How can IT Operations Management staff comply with IT risk management policies and procedures?

1 Understand the ITRM framework

The first step for ITOM staff to comply with ITRM policies and procedures is to understand the ITRM framework that their organization follows. An ITRM framework is a set of standards, guidelines, and best practices that define how IT risks are identified, analyzed, evaluated, treated, monitored, and reported. Some common ITRM frameworks are ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, COBIT, and COSO. ITOM staff should familiarize themselves with the objectives, principles, and requirements of the ITRM framework that applies to their organization, as well as the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders.

4 Monitor and measure IT performance

The fourth step for ITOM staff to comply with ITRM policies and procedures is to monitor and measure IT performance and compliance. IT performance is the degree to which IT services and infrastructure meet the expectations and requirements of the business and the customers. IT compliance is the degree to which IT services and infrastructure adhere to the ITRM framework and the applicable laws and regulations. ITOM staff should use various metrics and indicators to monitor and measure IT performance and compliance, such as service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), key risk indicators (KRIs), and audit results. They should also use various tools and techniques to collect and analyze the data, such as dashboards, reports, alerts, and feedback.

5 Report and communicate IT issues

The fifth step for ITOM staff to comply with ITRM policies and procedures is to report and communicate IT issues and incidents that could affect IT performance and compliance. IT issues and incidents are events or situations that cause or could cause disruption, damage, or loss to IT assets and operations. Some examples of IT issues and incidents are security breaches, system outages, data corruption, configuration errors, and service degradation. ITOM staff should report and communicate IT issues and incidents according to the ITRM framework and the incident management process. They should also follow the escalation and notification procedures, as well as the documentation and evidence requirements.

6 Review and improve IT processes

The sixth and final step for ITOM staff to comply with ITRM policies and procedures is to review and improve IT processes and practices that are related to IT risk management. IT processes and practices are the activities and methods that ITOM staff use to plan, execute, and control IT services and infrastructure. Some examples of IT processes and practices are change management, configuration management, asset management, problem management, and quality management. ITOM staff should review and improve IT processes and practices based on the feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations from the previous steps. They should also seek to align IT processes and practices with the business goals and strategies, as well as the ITRM framework and the industry standards.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?