How to Effectively Secure Your Outsourced Operations?

Over the years, a growing number of companies from every corner of the world are considering and exploring the outsourcing strategy. In the midst of a global economic slump, outsourcing has become a miracle pill for many ailing industries. But before you decide to outsource your business processes, it is important to remember that while there may have been some gleaming success stories, there are also inbuilt risks that comes with it. To be able to get the most of your investment in outsourcing service, it is important that a mitigation strategy is prepared to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

One key factor that needs to be carefully handled is the security of your company’s information to prevent misuse and free flow. Among the most important issues that you should be aware of include the following:

check icon Compliance to regulations

check icon Intellectual property agreement

check icon Privacy

check icon Internal Misuse of information

check icon Industrial espionage

check icon Other related It concerns

To be able to secure effective security methods, it is very important that the service provider can guarantee availability, integrity as well as having a robust monitoring and compliance system. Security should be consistently enforced to prevent oversight as well as raise better awareness. But keep in mind that information security is not a destination but a journey. There are no instant solutions here. You need to also be well aware that information security is not just a technical concern but a long term solution that involves people, governance and technology.

People:

check icon Frisking of personnel during entry and exit

check icon Regular training on security procedures and policies

check icon Authentication by means of designated password and user ID

check icon Background check for all employees

check icon Non-disclosure agreement between company and employees

Governance encompasses:

check icon Established business goals and realistic expectations

check icon Appropriate provision backup facilities

check icon Security architecture for disaster recovery, continuity and business process workarounds

check icon Regular auditing on both electronic and physical processes

check icon The commitment of the top management

check icon Regular training on active policies and procedures

Technology includes:

check icon Use of firewalls, restrictions, access protocols to workstations, network and other equipment

check icon Data encryption and application-specific security measures

check icon Restricted access to certain websites and compulsory logging on all entries

check icon Restriction on removable storage mediums which includes USB, CD-ROM and floppy drives

check icon Power on passwords to effectively ensure boot protection

check icon Round the clock monitoring via CCTV camera