What does due care refer to in the context of IT security?

Due care in the context of IT security refers to the process of taking reasonable steps to protect an organization's information assets and minimize risks. This concept is centered around the implementation and ongoing maintenance of appropriate security measures to safeguard sensitive data and systems.

The essence of due care lies in establishing and upholding best practices, standards, and policies that demonstrate a commitment to protecting information security. It encompasses actions such as conducting regular security assessments, deploying necessary security technologies, providing security awareness training to staff, and adhering to relevant regulations and industry standards.

By ensuring these measures are in place and current, an organization can effectively mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities, thereby fulfilling its obligations to protect its assets and maintain the integrity of its information systems. This proactive approach reflects the organization's responsibility to care for the security of its data, which is a fundamental aspect of effective risk management.