Safeguarding GLAMP Treasures: The Vital Role of Security in Cultural Institutions

For those in the Galleries, libraries, museums, archives, and performance arts (GLAMP) space, preservation of cultural artifacts and knowledge is paramount. In an era dominated by digital advancements, these institutions must not only embrace the changing landscape, but also find ways to face the ever-growing challenge of securing their valuable assets against cyber threats. This blog post explores the reasons why security is crucial for GLAMP institutions and outlines key measures to protect their collections.

Safeguarding Priceless Historic Information:

GLAMP organizations are not just repositories of physical artifacts; they also hold invaluable information about each piece. A security breach could not only lead to the compromise of digital files and asset repositories, but also lead to the loss of important provenance records. Generations of curators invest time in researching and documenting artifacts, and losing this information would deal a severe blow to the GLAMP space.

Securing Physical Assets:

Security breaches could also lead to the physical security of the collections being at risk. Often stored with object data are warehouse storage locations, shipping information, and other important records. Unauthorized access or tampering could result in objects being lost, stolen, or irreparable damage could occur to artworks, manuscripts, or other important historical items. 

Keys to Protecting GLAMP Collections 

• Uncompromised Security and Compliance:

It's important to pick a vendor that follows strict security protocols, including external penetration testing and regular audits. Look for those adhering to strict standards such as FINRA, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR, OAIS compliant, and more ensures that the organization meets the highest levels of security and compliance.

• Well Trained Employees, A Crucial Line of Defense:

Recognizing the human element's critical role in cybersecurity, organizations can prioritize rigorous training for all employees in security and privacy standards. A well-informed staff becomes an essential line of defense against social engineering and other human-centric cyber threats.

• Proactive Disaster Recovery Plan and Rapid Response:

In the event of a security incident, adopt a proactive and rapid approach. Incident management programs should align with international standards, ensuring quick detection, response, and restoration of assets following any cybersecurity event. Make sure you have a disaster recovery plan, and that plan involves backups in multiple geographic regions or cloud-service providers. This plan should include having dynamic monitoring to log all activities and security events, providing reports for oversight. 

• Continuous Evolution in Security Measures: 
  

Look for an organization’s proactive stance toward staying ahead of emerging threats and adapting security measures accordingly. This type of work is rarely celebrated, but absolutely essential to keeping up with ongoing threats to security. 

As GLAMP institutions continue to navigate the digital landscape, safeguarding their collections against cyber threats will unfortunately be another aspect to plan for. Orange Logic's comprehensive security approach, and commitment to evolving security standards serves as a model for cultural organizations seeking to protect both their digital assets and physical treasures. In an interconnected world, where information is as valuable as the artifacts themselves, investing in robust security measures is an investment in preserving the rich tapestry of our shared cultural heritage.

To learn more about how Orange Logic can help with your security needs, schedule a call today, or read an interview with Orange Logic’s Complaince Manager. Be sure to connect with the Orange Logic team at the upcoming DAM & Museums event.