What do you do if your team members have conflicting opinions on Information Security practices?

Iniciar com reuniões mediadas por uma figura neutra pode ajudar a facilitar a discussão, permitindo que cada parte expresse suas perspectivas sem interrupções. Quando o sangue está quente e as equipes estão conflitando por algum motivo, alguém que não tenha participado do possível problema ou incidente pode ajudar a apaziguar.

When facing conflicting opinions on Information Security practices within the team, it's crucial to foster open and respectful dialogue. Identify common ground and objectively debate arguments, seeking a compromise that meets both security and operational needs. Consider consulting external experts for impartial insights, and establish clear guidelines based on jointly made decisions. Monitor the implementation of practices and be open to revisions based on feedback and evolving circumstances. Encourage ongoing collaboration to ensure all team members feel valued and heard.

Encourage open dialogue to understand different viewpoints and find common ground. Define clear security goals for the organization to guide discussions. Educate team members on the importance of security and its consequences. Consult industry standards as neutral guidelines for security practices. Implement pilot programs to test contentious measures on a small scale before full deployment. These steps promote collaboration and ensure security is a shared priority for all team members.

Encourage open communication among team members to understand their perspectives on information security practices. Create a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns. Facilitate discussions to identify the root causes of conflicting opinions and encourage brainstorming for potential solutions. Actively listen to each team member's viewpoint and seek to find common ground. Encourage compromise and collaboration to reach consensus on the best information security practices for the team.

Criar uma ambiente de colaboração e não de rivalidade na equipe ajuda a fomentar o diálogo aberto e respeitoso. Soluções podem sair da mescla de pensamentos diferentes e divergentes, vale realmente fazer com que os membros do time compreendam e se sintam seguros para se expressarem.

Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals related to information security practices. Clearly communicate these goals to all team members to ensure everyone understands the objectives and expectations. Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable tasks to make them more manageable and achievable. Regularly review and assess progress towards these goals, providing feedback and support to team members as needed. Adjust goals as necessary based on evolving threats, technological advancements, and organizational priorities to ensure alignment with overall objectives.

When team members have conflicting opinions on Information Security practices, consulting established standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 or NIST Cybersecurity Framework can provide a neutral benchmark. These standards outline best practices, controls, and guidelines accepted globally. Analyze the conflicting opinions against these standards to identify deviations or areas where consensus can be reached. It helps in aligning practices with industry norms, ensuring comprehensive security coverage, and mitigating risks effectively. Additionally, involving stakeholders in the review process fosters collaboration and understanding, facilitating agreement on the most suitable security measures.

Addressing conflicting opinions on Information Security practices requires educating and training team members to enhance their understanding of security principles and their implications. Conduct workshops, seminars, or training sessions to disseminate knowledge on current threats, emerging trends, and the rationale behind specific security measures. Encourage open discussions to clarify doubts and debunk misconceptions. Provide real-world examples or case studies illustrating the consequences of inadequate security practices. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and awareness, team members become more informed and equipped to make well-informed decisions collaboratively.

To establish an effective security program, it is crucial to have a well-defined framework in place. The first step towards this is to align your company leaders on a common goal, also known as "true north star". Once you have established this goal, you can create a strategy that takes into account the pain points, foundational programs, company priorities, and aspirational goals. In order to lead a team effectively, it is important to provide clear direction and objectives. Once these are established, it is equally important to give other leaders the autonomy and agency they need to carry out their responsibilities independently.

En la práctica resulta muy complicado, por no decir imposible, tomar decisiones por unanimidad en un equipo y esto se complica aún más si son temas relacionados con la tecnología. Partiendo de esta premisa, conviene trabajar con el equipo para unificar visión y que, entre todos, puedan definir una estrategia que permita fijar políticas que faciliten el dia a día de la seguridad de la compañía. Todo el esfuerzo que se haga para allanar el camino siempre será poco porque no hay nada peor que enfrentarse a una crisis derivada por un incidente de ciberseguridad con un equipo enfrentado que no rema en el mismo sentido. Por eso es importante tener un equipo sólido y cohesionado porque impulsará la estrategia de ciberseguridad de la empresa.