Gem Infosys: A Small Software Company Decides To Improve S

Gem Infosys A Small Software Company Has Decided To Better Secure It

Gem Infosys, a small software company, has decided to better secure its computer systems after a malware attack shut down its network operations for 2 full days. The organization uses a firewall, three file servers, two Web servers, one Windows 2008 Active Directory server for user access and authentication, ten PCs, and a broadband connection to the Internet. The management at Gem needs you to formulate an incident-response policy to reduce network down time if future incidents occur. Develop an incident-response policy that covers the development of an incident-response team, disaster-recovery processes, and business-continuity planning. This assignment requires two to three pages in length, based upon the APA style of writing.

Paper For Above instruction

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity threats pose significant risks to small organizations like Gem Infosys. Developing a comprehensive incident-response policy is essential to mitigate potential damage from future security incidents, ensuring rapid recovery and the continuation of business operations. This paper outlines a strategic incident-response policy, focusing on forming an effective incident-response team, establishing disaster-recovery procedures, and implementing robust business-continuity planning, all aimed at minimizing network downtime and safeguarding organizational assets.

Introduction

In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, small companies must prioritize their security posture. The malware attack experienced by Gem Infosys underscores vulnerability within its network infrastructure, which includes firewalls, servers, and endpoints. An incident-response policy acts as a proactive framework designed to identify, contain, eradicate, and recover from security incidents efficiently (Gordon et al., 2019). Effective planning not only reduces downtime but also enhances overall organizational resilience. Therefore, this paper proposes an incident-response policy tailored to Gem Infosys’s specific environment, emphasizing team development, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

Development of an Incident-Response Team

The first step in fostering organizational cybersecurity resilience involves establishing a dedicated incident-response team (IRT). This team should comprise members from various departments, including IT, management, legal, and communications, to ensure a coordinated response (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2017). Designating a primary incident manager responsible for leading the team is crucial. The team must undergo ongoing training focused on threat detection, containment strategies, and communication protocols during incidents (Vacca, 2018). Additionally, the team should develop clear procedures for incident identification, escalation, and documentation to facilitate a swift and organized response.

Disaster-Recovery Processes

Disaster recovery (DR) procedures are vital for restoring critical systems after a security breach. For Gem Infosys, this includes regular data backups, ideally stored off-site or in cloud-based solutions to prevent loss during physical or cyber disasters (Peltier, 2016). Implementing a tiered backup strategy ensures that system images, application files, and data are protected and can be restored quickly. Furthermore, the organization should develop step-by-step recovery procedures for each core component, such as the Web servers, file servers, and Active Directory, to minimize downtime. Regular testing of these procedures is also essential to confirm their efficacy and update them based on emerging threats (Kraus et al., 2017).

Business-Continuity Planning

Business-continuity planning (BCP) encompasses strategies to maintain essential functions during and after a security incident. For Gem Infosys, BCP involves defining critical business processes and establishing recovery point objectives (RPO) and recovery time objectives (RTO) (Hiles, 2020). The plan should include alternative communication channels, remote access solutions, and temporary operational sites to sustain productivity. Moreover, employee training on cybersecurity awareness and incident response procedures enhances organizational resilience (Stallings & Brown, 2018). The BCP must be regularly reviewed and tested to adapt to evolving operational and threat landscapes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gem Infosys’s commitment to improving its incident-response capabilities is a proactive step towards securing its infrastructure against future threats. The formation of a skilled incident-response team, implementation of comprehensive disaster-recovery strategies, and robust business-continuity planning are essential components of an effective incident-response policy. By adopting these measures, Gem Infosys can significantly reduce network downtime, protect vital data, and ensure the continuity of its business operations in the face of cyber threats. Future efforts should focus on continuous training, plan testing, and updating, aligning with the best practices outlined by cybersecurity standards and frameworks.

References

• Gordon, L. A., Loeb, M. P., & Zhou, L. (2019). The impact of information security breaches: Has there been a change in risk since 2006? The Journal of Computer Security, 27(6), 631-653.
• Hiles, A. (2020). Business continuity and disaster recovery planning for IT professionals. CRC Press.
• Kraus, D., McLaughlin, S., & Jensen, S. (2017). Building effective disaster recovery procedures. Cybersecurity Journal, 3(2), 45-59.
• Peltier, T. R. (2016). Information security risk analysis. CRC Press.
• Rittinghouse, J. W., & Ransome, J. F. (2017). Incident response and computer crime investigation. CRC Press.
• Stallings, W., & Brown, L. (2018). Computer security: Principles and practice. Pearson.
• Vacca, J. R. (2018). Computer and information security. Elsevier.