The synergy between operations and IT is crucial in combating cyber threats. By joining forces, these two departments can create a robust cybersecurity framework that protects the organization's sensitive data and systems. IT professionals bring their technical expertise to the table, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing cutting-edge security solutions. Meanwhile, operations teams provide invaluable insight into business processes, helping to identify potential risk areas and inform security strategies. Through regular meetings and open communication, operations and IT can align on security goals, ensuring a unified front against cyber threats.

Facilitate Open Communication: Organize joint meetings for Operations and IT to discuss their concerns and needs, fostering mutual understanding. Align with Business Goals: Emphasize that access control policies should support both teams' shared goal of achieving business success. Create Cross-Functional Teams: Form teams from both departments to develop access control policies collaboratively, ensuring shared ownership. Risk-Based Access Control: Implement a risk-based approach that balances security needs with operational efficiency, granting access based on necessity and risk levels. Training & Awareness: Offer training to both teams on cybersecurity and operational requirements to help them appreciate each other’s challenges.

To bridge this gap, encourage collaboration between teams, clarify security and operational priorities, and implement flexible yet strong access controls.

Operations teams want to do their work with as less friction as possible. If your security controls are preventing that from happening then you have a potential data breach down the road Have discussions with the operations and IT teams and see where the issues are and how security controls can be calibrated to become as transparent as possible If your passwords have MFA .. then do they really need to be 15 characters long ? do you really need to re-authenticate after every hour ? Challenge yourself on these questions to see where fine tuning can be done

To bridge the cybersecurity we must prioritize collaboration. Start by establishing regular joint meetings to discuss security needs and operational requirements, creating a platform for open dialogue. Use these discussions to identify common goals, ensuring both teams understand the implications of access controls on efficiency and security. Adopt a role-based access control (RBAC) framework, allowing clear visibility into permissions aligned with job functions. Encourage cross-training, so team members grasp each other's challenges and responsibilities. By fostering a culture of teamwork and understanding, Operations and IT can create effective access control policies that enhance security while supporting operational efficiency