As-a-Service: The New Frontier for Oversight and Governance
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and businesses increasingly rely on “as-a-service” (aaS) models for everything from software and infrastructure to platforms and even security. While aaS offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility, it also presents a unique set of challenges regarding oversight and governance.
The Challenge of Catching Up
We’ve seen this pattern before. New technology emerges, adoption skyrockets, and then we scramble to establish norms, best practices, and governance models. Mobile phones, social media, and even email all went through similar growing pains. Now, it’s aaS’s turn.
While significant progress has been made in areas like data ownership and responsibility delineation, many crucial aspects of IT governance are still playing catch-up. Change control, incident management, business continuity planning, risk management, and information security are all areas where aaS often lags behind traditional on-premises environments.
The Consequences of Neglect
This gap in oversight and governance is more than just a theoretical concern. We’re witnessing a surge in preventable disruptions and security breaches directly linked to inadequate aaS management. The recent Snowflake and CrowdStrike incidents are stark reminders of the potential consequences.
These incidents could have been mitigated, if not entirely prevented, with the right oversight and governance structures in place. The absence of robust processes leaves organizations vulnerable to data loss, service interruptions, and reputational damage.
A Call to Action for CEOs, CFOs, Legal Teams, and Boards
The time for complacency is over. CEOs, CFOs, legal teams, and boards must prioritize the establishment of comprehensive oversight and governance frameworks specifically tailored for aaS environments. This is not merely a matter of adapting existing on-premises models; it requires a fundamental shift in thinking.
Here’s what we need to do:
- Recognize the Unique Risks: Understand that aaS introduces a different set of risks than on-premises infrastructure. These risks necessitate tailored controls and processes.
- Develop Robust Governance Structures: Establish clear lines of responsibility and accountability for aaS management. Define roles and responsibilities for vendor management, data protection, incident response, and change control.
- Invest in Education and Training: Ensure that all relevant personnel are well-versed in the nuances of aaS and the specific risks associated with different models.
- Prioritize Security and Compliance: Implement rigorous security controls and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
- Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your aaS governance framework to adapt to evolving threats and technologies.
The stakes are high. By proactively addressing the governance challenges of aaS, organizations can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology while mitigating the risks.
Let’s not wait for the next major incident to spur action. Let’s take charge of our aaS environments and ensure they are secure, resilient, and aligned with our business objectives.
#aas #governance #cybersecurity #riskmanagement #leadership
About the Author:
Harrison Lewis is the Founding Partner of Jacob Meadow and Associates, LLC, bringing over two decades of experience in digital transformation and IT innovation. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at Grocery Outlet, Northgate Gonzalez, HEB, and Kroger, Harrison has consistently driven success by implementing cutting-edge technology solutions. His expertise encompasses cloud adoption, SaaS, integration, and cybersecurity, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions that align with their business goals. Harrison empowers his team to deliver exceptional client results and is passionate about fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.