A security strategy is an important document prepared periodically that starts with an in-depth analysis of a country or organization, continuing with detailed out series of steps necessary to identify, remediate and manage risks. To develop a security strategy, there is a process to undergo that contains an initial assessment, planning, implementation, and constant monitoring, as the situation may change. Therefore, this document ought to be comprehensive and dynamic in order to respond to any security threat.

To counter imaginable threats and vulnerabilities, this document contains a combination of actions such as policies and procedures, access management measures, communication systems, and technology and system integration practices. Furthermore, it prioritizes security initiatives to protect information.

Since nowadays data storage is computerized, the digital component must not be forgotten when creating such a paper. Cybersecurity and information assurance requires effective collaboration within an organization along with clear directions and commitment from the top management and administration. For security strategists, whose job is to determine how much time, money, and effort is required to develop this document for a specific organization, it is imperative to have everyone required on board so they can know the assets and the real cost of breaches. Only then can they determine the current and future security requirements.

Understanding general threats and vulnerabilities are vital as well as the legal, regulatory, statutory, business, and contractual aspects. However, in order to develop a sustainable plan, one needs to assess the ones that can impact specifically the particular business. Consistent effort must be carried as well as raising awareness around concepts of integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Documenting the roles of various positions within IT and business is also important as well as identifying the personnel’s set of skills. Classification and characterization of data and understanding of how the information flows through the ecosystem are also essential to gain insight as well as considering the relationship of the country or organization to the external parties is imperative.

During the strategic planning process, one might find there are certain limitations and constraints to this process that need to be factored in. These might be contextual (be it physical, legal, ethical, cultural, economic, etc.) or operational (manageable, efficient, effective, accurate, etc.). To add up, out of all resources an organization can have, humans are considered to be the weakest link and so, training and awareness must be imposed in order to ensure information security.

It is only natural for countries to have a security strategy document as well, as there is the National Security Strategy (NSS) of the United States, the National Security Strategy of the United Kingdom, and also, the European Security Strategy, now called the European Union Global Strategy. To compare the three,  all of them are set out to outline the major security concerns, how the administration plans to deal with them, aiming to achieve safety in a better world. It should ensure the effectiveness of defense and security, protect the civilians and have the best practices to deal with critical situations.

As this document is important for the well-being of a country or organization, it is decisive to take into consideration all the factors and think of the best way to increase the chances of managing the known and unknown threats and risks as efficiently as possible. Our international journal will publish articles that will reveal practical advice in order to protect your organization as good as possible.