October 21. Hardware: Asset Management
In any organisation, and even for individuals with multiple devices, simply knowing what hardware and software you own is the foundational step for effective cybersecurity. This practice is known as asset management, and it's far more than just an inventory list; it's a critical component of risk management and security posture. You cannot protect what you do not know you have, or what state it's in.
An asset register is a detailed, organised record of valuable assets owned or controlled by an individual or organisation. In the context of cyber security it focuses on IT assets but can extend to other assets in an organisation.
Why is effective asset management crucial for cybersecurity?
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Visibility and Control:
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Know Your Assets: A comprehensive inventory helps you identify all devices connected to your network (laptops, desktops, servers, mobile devices, IoT devices, printers, network equipment). If assets are assigned to individuals, then their last location can be tracked.
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Eliminate Shadow IT: Prevents "shadow IT" – unauthorised devices or software – from introducing unknown vulnerabilities.
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Vulnerability Management:
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Track End-of-Life: Identify hardware and software that are nearing or have reached their end-of-life, making them vulnerable to unpatched exploits.
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Patch Management: Knowing which assets have which software helps ensure that all necessary security patches and updates are applied promptly across the entire environment.
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Risk Assessment:
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Data Classification: Link assets to the types of data they store or process (e.g., sensitive, confidential). This helps prioritise security efforts.
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Identify Critical Assets: Pinpoint which assets are most critical to business operations, allowing for enhanced protection measures.
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Incident Response:
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Faster Containment: In the event of a breach, a clear asset inventory helps quickly identify affected systems, enabling faster containment and isolation.
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Accurate Recovery: Knowing which systems are affected helps streamline the recovery process.
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Compliance:
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Many regulatory frameworks require organisations to maintain accurate records of their IT assets and demonstrate control over them. If you are a school or college, you should look to the DfE Digital Leadership & Governance Tracker which gives guidance about appropriate registers the organisation should keep and what should be in them,
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What to include in asset management:
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Hardware: Make, model, serial number, location, assigned user, purchase date, warranty info.
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Software: Operating system version, installed applications, license keys, patch status.
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Network Information: IP addresses, network segment, connection type.
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Security Status: Antivirus installed/running, encryption status, MFA enabled.
For Individuals: Asset management might be a simpler list of your computers, phones, tablets, smart home devices. Knowing what you own helps ensure they are all password-protected, updated, and secured.
By maintaining an accurate and up-to-date asset inventory, organisations gain foundational control over their digital environment, enabling more effective security measures, better risk management, and a stronger overall cybersecurity posture.
Understanding what IT devices you have, where they are and who has access to them is key in preventing a cyber attack.
✅ Ensure there are procedures in place to wipe the contents/reset in between loans and the asset register updated.
✅ Ensure there is a method to track devices if lost/mislaid. Consider the use of remote wiping technologies.
✅ Check the disposal company for IT assets has the required certifications.
✅ Consider marking or tagging the devices (especially mobile ones).
✅ Consider the use of mobile device management software for iPads.
Review the DfE Meeting Digital and Technology Standards in Schools and Colleges : which advises that devices should be known and recorded with their security features enabled, correctly configured and kept up to date. We can provide support, guidance and trackers to help you assess where you are and track your progress 👉 https://digitalstandardstracker.co.uk/
Review: NCSC Asset Management
💡Today's Cyber Tip: Take stock of your digital assets
You can't protect what you don't know you have! Check your leavers and onboarding processes to ensure it includes updates to the asset register.
DPE Knowledge Bank Guidance and Support:
For schools and colleges, six of the DfE Digital Standards are now mandatory. We have a DfE Digital Standards Tracker tool help you track your cyber resilience and your progress:
Review our Cyber Security Best Practice Area for micro learning, support, guidance and policies:
Why not have a look at our 'specialist' trainer Harry the Hacker :
