Understanding and Implementing Information Assurance in Facilities Portfolio Management and Enterprise Asset Management

Understanding the importance of information assurance and how it's implemented is crucial for facilities portfolio managers to safeguard their organizations' data and infrastructure.

To that end, it's necessary to examine various aspects of information assurance and security to identify its significance in facilities portfolio management and strategic planning.

What Is Information Assurance and How Does It Intersect with Security?

As outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-12 Revision 1, information assurance includes measures that protect and defend information and information systems, ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation.

All organizations need information assurance and security to manage and protect their data assets. While cybersecurity focuses on protecting data from external threats, information assurance encompasses a broader scope, including policies, procedures, and controls to make sure that data is accurate, reliable, and available when needed. This holistic approach is critical in facilities portfolio management, where the integrity and availability of data directly impact operational efficiency and decision-making.

Following an organizational information assurance strategic plan is critical for facilities portfolio managers and their information security teams. This plan should outline an organization's approach to managing and protecting its information assets so it aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements. As such, it should identify potential risks, implement appropriate controls, and establish procedures for ongoing monitoring and review. A well-crafted strategic plan will help organizations ensure that they integrate information assurance practices into every aspect of their operations.

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance: A Dual Approach

The relationship between cybersecurity and information assurance is vital in facilities portfolio management. While cybersecurity efforts are directed toward protecting organizations' digital assets from cyberattacks and other external threats, information assurance encompasses a wider range of practices. These include ensuring data accuracy, preventing unauthorized access, and maintaining data availability, all essential components for the smooth functioning of facility operations.

Information assurance certification plays a significant role in giving facilities portfolio managers and their teams the necessary knowledge and skills to implement effective information assurance practices. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) provide industry professionals with an understanding of best practices in information security and assurance. Having a team with information assurance certifications can greatly enhance an organization's ability to manage risks and reinforce the security and reliability of its information systems.

Three Critical Elements of Information Assurance

In real-world scenarios, three main elements of information assurance must be considered when protecting organizations' data, as defined in NIST Special Publication 1800-26A:

1. Confidentiality: Access to data is restricted to authorized entities only. In facilities portfolio management, this is important because it helps prevent conflicts of interest and protect sensitive information.
2. Integrity: Ensuring that data remains unaltered unless authorized is critical in facilities portfolio management to maintain accuracy and reliability. Auditing capabilities are essential to verify the data's integrity and track changes.
3. Availability: Data must be accessible to authorized users when needed. This is especially important for decision-making in field assessments, capital planning, and other scenarios where operational efficiency and informed decisions are essential.

Facilities portfolio managers and their information security teams must make information assurance an integral part of their daily operations and long-term strategic planning. This generally involves performing regular training, updating security protocols, and checking for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Adopting a strategic information assurance approach, ongoing monitoring, and continuous improvement are key to maintaining robust security and data integrity.

By prioritizing these elements, organizations can secure the security, reliability, and integrity of their data and systems. To learn how R&K Solutions can help your organization achieve its information assurance goals associated with Facilities Portfolio Management and Enterprise Asset Management solutions, contact us today.