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What Is A System Security Plan? The Importance of SSPs – Tech Tip For June 13, 2023

Cyber threats are continuously evolving and becoming more sophisticated. That’s why it’s critical for organizations to take proactive measures to protect their information systems. The first step should be creating a System Security Plan (SSP), a comprehensive written document that outlines the security controls and procedures in place to protect a system from potential threats or vulnerabilities.

Who Needs an SSP?

While the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Defense (DoD) require developing and maintaining SSPs for their information systems, we strongly recommend that all companies, regardless of industry or size, have an SSP in place. A well-written SSP can help organizations identify and address potential vulnerabilities, comply with relevant regulations and standards, and demonstrate a commitment to security to customers and stakeholders. 

What Does an SSP Include?

An SSP is a roadmap for ongoing security management and improvement, so it varies between organizations, but it typically includes information about the system’s

  • hardware and software components
  • network topology
  • data flows

It also includes security rules such as 

  • access controls
  • encryption mechanisms
  • monitoring and reporting procedures. 

Benefits of an SSP

The benefits of having an SSP extend beyond regulatory compliance. It can help organizations identify risks and vulnerabilities, evaluate and prioritize security controls, and ensure that employees know their roles and responsibilities in protecting the organization’s assets. An SSP is also a valuable reference document for incident response and disaster recovery activities.

Create a Strong System Security Plan with Our Expert Support!

Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes, and developing an SSP is essential in protecting your company’s sensitive information and assets. 

If you need help creating a System Security Plan for your organization, the team of experts at TechWise Group can provide guidance and support throughout the process. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect your company’s information systems.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

  • Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
    • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
    • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
  • Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
    • Take advantage of a 15% discount on Copilot licensing now through Dec 31, 2024 (terms and conditions apply).
    • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
  • Keep your infrastructure up to date:
    • SQL Server 2014 reaches End of Support (EOS) on July 9, 2024.
    • Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.
    • Windows 11 feature update 23H2 is now available (September 2024).
    • Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of service (October 8, 2024) and will be required to upgrade to version 23H2 to continue receiving security updates.
    • Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions with 22H2 will continue to be supported after October 8, 2024.
  • Contact TechWise Group to get started or to put a plan in place.