E-enterprise security management life cycle

Purpose – One of the purposes of this paper is to discuss special security concerns and new challenges at front‐end e‐business and back‐end supply chain operations. An e‐enterprise security management life cycle (eSMLC) is then proposed to ensure the unification and congruity of e‐enterprise security management.Design/methodology/approach – To demonstrate the practicality of the eSMLC, a case study is presented to depict the application and implementation of the methodology at a leading US heating, ventilating, and air‐conditioning manufacturing company.Findings – The case study substantiates that the eSMLC methodology can be employed as a unified mechanism to provide central, cohesive control and global visibility. It helps security professionals in the company develop practical steps and sustainable solutions for tackling the unique security challenges arising in an open, unbounded e‐enterprise environment.Practical implications – Implementing eSMLC can help the security specialists focus on different c...