Security protection must be MAX, balanced by real world RISK MGT so folks can prove they are who they say they are remotely. In training I once heard, "we can never have 100% PURE security as no one would be able to LOGON" - lol For example, security controls can become so tight that productivity suffers. Fort Knox level controls are the ultimate to keep the dark side of force away, but APPs become "promptware" & unusable. RISK MGT on an item-by-item basis is more realistic. SWOT analysis is a popular BA approach for RISK MGT. It weighs PROS/CONS that can be used for security needs: "S" = Strengths of new controls? "W" = Weaknesses & known limitations? "O" = Opportunities & protective advantages? "T" = Threats & risk mitigations?

Balancing security and flexibility requires strategic measures. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) limits access to essential data, reducing risk and ensuring compliance. A Zero-Trust model enforces continuous verification via MFA, endpoint security, and micro-segmentation. Security awareness training helps employees recognize threats like phishing. Secure infrastructure, including cloud security and IAM, enhances protection without limiting productivity. Adaptive policies adjust access based on risk factors like location and behavior. A well-integrated approach ensures security while maintaining agility.

In my role as a Business Relationship Manager with expertise in IT systems management, I focus on aligning security with business needs through: Role-Based Access Control: Implementing access controls that support both security and operational needs, as I did during Romeu’s Ivory Coast office expansion. Adaptive Zero-Trust Model: Regularly verifying users and devices to ensure security without sacrificing productivity. Engaging Security Awareness: Conducting practical and interactive training sessions, leveraging my experience from events like 'Be Green' in Tangier. Governance with Agility: Promoting flexible policies that support innovation while maintaining compliance.

I always start by implementing a zero-trust framework using Microsoft Entra. By leveraging Entra Identity Protection, I assess user and login risks and enforce Conditional Access policies to ensure only authenticated users and devices gain entry. Zero-trust network access through Entra Internet and Intranet Access tightly controls traffic, while Entra Permission Management ensures least-privilege access. I also adopt passwordless authentication to simplify secure sign-ins. Additionally, I boost security awareness by sharing real-world threat information and running controlled phishing simulations with Microsoft Defender for Office 365, ensuring our policies effectively balance strong security with necessary flexibility.

To align your policies effectively, you need to first ensure that your security policies are flexible. This is so that you would be able to implement any last minute changes especially when a cyber incident occurs. You should also make sure that your policies are strict enough. This can be done by ensuring that only authorized users have access to the system and certain devices. You should also train your employees. This is so that they would know what to do in order to avoid themselves from breaching any security policies.