Utilizing a Risk-Driven Operational Security Assurance Methodology and Measurement Architecture - Experiences from a Case Study
Reijo M. Savola, Teemu Kanstrén, Heimo Pentikäinen, Petri Jurmu, Mauri Myllyaho, Kimmo Hätönen, Nokia Siemens · International Conference on Networking and Services · 2012
Practical measurement of information security of telecoms services is a remarkable challenge because of the lack of applicable generic tools and methods, the difficult-to-predict nature of security risks, the complexity of the systems, and the low observability of security issues in them. We discuss our experiences in utilizing a risk-driven methodology and associated measurement architecture in a practical case study. Effectiveness and efficiency are of main interest to stakeholders responsible for security. We note, however, that security configuration correctness and compliance with requirements are, in practice, the core objectives from an operational perspective. For these objectives there is more evidence available and it is easier to attain it. Our findings in this case study show a need for a wide range of security metrics to offer sufficient evidence of the design, implementation, and deployment of security controls. The case study also shows how visualization tools can be used efficiently to support the management of collections of these metrics. Keywords-Security; metrics; monitoring; risk analysis