In today’s interconnected world, our team at Point Solutions Security recognizes that the role of IT in cybersecurity has undergone significant evolution. No longer is it simply about managing networks; it has become crucial for mitigating organizational risk. We collaborate closely with IT departments to ensure they are not only efficient in their operations but also aligned with the best cybersecurity practices. In this article, we will explore how IT teams influence cybersecurity outcomes, address common challenges in closing the gaps, and share strategies for creating a more unified and secure infrastructure.

Understanding the Role of IT in Cybersecurity

Information Technology (IT) refers to the management of systems, networks, hardware, software, and data infrastructure within an organization. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is the discipline focused on protecting that infrastructure from internal and external threats.

The two functions are distinct but increasingly inseparable. As cyberattacks grow in volume and complexity, IT professionals must be equipped not only to deploy systems but also to defend them.

Key Responsibilities of IT That Influence Security

• Network Architecture and Monitoring: Ensuring systems are properly segmented and monitored for unusual behavior.
• Access Control and Identity Management: Managing who can access systems and enforcing policies like multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Patch Management: Regularly updating software and hardware to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
• Incident Response Support: Working closely with cybersecurity teams during threat detection, investigation, and remediation.

Why IT-Cybersecurity Alignment Is Essential

Many breaches occur not because of a lack of cybersecurity tools but due to poor coordination between IT operations and cybersecurity teams. For instance, a system administrator may delay installing patches for fear of disrupting business operations, inadvertently leaving the door open to an attacker.

At Point Solutions Security, we’ve seen that organizations with tight integration between IT and cybersecurity significantly reduce their risk surface. When these two functions work in lockstep, the organization benefits from faster threat detection, more efficient incident response, and improved compliance outcomes.

Common Gaps Between IT and Security Teams

Even in mature organizations, breakdowns in collaboration between IT and cybersecurity personnel are often observed. Here are some of the most common pain points:

Conflicting Priorities

IT teams prioritize system uptime and performance, while cybersecurity teams prioritize risk reduction. This can lead to tension around issues like downtime for updates or access restrictions.

Lack of Unified Visibility

Without a shared dashboard or reporting framework, IT and security teams may work with different data sets, making it challenging to maintain a cohesive strategy.

Misconfigured Tools and Systems

Security vulnerabilities often stem from misconfigured infrastructure, which can happen when security teams are not consulted during IT rollouts.

Training and Knowledge Gaps

Many IT professionals lack training in security frameworks such as NIST, CIS Controls, or ISO 27001. Without this foundational knowledge, it’s easy to overlook risk factors during system planning or maintenance.

The role of a vCISO in Aligning IT and Cybersecurity

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) can serve as a bridge between IT and cybersecurity, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses that lack a full-time CISO. At Point Solutions Security, our vCISO services include:

• Strategic Oversight: Ensuring IT goals align with enterprise security strategy.
• Policy Development: Crafting acceptable use policies, change control processes, and access management protocols in collaboration with IT.
• Risk Assessments: Conducting joint evaluations to identify gaps across infrastructure and cybersecurity practices.
• Compliance Support: Helping IT teams document their processes for regulatory audits (HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, etc.).

Core Technologies Where IT and Cybersecurity Intersect

A well-aligned organization ensures that IT and cybersecurity work together on deploying and managing tools such as:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Centralized control over user privileges and authentication.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Tools deployed by IT but configured and monitored by security.
• SIEM Platforms: Security Information and Event Management platforms benefit from IT system knowledge and security analytics.
• Network Segmentation Tools: Require IT’s design expertise and input on security threat modeling.

Best Practices for IT Teams to Strengthen Cybersecurity

Whether your organization has an internal security team or relies on a partner like Point Solutions Security, the following IT practices are essential:

Prioritize Configuration Management

Establish and maintain a consistent configuration baseline. Use automation tools to detect deviations from standard settings.

Conduct Routine Patch and Vulnerability Management

Don’t delay updates. Implement a patch schedule and document every change to maintain accountability.

Limit Administrative Privileges

Ensure that access follows the principle of least privilege. Remove dormant accounts and limit administrative rights to only what is necessary.

Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest

Collaborate with cybersecurity leads to ensure that proper encryption protocols are in place across all networks and devices.

Back Up Data and Test Recovery Plans

Ensure backups are encrypted, off-site, and tested regularly. It is often the final line of defense during ransomware recovery.

Compliance Considerations: How IT Supports Governance

IT departments often bear a significant portion of compliance reporting responsibilities. From data retention to logging access events, their work directly supports audits and regulatory frameworks. This makes it critical for IT teams to document their activities and understand what auditors and security assessors look for.

At Point Solutions Security, we help IT leaders prepare for compliance obligations through gap assessments, process automation, and documentation templates.

The Future of IT in Cybersecurity

As organizations adopt cloud-native platforms, Zero Trust architectures, and SaaS-first ecosystems, IT departments are assuming a more significant role in security strategy. Future-forward IT professionals are not just system operators—they’re guardians of digital trust.

To stay ahead, organizations must invest in cross-functional training, foster a culture of shared responsibility, and establish leadership structures that ensure equal representation of IT and cybersecurity in decision-making.

Get Secure With Point Solutions Security!

The role of IT in cybersecurity is both foundational and transformative. When properly aligned, IT and security teams can jointly defend against evolving cyber threats, ensure regulatory compliance, and support business continuity.

At Point Solutions Security, we specialize in helping organizations integrate IT operations with cybersecurity strategy. Whether through vCISO services, compliance advisory, or managed detection and response, we are your partner in building resilient digital ecosystems.

Ready to assess your IT-cybersecurity alignment? Contact Point Solutions Security to schedule a consultation.