I have noticed recently the increase in discussions with industry professionals and the awareness of the impact of a documented ITAM process as it relates to Cyber Security Practices….. Duhhhh,  About Time!!!!!

As Dr. Barb says, you can’t secure what you don’t know you have!  Hardware management is a core competency of ITAM.  Tagging, Tracking and Documenting Hardware through our organizations is vital to a mature ITAM program.  The first reaction in a breach event is to determine what hardware is in our environment, what is connected, who is using it and why it is where it is.  We can’t answer these basic questions if we are not Tagging, Tracking and Documenting the lifecycle of hardware.  I am highlighting some of the key functions for a successful ITAM program and the impact on your organization’s Cyber Security efforts.

• Maintaining an Accurate Inventory: ITAM helps organizations keep track of all hardware assets, including their location, configuration, and associated users. This is essential for identifying unauthorized devices and potential vulnerabilities.
• Tracking End-of-Life Hardware: ITAM ensures retired hardware is properly tracked and documented. This supports accurate inventory controls and identifying what is supposed to be active on the network.
• Managing Access Control: By associating hardware assets with authorized users, ITAM helps enforce access controls and prevent unauthorized use or modifications.
• Supporting Incident Response: In the event of a security breach, ITAM data is invaluable for identifying compromised hardware, managing the incident and taking the appropriate best next steps.
• Ensuring Compliance: ITAM helps organizations comply with cybersecurity regulations and standards that require proper management and disposal of hardware assets.

By effectively managing hardware assets throughout their lifecycle, ITAM contributes significantly to an organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.  So, the next time you are not getting financial support to properly track and document your hardware, frame your request for support around your organization’s Cyber Security efforts and funnel this through your CISO or Security team!