How Does Hardware Asset Management Support Cybersecurity

At ARCOA, we have noticed the recent increase in discussions with industry professionals and the awareness of the impact of a documented ITAM process as it relates to Cyber Security Practices. Well, it’s about time!

Effective hardware management is a fundamental aspect of IT Asset Management (ITAM). Ensuring proper tagging, tracking, and documenting of hardware assets throughout the organization is crucial to the sophistication of an ITAM strategy. In the event of a security breach, the immediate concern is to ascertain which hardware components are present within the infrastructure, their connection statuses, the users interacting with them, and the rationale behind their current locations. Without implementing consistent procedures for tagging, tracking, and documenting the entire lifecycle of our hardware assets, we are unable to promptly and accurately respond to such fundamental inquiries. It is imperative to outline and underscore the essential operations that underpin a robust ITAM program and to understand their significance in enhancing the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

• 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.