We live in an interconnected world, where concern about cybersecurity grows constantly and, although we are tired of reading it, it is an undeniable reality. The companies, large and small, face increasing risks due to the amount of parameters to be controlled, the volume of data that must be managed, the multiple attack vectors and the growing sophistication of the techniques used by cybercriminals, now enhanced by artificial intelligence. From Specialized companies such as Minerly Reportwho carry out audits and consulting in cybersecurity, it is noted that these factors not only endanger the integrity of the information, but also the confidence of the customers and the reputation in the market. In an environment where technology progresses quickly, it is essential that organizations strengthen their security measures, keeping sensitive information safe and protecting the privacy of its users
Although many companies focus their efforts on the protection of hardware and software, they often forget a fundamental aspect: documentation.
In their eagerness to invest large amounts of money in advanced technological solutions, they lose sight of the fact that sometimes the simplest can generate immediate benefits. The correct management and organization of documentation, such as that required in regulations such as ISO 27001, is crucial to guarantee a robust security system. This norm, in fact, underlines the importance of having well -documented procedures, since this not only allows to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, but also facilitates risk management and continuous improvement over time.
Security is not only a technical issue, but also tactical and strategic, and its appropriate implementation can make the difference between success and collapse in the current digital world. Defining clear documentation and policies, communicating them effectively to all employees and providing them with the necessary training to guarantee their compliance is a crucial step in any cybersecurity strategy. Although advanced technologies can offer robust protections, the weakest link in most cases are not machines, but people, hence the need to guide clear guidelines on acceptable behavior within the company and raise awareness about the risks of not respecting the limits defined in their own regulations.
It is common to find daily companies that seek to improve their safety through the implementation of expensive tools. However, from Minerly Report they emphasize that, after making numerous Cybersecurity maturity analysis based on the CIS18 standard – One of their key services – have identified that the absence or insufficiency of updated documentation and known by employees is one of the most critical and recurring weaknesses that put the general effectiveness of security at risk.
Despite the importance of having adequate documentation, clear and known by all members of the organization, in practice, it is usually relegated to the background. The elaboration of policies, normalized work procedures and reports forms, together with their correct communication and application by employees, not only strengthens the security of the organization, but can also minimize or even eliminate day -to -day threats.
Cybersecurity is not just a technological barrier; It is a reflection of order within an organization
The documentation offers an integral vision of the organization: how it operates, what processes follow, what tools use, the roles of responsibility, the response mechanisms, among other key aspects. It covers from the asset inventory, which usually receives more attention, to other less considered but equally essential elements such as the safe development plan.
In addition, well -structured and updated documentation not only improves internal management, but also reduces the company’s attack surface, strengthening its cybersecurity position.
To effectively structure the documentation in cybersecurity and be able to address it through this article, we divide it into four large groups: policies, inventories, standardized work procedures (PNT) and forms and notification documents. Each of these elements plays a key role in security management, ensuring clarity in the guidelines, control over the assets, standardization in formal reporting processes and mechanisms.
Policies
Policies within an organization are essential to establish order, coherence and security in all its operations. They function as a guide that defines how the key processes should be carried out, guaranteeing that each action is aligned with the objectives and values of the company, in addition to any applicable legal regulations or requirement – as can be Hipa or GDPR. Among the most important are those related to security, information management, resources and data protection, since they directly impact business and risk prevention. Without clear policies, decisions would be at individual discretion, which would increase the possibility of errors, inconsistencies and vulnerabilities.
Imagine a company without a policy of use of personal devices. An employee connects an infected USB memory and, in minutes, a ransomware extends through the network, blocking critical systems.
Without norms that regulate these accesses, the company would have to face a situation of internal crisis with possible paralysis of its activities, difficulties in the management of the incident, involvement of sensitive information and, potentially, economic losses, damage to its reputation and even sanctions by the competent administrative bodies.
PNTS
When a new employee joins a company, the learning curve can be a challenge, especially in critical tasks where precision and security are fundamental. This is where standardized work procedures (PNT) become an essential tool. These documents detail, step by step, how to perform a standardized task, guaranteeing quality, safety and efficiency. Not only do they facilitate the integration of the new talent, reducing errors and doubts, but also ensure that all processes are executed in a coherent way, regardless of who performs them. In an environment where security and operability depend on discipline in execution, PNTs are the basis on which precise and reliable work is constructed.
Inventory
If there is no complete knowledge of all assets, it is difficult to apply effective security measures, which leaves some exposed devices. It is enough that a single point is unprotected so that all security collapses, like a wall that yields through a single crack. If all assets are not protected equally, any effort will be insufficient. Therefore, the first step to ensure a company’s systems is to know and control each and every one of the assets involved in the process. This information will allow proper management of vulnerabilities, facilitating the application of necessary solutions and mitigation measures.
In addition, the importance of inventories is not limited only to hardware and software. It is essential to count, among others, with a precise record of the resources on which backup copies are made, since this ensures that critical information is protected and minimizing the risk of data loss. Without a clear inventory of the supported assets, it is possible that certain essential systems or files are outside the recovery strategies, compromising the continuity of the business in case of an incident.
Similarly, it is essential to keep a detailed control of accounts and suppliers with access to systems. Proper management of accounts not only helps detect unauthorized accesses and reduce safety risks, especially in environments where multiple users interact with critical systems, but also facilitates permits administration. A clear example of its importance is access management when an employee leaves the company. Having a precise record allows you to quickly identify and revoke the corresponding permits, avoiding possible information leaks and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the systems.
On the other hand, the supplier inventory helps to evaluate the risks associated with third parties, ensuring that their security levels meet the required standards. Without this visibility, organizations can be exposed to security gaps derived from compromised external or credential access. In a world where trust is a valuable, but fragile resource, the lack of control over who accesss our systems can become a crack where the danger is filtered.
Imagine an email that reaches the entrance tray of the payment manager, with a seemingly legitimate invoice, but with a modified account number. Without a reliable record to go to verify the information, the deception could go unnoticed, and the payment would end in wrong hands.
Forms and notification documents
Well structured forms allow incidents as vulnerabilities detected to be reported efficiently, ensuring that they reach the right people and that appropriate measures are taken. Without a clear record, lack of traceability can delay the response and increase the risk of a greater incident.
Similarly, the documents of a team receipt assign responsibility for the devices delivered, avoiding losses and misunderstandings. In the case of personal devices used in the company (Byod), having signed agreements allows to establish clear rules about their use and access to corporate information. In addition, these documents may include clauses that authorize a forensic analysis in case of security incident, ensuring that the company can investigate an attack without violating user privacy. Each organization must develop the specific forms and records that best adapt to their needs, guaranteeing efficient and aligned control with its operation.
By Sandra Medel Sánchez, Cybersecurity consulting specialist in Minerly Report
