Re: ROI data

[Thomas Rozenbroek <tom.rozenbroek () comcast net>]

All,

A few thoughts, if I may.

First, traditional ROI is a non-starter.  I can't think of a situation 
where having an IA architect would result in a simple gain (more 
revenue/profit, etc).

Second, you may be able to show that by having a single IA solution 
(designed, developed, deployed and maintained by your IA architect), 
that the overall cost of IA/security for your entire infrastructure is 
reduced.  (Shared resources, common defenses, less duplication of 
services, etc)

Third, if you address ROI from the risk reduction perspective, you may 
be able to generate very large "ROI".  This would be done by reducing 
the cost associated with security incidents that "were avoided" because 
of the work done by the IA architect.  For example, if your company can 
avoid a single IA incident with an estimated cost of $500k every year by 
spending $100K on an IA architect, then you can claim a ROI of 5 to 1.  
(This logic requires that your company is experiencing IA incidences 
before you hire the architect.  You can't claim that the architect is 
preventing or lessening incidents that aren't happening.)

Fourth, a friend of mine is fond of saying: "That after loss of life, 
loss of reputation is the worst thing that can happen to a company."  
Keeping or improving your company's reputation is another Investment 
that should be considered when trying to determine ROI.

In summary, I would start by trying to put a dollar value on security 
risks that have been reduced because of the IA architect's involvement.  
There is a lot of material available for calculating the cost of an 
incident.

Hope this helps.

Respectfully,

thr
-----
What I have completed does not matter; it is only what I have not 
completed that is important.
On 5/28/2012 23:55, gig wrote:
> Gordan,
>
> To answer you directly, no I don't have ROI data.  It seems to me that 
> would be an extreme reach to claim ROI on the functions you mentioned.
>
> I'm responding to your post because I was able to create two IT 
> Security Architects positions using the issue of regulatory compliance 
> as a driver. I started with a realistic Information Security Program 
> gap analysis and simply outlined our deficiencies to management.
>
> "you want these problems fixed, i'll need these types of positions to 
> get it done"...and it worked.
>
> To help you more fully requires an understanding of many 
> things....your own title, your company business, size of current 
> staff...even reporting structure is important.  (a concern for our 
> company was the difference between enterprise architects and security 
> architects)
>
> good luck!
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <grmerrill () epbfi com>
> To: <security-basics () securityfocus com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2012 11:30 AM
> Subject: ROI data
>
>
> > Does anyone have current ROI data on implementing an IA architect 
> > position?
> >
> > This is like an IT security Architect only focusing more on Security 
> > plan, Business Continuity, Disaster Managaement, and Data Integrity.
> >
> > This would be an enterprise manager overseeing several systems admins 
> > responsible in part for their own systems andintegrating all systems 
> > into the master plan.
> >
> > This should also reflect the benefits of getting all of the above in 
> > line as a benefit for meeting many compliance deadlines and 
> > integration dates.
> >
> > Thank You,
> > Gordon R Merrill MSIA
> > Information Assurance Professional
> > GRMerrill () epbfi net
> >
> >
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Securing Apache Web Server with thawte Digital Certificate
In this guide we examine the importance of Apache-SSL and who needs an SSL certificate.  We look at how SSL works, how 
it benefits your company and how your customers can tell if a site is secure. You will find out how to test, purchase, 
install and use a thawte Digital Certificate on your Apache web server. Throughout, best practices for set-up are 
highlighted to help you ensure efficient ongoing management of your encryption keys and digital certificates.

http://www.dinclinx.com/Redirect.aspx?36;4175;25;1371;0;5;946;e13b6be442f727d1
------------------------------------------------------------------------