Chapter 1: Introduction to Asset Management
Asset management is a critical first step of any cybersecurity management process for MSPs and MSSPs aiming to offer vCISO services. It provides a clear inventory of what needs to be protected, forming the foundation for effective risk assessment and strategic planning.
It involves identifying, tracking, and managing all assets within an organization to maintain security, ensure compliance, and support business resilience. This foundational practice helps vCISOs to build a robust cybersecurity strategy that aligns with broader business goals.
What is Asset Management and Why is it Important?
An asset management program helps define what resources exist, who is responsible for them, and how they are maintained. Understanding and managing assets effectively is essential for maintaining security and mitigating risk. Without a clear understanding of what assets exist and how they are secured, breaches can occur, vulnerabilities go unnoticed, and compliance gaps emerge, making incident response chaotic and ineffective. Asset management also ensures that compliance requirements are met and lays the groundwork for other security programs.
You can’t protect what you don’t know. Asset management is a cornerstone of the overall cybersecurity strategy and is intrinsically linked to every other component of a cybersecurity program (for an overview of the 11 strategic security programs, go to Course 1).
For example, continuity planning relies on up-to-date asset information to ensure critical systems are prioritized during recovery. Similarly, the effectiveness of security controls is dependent on knowing what assets need protection and how those controls are applied. For vCISOs, demonstrating how asset management integrates with the organization’s overall security strategy is essential to delivering holistic cybersecurity leadership.
Review Course 1