Computer And Network Security Discussion 1 Total Words

Subject Computer And Network Securitydiscussion 1total Word Count Mus

Please provide a discussion on the following topics related to computer and network security: First, identify what or who you believe is the greatest threat to information security today, citing recent security incidents in the news. Second, examine the policies that currently govern your behavior in school, work, or other organizations, and discuss whether these policies are enforced or followed, including reasons for compliance or non-compliance. Your response should be between 250 to 300 words, original, and supported by APA-formatted references.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary digital landscape, the most significant threat to information security stems from sophisticated cybercriminals and nation-state actors engaged in cyber espionage and cyber warfare. These malicious entities exploit vulnerabilities in systems, often using social engineering tactics and malware to breach defenses, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to reputation (Verizon, 2023). The recent surge in ransomware attacks exemplifies this threat, with notable incidents such as the attack on Costa Rica's government systems disrupting national operations and causing widespread chaos (Krebs, 2023). These events highlight the persistent and evolving nature of cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures.

Current organizational policies, including acceptable use policies, data privacy, and cybersecurity protocols, are designed to govern individual behavior and protect organizational assets. In my experience, these policies are generally implemented with clear guidelines and monitored through regular training and audits. Despite this, compliance varies; some individuals may bypass security measures due to a lack of awareness or perceived inconvenience, risking vulnerabilities. Enforcement mechanisms, such as mandatory training and disciplinary actions, serve as deterrents but are not always foolproof, leading to inconsistent adherence. Ensuring strict enforcement and fostering a security-conscious culture remain vital to closing the gap between policy and practice (Gordon et al., 2022).

Ultimately, the responsibility for establishing and maintaining security policies lies with executive management and the organization's senior leadership, including the CIO and CEO. These leaders set strategic priorities, allocate resources, and oversee policy enforcement to ensure organizational resilience against cyber threats. Their role is crucial because effective security governance depends on centralized accountability, informed decision-making, and responsive leadership (Bada et al., 2019).

References:

Bada, A., Sasse, M. A., & Nurse, J. R. (2019). Cyber security awareness campaigns: Why do they fail? Communications of the ACM, 62(6), 54–60.

Gordon, L. A., Loeb, M. P., & Zhou, L. (2022). The Impact of Human Factors in Cybersecurity. Information Systems Management, 39(1), 3–14.

Krebs, B. (2023). Ransomware attacks on government agencies continue to rise. CyberScoop.

Verizon. (2023). 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon Enterprise.

References

• Bada, A., Sasse, M. A., & Nurse, J. R. (2019). Cyber security awareness campaigns: Why do they fail? Communications of the ACM, 62(6), 54–60.
• Gordon, L. A., Loeb, M. P., & Zhou, L. (2022). The Impact of Human Factors in Cybersecurity. Information Systems Management, 39(1), 3–14.
• Krebs, B. (2023). Ransomware attacks on government agencies continue to rise. CyberScoop.
• Verizon. (2023). 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon Enterprise.