What should a comprehensive information security strategy primarily aim to do?

A comprehensive information security strategy should primarily aim to balance the need for access to information with protection measures. This balance is crucial because, while safeguarding sensitive data and technology from threats is essential, it is equally important to ensure that legitimate users can access the information they need to perform their roles effectively.

Achieving this balance involves implementing robust security controls that protect data integrity, confidentiality, and availability without creating unnecessary barriers to access. It includes developing access controls, policies, and procedures that allow for secure and efficient information sharing, which is vital for operational effectiveness and collaboration within the organization. This approach ensures that security measures do not hinder productivity or innovation while still defending against potential threats.

By focusing solely on incident response or minimizing technology-related risks, an organization might overlook the proactive measures necessary to foster a culture of security while enabling effective operations. Limiting communication among employees could lead to silos of information and hinder collaboration, which is counterproductive to a healthy information security posture. Therefore, striking a balance between access and protection underpins a well-rounded and effective information security strategy.