It 552 Milestone Two Guidelines And Rubric In Module Four

It 552 Milestone Two Guidelines And Rubric In Module Four

In Module Four, you will submit 10 security policies as part of the planned solution to mitigate the 10 security gaps identified in the Case Document. There should be one policy per security gap identified in the Case Document. Consider policies that address topics such as remote access, encryption and hashing (to control data flow), auditing network accounts, configuration change management (to reduce unintentional threats), segregation of duties, mandatory vacation (to mitigate intentional threats), personally identifiable information breaches, media protection, and social engineering. This milestone focuses on security functionality, and each policy should be no longer than one page.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: a) What is your proposal for mitigating the identified human factors that pose a threat to the organization’s security posture? Describe the specific policies, processes, and practices that must be in place to address each of the following. i. Unintentional Threats: What strategies can protect against human errors made due to cognitive factors? What strategies can protect against human errors made due to psychosocial and cultural factors? ii. Intentional Threats: What strategies can protect against social engineering? b) Data Flow: How do you make sure that the data sender and the data receiver have a sound connection? How do you ensure that data is not tampered with or altered from its intended meaning? What strategies do you propose to address poor communication?

Guidelines for Submission: Your paper must be submitted as a 10-page Microsoft Word document, with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins, in APA format. Each policy should be no longer than one page.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Ensuring organizational security in today's digital landscape involves addressing numerous vulnerabilities, both human and technical. The development of comprehensive security policies targeting specific risks identified in the case document is pivotal. This paper presents ten security policies designed to mitigate identified security gaps, focusing on human factors and data flow integrity. Each policy aligns with best practices and evidence-based strategies to enhance the organization’s security posture.

Policy 1: Remote Access Security Policy

This policy establishes secure remote access procedures, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and stringent access controls to prevent unauthorized access. It also mandates regular reviews of remote access privileges to ensure compliance and restrict unnecessary permissions, thus minimizing unintentional access vulnerabilities. Literature suggests that multi-layered authentication significantly reduces network breaches (Khan, 2022).

Policy 2: Encryption and Hashing Policy

To control data flow and ensure data integrity, this policy mandates the encryption of sensitive data both at rest and in transit using industry-standard algorithms such as AES and TLS. Hashing algorithms like SHA-256 are to be used to verify data integrity, preventing tampering during transmission. Proper key management practices are also outlined to safeguard cryptographic keys (NIST, 2021).

Policy 3: Network Account Auditing Policy

This policy emphasizes continuous monitoring and auditing of network accounts to detect unauthorized or suspicious activities. Automated tools must generate audit logs, with regular reviews by security personnel. The practice of audit trail maintenance aligns with regulatory standards such as GDPR and HIPAA, enhancing accountability and early threat detection (Smith & Brown, 2020).

Policy 4: Configuration Change Management Policy

Managing configuration changes proactively reduces unintentional threats stemming from misconfigurations. This policy requires documented change procedures, approval workflows, and rollback plans. Configuration management tools must be used to track alterations, ensuring consistency and traceability (ISO/IEC 27001, 2013).

Policy 5: Segregation of Duties Policy

Segregating critical functions minimizes the risk of insider threats and accidental misuse. This policy delineates roles and responsibilities, requiring dual approvals for sensitive actions. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) systems ensures adherence to segregation principles (Deloitte, 2020).

Policy 6: Mandatory Vacation Policy

To mitigate intentional threats such as fraud, this policy mandates employees take periodic vacations, which provides an opportunity for peer review and detection of malicious activities. Records of vacations and subsequent audits are maintained to reinforce accountability (ACFE, 2021).

Policy 7: Personal Identifiable Information (PII) Breach Prevention Policy

This policy mandates strict handling protocols for PII, including access controls, encryption, and regular training on privacy practices. Incident response procedures specifically address PII breaches, aiming to detect and contain violations swiftly (GDPR, 2018).

Policy 8: Media Protection Policy

All media devices containing sensitive information must be stored securely, encrypted, and physically protected during transport. Disposal procedures are detailed to prevent data recovery from discarded media, aligning with NIST guidelines (NIST SP 800-88, 2014).

Policy 9: Social Engineering Awareness and Prevention Policy

This policy educates employees about social engineering tactics and includes mandatory training sessions, simulated phishing exercises, and clear reporting channels for suspicious activities. Raising awareness is proven to reduce successful social engineering attacks (Hadnagy, 2018).

Policy 10: Data Communication Strategy

This policy ensures robust data transmission methods, including the use of secure protocols such as HTTPS and VPNs, along with digital signatures to verify data authenticity. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication procedures and regular training to address potential misunderstandings and prevent data tampering.

Mitigating Human Factors and Ensuring Data Integrity

Addressing human factors involves both preventive and detective policies. For unintentional threats, training programs, environmental controls, and automation reduce human error (Carroll et al., 2020). For psychosocial and cultural factors, fostering a security-aware culture and promoting open communication are effective (Sullivan, 2019).

Combatting social engineering entails employee training, awareness campaigns, and simulated attacks to reinforce vigilance. Such strategies have demonstrated significant reductions in susceptibility to manipulation (Jang-Jaccard & Nepal, 2014).

To ensure sound data flow and prevent tampering, implementing encryption, digital signatures, and strict access controls are essential. These strategies, supported by encryption standards and protocol best practices, help maintain data integrity and confidentiality (ISO/IEC 27002, 2022). Effective communication is achieved through a combination of clear policies, regular training, and feedback mechanisms that allow for addressing misunderstandings promptly.

Conclusion

Developing comprehensive, evidence-based security policies tailored to organizational risks enhances security posture. By addressing human errors, social engineering, and data flow integrity through targeted policies, organizations can significantly mitigate vulnerabilities and foster a resilient security environment.

References

  • ACFE. (2021). Report to the nations: 2021 global study on occupational fraud and abuse. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
  • Carroll, M., Smith, J., & Lee, P. (2020). Human error in cybersecurity: Strategies for mitigation. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(2), 123–135.
  • Deloitte. (2020). Role-based access control in security frameworks. Deloitte Insights.
  • GDPR. (2018). General Data Protection Regulation. European Union.
  • Hadnagy, C. (2018). Social engineering: The art of human hacking. Wiley.
  • ISO/IEC 27001. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
  • ISO/IEC 27002. (2022). Information technology — Security techniques — Code of practice for information security controls.
  • Khan, S. (2022). Multi-factor authentication effectiveness in preventing cyber attacks. Journal of Information Security, 11(1), 58–72.
  • NIST. (2014). NIST Special Publication 800-88: Guidelines for media sanitization.
  • NIST. (2021). Digital Identity Guidelines. NIST Special Publication 800-63.
  • Sullivan, T. (2019). Cultivating a security-aware organizational culture. Security Management Journal, 15(4), 45–50.

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