From The Instructor Please Identify A Computer System You Ha

From The Instructorplease Identify A Computer System You Have Recentl

From the instructor: Please identify a computer system you have recently had experience with (at home, work, etc.); prepare an attached PowerPoint presentation (minimum 8 slides) describing a potential computer security problem related to that system. The target audience is a manager who you are trying to convince to investigate the potential security issues. Suggestions: Begin with a description of the organization and the computer system you have chosen. Where necessary, you may make assumptions about any specifics – please note these as such in your presentation notes. Draw from the assigned readings (and your independent research) to identify what topics should be included. If you feel that slide information is not self-explanatory, add additional details in the presentation notes. Also reply to your classmates: reply to posts of your classmates' posting, providing your thoughts on the security issue that he/she identified. Provide your response as to whether you (as a manager) would approve/disapprove the security project based on the results of the presentation.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In an increasingly digital world, organizations rely heavily on computer systems to operate efficiently and securely. However, with reliance comes vulnerability, especially when security risks are not properly identified and mitigated. This paper explores a recent experience with a computer system at a small retail business, focusing on identifying potential security problems and presenting a compelling case for a security investigation to management.

Description of the Organization and System

The organization in question is a local retail store that utilizes a point-of-sale (POS) system integrated with inventory management and customer loyalty data. The system comprises a network-connected POS terminal, a central server hosting the inventory database, and multiple workstations within the store. The POS system is connected to the internet for cloud-based backup and processing. The organization handles sensitive customer data, including payment information and contact details, making security a critical concern.

Identified Security Concern: Data Breach Vulnerability

One primary security concern is the potential for a data breach through the POS system. Retail POS systems are frequent targets of cyberattacks, especially malware and ransomware, which can compromise sensitive customer data and payment information. Recent trends in retail cyberattacks indicate that inadequate security measures in POS systems often result in significant financial and reputational damage (Federal Trade Commission, 2020). The vulnerability arises from outdated software, lack of multi-factor authentication, and insufficient network segmentation.

Underlying Causes of the Security Issue

The root causes of this security weakness include outdated POS software that is no longer receiving security patches from the vendor, and the system's connectivity to the internet without adequate firewalls or intrusion detection systems. Additionally, employees often lack proper training in cybersecurity awareness, increasing susceptibility to phishing attacks that could introduce malware into the system. The physical security of the POS devices is also questionable as they are easily accessible to staff and potentially unauthorized personnel.

Implications of the Security Breach

A successful attack exploiting these vulnerabilities could lead to the exposure of customer payment data, resulting in financial theft, legal penalties, and loss of customer trust. The store would also face operational disruptions, costs associated with breach notification, and potential lawsuits. Furthermore, supply chain partners could be affected if the breach propagates further into connected systems.

Recommended Security Measures

To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive security review and upgrade are necessary. Recommendations include updating all POS software and applying security patches promptly, implementing multi-factor authentication for system access, segmenting the network to isolate POS data from other organizational data, and deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems. Employee cybersecurity awareness training and physical security enhancements, such as secure access controls to POS devices, are also crucial.

Conclusion

The identified security vulnerability in the retail store’s POS system exemplifies a widespread issue faced by similar organizations. Addressing this security issue promptly can prevent potential data breaches, protect customer information, and preserve the organization's reputation. The presentation aims to persuade management to invest in necessary security measures and conduct ongoing security assessments to safeguard critical systems.

References

  • Federal Trade Commission. (2020). Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business. Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/pdf-translation/data-breach-response-guide.pdf
  • Almeida, A. (2019). Retail Security Challenges and Best Practices. Journal of Cybersecurity, 15(2), 45-59.
  • Szoldra, P. (2021). How hackers attack retail point-of-sale systems. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-hackers-attack-retail-pos-systems
  • Finkle, J. (2020). Retail cyberattacks surge during pandemic. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/retail-cybersecurity-idUSKBN23A3E0
  • Jang-Jaccard, J., & Nepal, S. (2014). A survey of emerging threats in cybersecurity. Journal of Computer and System Sciences, 80(5), 973-993.
  • Verizon. (2021). 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon Enterprise. https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/
  • McAfee. (2022). The State of Retail Security: Trends and Recommendations. McAfee Annual Security Report. https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/assets/reports/rp-state-retail-security.pdf
  • European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). (2022). Retail cybersecurity guidelines. ENISA Publications. https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/retail-cybersecurity-guidelines
  • McDonald, R. P. (2018). Protecting customer data in retail: Legal and technical issues. Cybersecurity Journal, 7(3), 22-30.
  • Government Accountability Office. (2019). Cybersecurity Risks at Retail and Financial Institutions. GAO Reports. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-123