Small organizations often have limited resources, both in terms of personnel and finances. As a result, many small organizations may be tempted to combine their IT and information security functions in an effort to save money and simplify their operations. However, while this may seem like a logical approach, there are several reasons why small organizations should consider separating their IT and information security functions.

1. Different Skillsets and Objectives: IT departments are responsible for maintaining and supporting the organization’s technology infrastructure, while information security departments protect the organization’s sensitive information. These two functions require different skill sets and objectives. Combining these two functions can create conflicts of interest and make it more difficult to prioritize and manage security risks effectively.
2. Compliance Requirements: Small organizations may be subject to industry-specific compliance requirements, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR. These regulations require organizations to meet specific security standards and protect sensitive data. Combining IT and information security functions can make it more difficult to meet these compliance requirements, as IT staff may not have the necessary expertise to address security concerns effectively.
3. Resource Allocation: Combining IT and information security functions can strain resources. IT staff may be forced to split their time between managing the organization’s technology infrastructure and addressing security concerns. This can lead to a lack of attention and resources allocated to either function, resulting in security vulnerabilities and system failures.
4. Specialized Expertise: Information security is a specialized field that requires specific knowledge and expertise. By separating the information security function, small organizations can hire dedicated security staff with the necessary certifications and experience to ensure the security of the organization’s data.

Despite these challenges, small organizations can take several steps to separate their IT and information security functions without incurring a significant financial impact. Some of these steps include:

1. Cross-Training: Cross-training IT staff to handle some information security responsibilities can help reduce the burden on security staff and ensure that security concerns are addressed promptly.
2. Outsourcing: Outsourcing some or all of the information security functions to a third-party provider can help small organizations access specialized security expertise without needing additional headcount.
3. Automation: Automating security tasks using tools such as SIEM software or vulnerability scanners can reduce the time and effort required to manage security tasks.
4. Managed Services: Leveraging managed security services can help small organizations improve their security posture without the need for additional headcount or internal resources.

Separating IT and information security functions is critical for small organizations to protect their information assets. While there may be challenges associated with this separation, small organizations can address these challenges and prioritize their security needs based on their available resources.