Assignment 2: Security Policy Creation Learning Objectives

Assignment 2 Security Policy Creationlearning Objectives And Outcomes

Research information security policy framework approaches. You will analyze policies for the specified organization.

Identify the method for creating a security policy framework. Scenario You are appointed as an information technology (IT) security manager in the XYZ health care organization. This large, publicly traded health care organization has 25 sites across the region with 2,000 staff members and thousands of patients. Sean, your manager, has asked you to analyze the current state of the corporation and then identify an appropriate IT security policy framework.

He wants to know how you would approach this task. Sean will compare your findings to his, and then move forward with the appropriate IT security policy framework.

Research the scenario carefully and then write a report on how you would approach the task.

Describe how you would analyze your organization.

Describe your approach for selecting an appropriate IT security policy framework for the organization.

Identify and clearly describe your recommended IT Security policy framework the organization should use.

Create a proposed IT Security Policy Framework.

Include a clear rationale as to why you think the framework will be best.

Include and cite at least here (3) sample policies that could part of the security policy framework.

Be sure to research these steps from the course textbook, your college library, or the Internet, and use these methods to formulate your recommendations.

Assignment is worth 100 points.

Required Resources

Access to the Internet

Minimum Submission Requirements

Format: Microsoft Word

Font: Times New Roman, 12-Point

Citation Style: APA

Length: two (2) pages, double-spaced, left justified

Paper For Above instruction

As the appointed IT security manager for XYZ Healthcare, my initial step in formulating a comprehensive security policy involves conducting a thorough analysis of the organization’s current security posture. This process commences with an organizational assessment that encompasses evaluating existing policies, technological infrastructure, and security controls across all 25 sites. Key to this analysis is understanding the specific risks associated with healthcare data, such as compliance with HIPAA regulations, safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI), and ensuring continuity of care amid cyber threats.

The analysis begins with a risk assessment process that identifies vulnerabilities within the organization’s network, hardware, software, and personnel practices. This involves interviews with key stakeholders, including IT staff, department managers, and compliance officers, to gather insights on existing procedures and pitfalls. Additionally, conducting vulnerability scans and penetration testing provides technical data on possible entry points for cyberattacks. This information will steer the development of appropriate security controls aligned with the organization’s operational needs.

Once a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s security landscape is achieved, the next step involves selecting a suitable IT security policy framework. For a healthcare organization like XYZ, the framework must address healthcare-specific legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, HITECH, and other federal and state regulations. I recommend adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), which provides a flexible, risk-based approach tailored to the healthcare sector. The NIST CSF’s core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover—align well with the needs of healthcare organizations seeking to improve their cybersecurity resilience (NIST, 2018).

The proposed security policy framework for XYZ Healthcare will be structured around key policy components derived from the NIST CSF and supplemented by industry best practices. These include policies for access control, incident response, data encryption, and user training. For example, an access control policy will define who can access sensitive PHI, under what circumstances, and with what authorization levels, ensuring compliance with HIPAA privacy rules.

The rationale for choosing the NIST CSF is rooted in its adaptability to healthcare environments, emphasis on continuous improvement, and recognized status as a leading cybersecurity framework. Its modular design allows XYZ Healthcare to tailor controls according to the evolving threat landscape and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, aligning policies with NIST standards facilitates easier audits and demonstrates a commitment to industry best practices.

Three sample policies that this framework could include are:

1. Data Access and Authorization Policy: Defining access levels and authentication protocols for healthcare data systems.
2. Incident Response Policy: Procedures for detecting, reporting, and managing security incidents involving PHI.
3. Training and Awareness Policy: Regular cybersecurity training programs for staff to mitigate social engineering attacks.

In conclusion, a strategic approach involving thorough organizational analysis and selection of a proven, adaptable framework like the NIST CSF will enable XYZ Healthcare to establish a robust security posture. This, in turn, ensures patient data protection, regulatory compliance, and resilience against cyber threats.

References

• NIST. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2020). HIPAA Privacy Rule. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html
• Wilson, C. (2019). Healthcare cybersecurity: Protecting patient data. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-019-1357-3
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). International Organization for Standardization.
• NIST SP 800-53. Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations. National Institute of Standards and Technology.