Security accreditation is necessary to ensure the safety of computer systems and confidential information. The process involves a neutral third party that can assess and revoke accreditation if necessary. Accreditation can also include employee training and certification. The cost of obtaining security clearance can be offset by increased benefits and financial assistance is available for those who need it.
Security accreditation can range from a credential maintained by a website to assure users of the integrity of encrypted data, to diplomas given to security training participants. The type of accreditation that would be required and appropriate depends on the application. In all cases, the process of obtaining a security clearance should involve a neutral third party capable of making a balanced and unbiased assessment. That same party has the authority to revoke accreditation if it feels that the recipient no longer meets established standards.
In computing, security clearance is necessary to assure users that systems are secure. Many systems have safeguards in place and will not communicate with a system or site that does not have a security certificate. For example, browser software will alert the user if a site’s credential is expired, mismatched, or appears to have some other problem. The user can decide whether to continue sharing confidential information or back out.
Computer systems may be subject to audit by accredited agencies with authority to evaluate a system and determine the level of security it provides to users. These agencies may also provide employee training to learn about security protocol. They can assess employees to determine if they are qualified to work on the system; for example, the auditor might ask to see employees’ educational records and administer interviews or tests to learn how much they know about computer security.
These audits can be useful for everything from checking government computers to auditing the credit card manufacturing process and associated systems. Security clearance can also include training and certification of personnel working with confidential and sensitive information. Hospital staff, for example, need confidentiality training to protect patient privacy. A hospital may need accreditation to qualify for certain insurance products, such as malpractice coverage, or to work with specific insurance providers that offer coverage to patients.
The process of obtaining security clearance can be time consuming and expensive. The clear benefit is the ability to access more customers and benefits, which may pay for the cost of obtaining and maintaining security clearance. If companies struggle with cost, they can receive financial assistance if they document a need and show how they will use their accreditation. Public subsidies, for example, are available for institutions such as hospitals and schools that need to update their security measures.
Asset Smart.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
