Afinal Written Project: Cybersecurity Planning And Managemen ✓ Solved

Afinal Written Projectcybersecurity Planning And Managementcreating

Afinal Written Projectcybersecurity Planning And Managementcreating

Create two cybersecurity policies for a medium-sized financial services company employing 250 people in New Hampshire. The first policy should address employee personal use of company email resources, and the second should focus on WIFI and Internet use within the company. The policies should specify clear terms and conditions of use, considering the level of strictness appropriate for the organization. Include sections on overview, purpose, scope, policy, policy compliance, related standards, and definitions. Research web resources for guidance and ensure policies are detailed, practical, and enforceable. Additionally, discuss measures you would implement to foster a national security culture, increasing awareness and proactive behavior regarding information security threats.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is of paramount importance for organizations of all sizes, especially within the financial sector, where sensitive data and financial information are prime targets for cyber threats. As the newly appointed Security Manager of a medium-sized financial services firm employing 250 staff members in New Hampshire, it is essential to develop comprehensive policies that regulate the use of company resources such as email, WiFi, and internet services. This paper outlines the formulation of two key policies—one on employee personal use of company email and another on WiFi and internet use—aimed at safeguarding organizational assets while maintaining a productive work environment. Additionally, it explores strategies to bolster a national cybersecurity culture.

Developing the Email Policy

The email policy's primary objective is to delineate acceptable personal and professional use of company email systems. It should emphasize that email communication is a company resource intended for work-related purposes and that misuse could lead to disciplinary action. The policy would specify that employees should avoid using email for personal activities such as sending non-work-related messages, purchasing, or sharing confidential personal information. It should also prohibit the use of email for transmitting inappropriate or offensive content, including hate speech, obscene material, or confidential information relating to competitors or third parties.

The scope of the email policy applies to all employees and contractors accessing company email accounts, including those using mobile devices. Under the policy, employees are advised that email communications are subject to monitoring and auditing to ensure compliance. Employees are encouraged to practice good cybersecurity hygiene, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links and refraining from sharing passwords.

To ensure compliance, the policy should outline consequences for violations, ranging from warnings to termination, depending on severity. The policy should also clarify that email communications are not private; the company reserves the right to access and review emails for security and legal purposes. It is crucial to balance security with respecting employee privacy, clearly stating that monitoring will be proportionate and compliant with relevant privacy laws.

Formulating the WIFI and Internet Use Policy

The second policy addresses employee use of WIFI and Internet within the company premises. Its goal is to prevent misuse that could compromise network security or productivity. The policy should specify that WIFI access is primarily for work-related activities, and personal browsing should be limited and not interfere with work duties. It should prohibit activities such as streaming high-bandwidth videos, downloading illegal content, accessing inappropriate websites, or sharing company credentials.

Given the security risks associated with public and unsecured networks, the policy should mandate the use of secured WiFi networks with strong passwords and emphasize the importance of network security practices like connecting only to authorized networks. Employees should be educated on avoiding phishing attacks, not installing unauthorized software, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.

The policy also needs to specify that all internet activity conducted on company devices and networks may be monitored to ensure policy adherence. It should address disciplinary measures for violations, such as suspension or termination, especially in cases of security breaches. Employees should be made aware that confidentiality and data security are priorities, and any breach could have legal and financial implications for the company.

Fostering a National Cybersecurity Culture

Beyond organizational policies, creating a national "security culture" requires a concerted effort to educate citizens, businesses, and government entities about cybersecurity threats. Promoting cybersecurity awareness can involve public campaigns, educational programs, and incentivizing best practices. As a Security Manager, I would advocate for nationwide initiatives such as community outreach programs, integrating cybersecurity education into school curriculums, and offering accessible training for small businesses.

Furthermore, encouraging organizations to adopt security frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO/IEC 27001 can standardize security practices nationwide. Promoting transparency in cybersecurity incidents and sharing lessons learned can foster trust and collective resilience. It is also vital to support the development of cybersecurity workforce skills through scholarships, internships, and certifications, ensuring the nation is better prepared against evolving threats.

Finally, fostering a proactive mindset involves emphasizing the importance of reporting security incidents and recognizing the shared responsibility of every individual in defending the digital ecosystem. Government-led initiatives combined with private sector cooperation can help build an informed, vigilant, and resilient cyber environment across the country.

Conclusion

Creating effective cybersecurity policies for a company operating in sensitive industries such as finance requires careful consideration of acceptable use, security risks, and legal implications. Clear and enforceable email and internet use policies can mitigate many common threats while fostering responsible behavior among employees. Supporting these policies with an overarching effort to cultivate a national security culture can significantly enhance the collective resilience against cyber threats. Through education, standardization, and collaboration, organizations and nations can better safeguard critical information infrastructures and build a more secure digital future.

References

• Fitzgerald, P., & Dennis, A. (2019). Business Data Communications and Networking. 13th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (2020). Best Practices for Cybersecurity Awareness.
• Mitnick, K. D., & Simon, W. L. (2021). The Art of Invisibility: The World's Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to Be Safe in the Age of Big Brother and Big Data. Little, Brown & Company.
• Sharma, R., & Thakur, A. (2020). Cybersecurity Policies and Regulations for Financial Sector. Journal of Financial Crime, 27(2), 563-573.
• European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). (2021). Guidelines on Cybersecurity Awareness and Culture.
• Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. 3rd Edition. Wiley.
• Gordon, L. A., & Loeb, M. P. (2019). Information Security Governance: Foundations and Practice. CRC Press.
• Cybersecurity Technical Guides. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). (2021).