7 Habits of Highly Effective IT Security and Compliance Professionals
Every year during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the ISC2 Security Congress gathers cyber experts from around the world to discuss industry challenges and best practices. This year, the 2024 ISC2 Security Congress in Las Vegas saw professionals like Ralph Villanueva, an IT security and compliance analyst at Hilton Grand Vacations, sharing valuable advice with audiences.
Villanueva, drawing inspiration from the popular business self-help book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” outlined seven habits that can make IT security and compliance professionals more effective in their roles.
The 7 habits of effective IT security and compliance professionals
- Understanding your enterprise’s business mission, vision, and objectives.
- Continuously studying the internal and external IT environment and risks of your enterprise.
- Knowing the key players in your enterprise.
- Understanding your strengths and weaknesses.
- Learning to communicate the technical requirements of compliance.
- Accepting the reality of your job.
- Adopting a proactive, positive attitude.
What roadblocks stand in the way for security and compliance professionals?
Villanueva highlighted common roadblocks faced by security and compliance professionals, including organizational silos, lack of cybersecurity prioritization by board members and executives, and over-reliance on technology. These obstacles can hinder effective risk management and compliance efforts.
How to apply the 7 habits in your business
To overcome these roadblocks, Villanueva suggests looking at the big picture and considering the three-legged stool of people, process, and technology. He advises regular meetings to align different departments, increased board involvement in cybersecurity decisions, and vigilant monitoring of third-party risks.
By adopting these seven habits and implementing Villanueva’s recommendations, IT security and compliance professionals can enhance their effectiveness and contribute to a more secure and compliant organizational environment.
Disclaimer: ISC2 paid for my airfare, accommodations, and some meals for the ISC2 Security Congress event held Oct. 13 – 16 in Las Vegas.