Business benefits of good information security

Managing Information Security is often viewed as a headache by management. It is often perceived as adding costs to a business by focusing on "negatives" - i.e what might go wrong. However, there are many potential business benefits from getting information system security right: to name a few for example:

a) If systems are more up-to-date and secure - they are also more likely to be accurate and efficient

b) Security can be used to "differentiate" a business – it helps build confidence with customers and suppliers

c) Better information systems can increase the capacity of a business. For example, adding secureonline ordering to a web site can boost sales enabling customers to buy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

d) By managing risk more effectively – a business can cut down on losses and potential legal liabilities

One must understand that Information and information systems need to be controlled and a key aspect of control is that an information system should be secure.