A viable system model for information security governance: Establishing a baseline of the current information security operations system

Abstract

The academic literature offers many different frameworks and models of Information Security Governance (ISG). Considerable advancements have been made in identifying the components and principles of ISG. However, the current research has not identified the viability principles and components of ISG that ensure business continuity. This paper proposes a systemic model of ISG using the principles and systems of cybernetics as embodied in Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM). It also establishes a baseline of the current information security operations system by adopting and simulating the BS ISO/IEC 27035 and shows the results of the simulation. Adopting the proposed viable system model of information security governance helps organizations not only in ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls but also in ensuring business continuity.