Considering The Week Two Learning Team Collaborative Discuss

Considering The Week Two Learning Team Collaborative Discussion Data

Considering the Week Two Learning Team collaborative discussion, "Data Types and Risks," you had with your team, create a PowerPoint® presentation for Ben. Its a requirement to use information from the attached chapter as one of the references for the PPT The 8- to 10-slide media-rich Microsoft® PowerPoint® with speaker notes should include: The main uses for an IT system in Ben's business The most common risks associated with this system A prioritized list of the risks identified Mitigations to handle the risks Justify the prioritizations, including how likely the risk is to happen and the potential for harm from that risk. This media-rich presentation should include multimedia such as graphics, pictures, video clips, or audio.

Note: This assignment contributes to your final project in Week Five, "Security Policy Presentation: Final Project," in which you will compile your PowerPoint® presentation slides from each week's individual assignment to create your final presentation. SCENARIO: Learning Team Collaboration: Data Learning Team collaborative discussion, "Data Types and Risks," USE THIS SCENARIO TO CREATE THE PPT You have been contacted by Mr. Ben Rutherman. Ben owns a custom graphics shop with customers from the business community, as well as from schools, non-profits, and individuals. His brother recently had information stolen from his business, and Ben is very concerned about the safety and security of his business, including his e-commerce website.

For the next few weeks you will be working on an Information Security Policy for Ben and his graphics shop. This week you need to discuss data types with your team. In Week Three, you will look at Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity. In Week Four, you will look at protecting the data using access controls and authentication. The final security piece will be added in Week Five, managing wireless, cloud, and application security, with the completed project submitted as the Week 5 Individual assignment, "Security Policy Presentation: Final Project." Discuss with your team the types of data that are stored, accessed, and transferred to others at Ben's graphics shop. Assess the risk to this type of data and ways to mitigate the identified risks.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario involving Ben’s graphics shop presents a compelling case for examining the critical role of information technology systems within small and medium-sized businesses, especially those involved in e-commerce and data handling. The security of data—its integrity, confidentiality, and availability—forms the backbone of trust and operational continuity. This paper explores the main uses of IT systems in Ben’s business, identifies prevalent risks associated with these systems, prioritizes these risks based on likelihood and impact, and discusses effective mitigation strategies to safeguard the enterprise.

Main Uses of IT Systems in Ben’s Business

Ben’s graphics shop leverages a variety of IT systems to streamline operations, serve customers, and protect sensitive information. Primarily, these include a website-based e-commerce platform facilitating order processing, customer management software, and digital design tools. These systems enable rapid quote generation, online transactions, and digital communication with clients. Additionally, internal systems such as employee computers, secure storage servers, and network infrastructure support day-to-day operations. The integration of these systems enhances productivity, improves customer service, and expands market reach.

Furthermore, Ben’s business likely employs cloud storage solutions for backing up data and possibly uses CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems to track customer interactions. The use of email for communication and digital payment gateways for transactions exemplifies the reliance on information technology to facilitate growth and efficiency.

Common Risks Associated with the IT System

The interconnected nature of modern IT systems exposes Ben’s business to various risks. These include data breaches resulting from hacking attempts, malware infections which can compromise or corrupt critical data, and insider threats from employees or third-party vendors. The use of cloud services introduces risks of data leakage or unauthorized access. Additionally, system failures or outages—due to hardware failures, power disruptions, or software bugs—can halt operations and affect revenue.

Another significant risk involves inadequate cybersecurity protocols, such as weak passwords, lack of multi-factor authentication, and unpatched software vulnerabilities. Physical risks, such as theft of equipment or damage from natural disasters, further threaten data security and business continuity.

Finally, the risk of data theft or loss due to employee negligence or malicious intent underscores the need for proper access controls and security policies.

Prioritized List of Risks

1. Data Breach via Hacking: High likelihood due to common attack vectors; high potential for data loss, reputation damage, and legal consequences.
2. Malware Infection: High likelihood with widespread malware threats; can lead to data corruption, theft, or system downtime.
3. Insider Threats: Moderate to high likelihood; internal threats can significantly compromise sensitive data.
4. System Failure or Downtime: Moderate likelihood; hardware or network failures disrupt services.
5. Natural Disasters or Equipment Theft: Lower likelihood but severe impact; physical security remains essential.

Mitigations to Handle the Risks

To address these prioritized risks, implementing comprehensive security measures is crucial. For data breaches and hacking threats, deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encrypting sensitive data in transit and at rest are fundamental strategies. Regular software updates and patch management close vulnerabilities that cyber attackers exploit.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies add layers of security, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access. Employee training on cybersecurity awareness can diminish risks stemming from human error or insider threats.

For malware prevention, reputable antivirus and anti-malware solutions should be employed, coupled with regular data backups stored offsite or in the cloud to ensure business continuity in case of attack.

Natural disaster preparedness involves physical security measures, such as secured hardware storage, disaster recovery plans, and offsite backups, to minimize data loss and operational downtime.

System redundancy, regular maintenance, and monitoring are vital for minimizing system failures. Lastly, physical security should include CCTV, alarm systems, and controlled access to premises to deter theft and damage.

Justification of Prioritizations

The prioritization of risks is based on the probability of occurrence and the severity of potential harm. Data breaches via hacking and malware infections are rated highest because they are both highly probable and capable of causing extensive damage, including financial loss, legal liabilities, and reputational harm (Kshetri, 2017). Insider threats, while less frequent, pose significant risks because of the privileged access insiders often have, necessitating strict access controls and monitoring (Greitzer & Frincke, 2010). System failures, although more manageable with proper maintenance, still rank high owing to their impact on daily operations (Zhang et al., 2018). Physical risks, while less likely on a regular basis, can have devastating effects if not adequately mitigated, especially for small businesses with limited security resources.

The mitigating strategies were selected considering their cost-effectiveness, scalability, and relevance to the specific vulnerabilities identified. Encrypting data and employing MFA directly target the most probable and damaging threats, aligning security practices with industry standards as recommended by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2018).

Conclusion

Ben’s graphics shop operates within an environment rife with cybersecurity threats, physical vulnerabilities, and operational risks. A layered security approach—covering technical, administrative, and physical measures—is crucial to safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring business continuity. Prioritizing risks based on likelihood and potential impact provides a pragmatic framework for resource allocation and policy development. Ultimately, vigilant security practices and ongoing training will enable Ben’s business to mitigate threats effectively, sustaining trust and competitive advantage in a digital-driven marketplace.

References

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