What is the best way to evaluate IT security controls?

1 Define the scope

The first step to evaluate IT security controls is to define the scope of the assessment. This means identifying the objectives, criteria, and boundaries of the evaluation. For example, you may want to assess the security controls of a specific system, network, or process, or you may want to cover the entire IT environment of your organization. You also need to determine the standards and frameworks that you will use to measure the performance and compliance of your IT security controls, such as ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, or COBIT.

2 Select the methods

The next step is to select the methods that you will use to collect and analyze the data about your IT security controls. There are different types of methods, such as interviews, surveys, observations, inspections, tests, audits, or reviews. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the level of detail, accuracy, and reliability that you need. You should choose the methods that are appropriate for your scope, objectives, and resources, and that can provide you with sufficient and relevant evidence.

3 Plan the activities

The third step is to plan the activities that you will perform to execute the assessment. This means creating a schedule, a budget, a team, and a communication plan for the evaluation. You should also define the roles and responsibilities of the assessors and the stakeholders, and the deliverables and expectations of the assessment. You should also prepare the tools and documents that you will need, such as checklists, questionnaires, scripts, reports, or templates.

4 Conduct the assessment

The fourth step is to conduct the assessment according to your plan. This means applying the methods that you selected to gather and verify the data about your IT security controls. You should also document and record the results and findings of your assessment, and report any issues or gaps that you discover. You should also communicate with the stakeholders and the assessors throughout the assessment process, and address any challenges or conflicts that may arise.

5 Analyze the results

The fifth step is to analyze the results of your assessment. This means comparing and evaluating the data that you collected against the criteria and standards that you defined. You should also identify the strengths and weaknesses of your IT security controls, and the opportunities and threats that they face. You should also quantify and qualify the level of risk and maturity of your IT security controls, and the impact and likelihood of any incidents or breaches.

6 Provide recommendations

The final step is to provide recommendations based on your analysis. This means proposing and prioritizing the actions and improvements that you need to implement to enhance your IT security controls. You should also provide the rationale and justification for your recommendations, and the expected benefits and costs of implementing them. You should also present and discuss your recommendations with the stakeholders and the assessors, and solicit their feedback and approval.

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?