July 06, 2006

Effective security isn't easy, but it is possible

Are you willing to do what it takes to truly secure your company's systems -- no matter how unpopular the solution?

And each company implementing the “impossible” recommendation is now more secure and spends less on security. Standardized, controlled images mean fewer worries, fewer problems, and fewer breakdowns. These companies don’t worry significantly about hackers, malware, spyware, or phishing attacks. While everyone is being attacked by the latest popular worm, they are reading about it as unexciting news.

Each of these security-empowered companies was once just like your company. Each felt that the tough security measures listed above were impractical. If you asked their employees whether they're happy they can’t install just any software program on their system, most would say no. But ask whether they want to go back to the old way -- security protection that didn’t work -- and you won’t get a single taker.

Your company will eventually do what I suggest above. All that matters is when it will happen and whether you’ll be a part of the process or a roadblock to security success.

Roger A. Grimes is contributing editor of the InfoWorld Test Center. He also writes the Security Adviser blog.
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