expose businesses to significant risks and compliance failures. Their new blueprint aims to help IT leaders tackle these challenges head-on.
Why Outdated IT Controls Put Organizations at High Risk
Outdated IT controls leave organizations vulnerable to costly breaches and regulatory penalties. Info-Tech Research Group found that many companies lack a centralized register to track and manage controls efficiently. This gap creates blind spots, making it difficult to identify and respond to new threats—especially as technologies evolve. Moreover, IT and risk leaders risk job loss when failures occur, emphasizing the need for an updated, risk-first approach.
Info-Tech’s Three-Phase Approach to Building IT Controls
To help organizations strengthen their defenses, Info-Tech offers a practical, three-phase methodology for building an effective IT controls register:
- Define Organizational Goals and Map Current Controls: IT leaders must set clear goals that align with business priorities, create a control taxonomy, and evaluate existing controls to find gaps.
- Evaluate and Build Controls: Collaborate with governance and audit teams to assess current controls, develop new ones where needed, and seek input from users to improve adoption.
- Monitor and Report: Establish ongoing monitoring and actionable reporting to ensure controls remain effective, integrating the register with the broader risk framework.
This step-by-step approach helps ensure controls are both comprehensive and adaptable.
Improving Compliance and Adopting Secure Technologies
Adopting a structured controls register does more than support compliance; it positions organizations to embrace AI and emerging technologies with confidence. By moving beyond a narrow compliance focus, businesses can address wider risks and anticipate new threats before they escalate. Effective monitoring not only detects breaches sooner but also simplifies regulatory reporting and integration with GRC tools.
In summary, Info-Tech Research Group’s guidance makes it clear: a robust IT Controls Register is vital for risk management and compliance in today’s ever-changing landscape. By following their three-phase methodology, organizations can strengthen their security posture and better prepare for future challenges.
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