A process model for implementing information systems security governance

Mathew Nicho
2018 Information and Computer Security  
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more » ... HO, M. A process model for implementing information systems security governance. 2018 NICHO, M. 2018. A process model for implementing information systems security governance. Information and computer security [online], 26(1), pages 10-38. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/ICS-07-2016-0061 NICHO, M. 2018. A process model for implementing information systems security governance. Information and computer security, 26(1), pages 10-38. Held on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://openair.rgu.ac.uk/ AUTHOR ACCEPTED EMERALD Information and computer security 2056-4961 BY-NC 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 Abstract Purpose The frequent and increasingly potent cyber-attacks due to lack of an optimal mix of technical as well as non-technical IT controls, has led to increased adoption of security governance controls by organizations. The paper thus seeks to construct and empirically validate an information security governance process model through the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle model of Deming Design/methodology/approach This descriptive research using an interpretive paradigm follows a qualitative methodology using expert interviews of five respondents working in the information security governance (ISG) domain in United Arab Emirates to validate the theoretical model. Findings Our findings suggest the primacy of the Plan-Do-Check-Act Deming cycle for initiating ISG through a risk-based approach assisted by industry-wide best practices in ISG. Regarding selection of ISG frameworks, respondents preferred to have ISO 27K supported by NIST as the core framework with other relevant ISG frameworks/standards forming the peripheral layer. The implementation focus of the ISG model is on mapping ISO 27 K/NIST IT controls relevant IT controls selected from ISG frameworks from a horizontal and vertical perspective. Respondents asserted the automation of measurement and control mechanism through automation to assist in the feedback loop of the PDCA cycle. Originality/value The validated model helps academics and practitioners gain insight into the methodology of the phased implementation of an information systems governance process through the PDCA model, as well as the positioning of ITG and ITG frameworks in ISG. Practitioners can glean valuable insights from the empirical section of the research where experts detail the success factors, the sequential steps, and justification of these factors in the ISG implementation process.
doi:10.1108/ics-07-2016-0061 fatcat:et4cmzh3wndhfpo3hdlcvj3z5e