The scenario described indicates a lack in the vendor's Asset Management Program. An effective Asset Management Program includes maintaining an accurate inventory of hardware and devices, monitoring their status, and promptly identifying and responding to any losses or discrepancies. The failure to discover the loss of laptops and a tablet that processed company data for two years suggests deficiencies in tracking and managing physical assets. This lapse can lead to risks associated with data security, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity. A robust Asset Management Program should ensure that all assets are accounted for, their usage is monitored, and any anomalies or losses are quickly identified and addressed.
References:
* IT asset management standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management), emphasize the importance of maintaining an inventory of assets and implementing appropriate controls to safeguard
* organizational assets.
* The "IT Asset Management Handbook" by the International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM) provides guidelines on establishing a comprehensive Asset Management Program, including best practices for asset tracking, monitoring, and loss prevention.