In the year 1209 the Cathars were besieged at Carcassonne in southern France. The Cathars were a religious group branded heretical by the Pope. Within the heavily fortified city the Cathars were protected but vulnerable to a supply chain attack.

The Castle Comtal within the fortified city in France’s Aude department, stands as a monumental testament to medieval military architecture and strategy. One of the most distinctive features of this castle is its portcullis with two independently controlled gates. This engineering marvel serves as an apt metaphor for the need to separate your Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity teams.

The Portcullis at Carcassonne

The fortified city of Carcassonne has a complex defensive system that has stood the test of time. One of its remarkable features is the portcullis, a heavy grilled door that could be dropped or raised to secure the castle’s entrance. But what sets Carcassonne’s portcullis apart is its two independently controlled gates. This means that even if one gate were compromised, the other could remain secure, providing an additional layer of defense.

Separating IT and Cybersecurity Teams: A Modern-Day Portcullis

In modern organizations, the IT and Cybersecurity teams often have different mandates but overlapping responsibilities. The IT team is generally responsible for managing the hardware, software, and networks that keep the company running. In security terms this is called “Availability”. The Cybersecurity team, on the other hand, focuses mainly on protecting the “Confidentiality” (controlling who can see what), and the “Integrity” (who can change what).

Much like the dual gates of Carcassonne’s portcullis, these teams should operate independently but in tandem. A Change Board approves software installations and updates; The Cybersecurity team updates the allow policies and the IT team implements the changes.

Advantages of Separation

1. **Focused Expertise**: Specializing allows each team to become experts in their area, leading to better performance and problem-solving.

2. **Risk Mitigation**: Separating the approval and installation of software makes it almost impossible for a disgruntled employee to wreak havoc.

3. **Checks and Balances**: Independent operations allow for internal checks, reducing the likelihood of systemic failures and oversights.

The Harmony of Independence and Interdependence

While it’s crucial for these teams to operate independently, they should not work in silos. Much like the independent but harmoniously functioning gates of Carcassonne, IT and Cybersecurity teams should have protocols for secure communication and collaboration. For instance, while the IT team may be responsible for implementing a new software platform, the Cybersecurity team should be involved in assessing its security features and updating the allow policies.

Conclusion

The dual-gate portcullis at the Castle at Carcassonne serves as a timeless symbol of defense in depth. In a world where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, the need for separate but coordinated IT and Cybersecurity teams has never been greater. By learning from the past and applying its lessons to the present, your company can fortify your castle against the ever-evolving challenges facing you.