Learning Objectives And Outcomes Examine IT Infrastru 417162
Learning Objectives And Outcomesexamine It Infrastructure Policiesdes
Examine IT infrastructure policies. Describe IT infrastructure policies based on the scenario given. Scenario: You work for a large, private health care organization that has server, mainframe, and RSA user access. Your organization requires identification of the types of user access policies provided to its employees. Sean, your manager, was impressed with the work you did on User Domain policies.
This time, Sean is asking you to write descriptions for policies that affect server, mainframe, and RSA user access. Assignment Requirements: Research policies for each affected IT infrastructure domain, and place them into a table with an introduction explaining the following questions: Who? What? When? Why?
Be sure to add a conclusion with a rationale for your selections. Reference your research so your manager may add or refine this report before submission to senior management. Submission Requirements Format: Microsoft Word Font: Arial, 12-Point, Double-Space Citation Style: Your school’s preferred style guide Length: 1–2 pages
Paper For Above instruction
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations with sensitive data, such as healthcare providers, must implement robust IT infrastructure policies to ensure security, compliance, and operational efficiency. This paper discusses critical user access policies affecting servers, mainframes, and RSA authentication systems within a healthcare organization, providing detailed descriptions based on the scenario provided. The analysis addresses the questions of who is responsible for each policy, what the policies entail, when they are implemented or reviewed, and why they are necessary, culminating in a rationale for the chosen policies.
Introduction
The effective management of user access policies is paramount in safeguarding sensitive health information in healthcare organizations. These policies govern how users authenticate, authorize, and interact with IT resources such as servers, mainframes, and RSA systems. Each domain requires specific policies tailored to its function, security requirements, and compliance obligations. Understanding who enforces these policies, what they entail, when they are evaluated, and why they are critical ensures a comprehensive security posture that aligns with regulatory standards like HIPAA and industry best practices.
Server User Access Policies
Who: Server access policies are developed and enforced by IT security administrators and system administrators responsible for managing server environments. They coordinate with compliance officers to ensure adherence to healthcare regulations.
What: These policies specify authorized user roles, access levels, and procedures for remote and local login. They include password complexity requirements, session timeout settings, and auditing protocols to monitor server activity.
When: Server access policies should be reviewed annually or after significant changes in infrastructure. Additionally, access should be reassessed when new servers are deployed or when personnel changes occur.
Why: The policies mitigate risks of unauthorized access, data breaches, and insider threats. They also ensure accountability and facilitate compliance with legal requirements for data privacy and security.
Mainframe User Access Policies
Who: Mainframe access policies are maintained by mainframe system administrators in collaboration with security teams and compliance officers.
What: These policies regulate user authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), access privileges based on job responsibilities, and session management protocols. They also detail procedures for privilege escalation and termination.
When: Mainframe policies are reviewed semi-annually or following security incidents. Access permissions are re-evaluated when staff roles change or during audits.
Why: Mainframes often store core healthcare data; thus, strict control measures are necessary to prevent unauthorized data access, ensure auditability, and maintain regulatory compliance.
RSA User Access Policies
Who: RSA access policies are enforced by IT security teams responsible for managing multi-factor authentication and unique user credentials.
What: These policies define criteria for secure authentication methods, device authentication, token issuance, and contingency procedures for lost tokens or compromised credentials.
When: The policies are reviewed periodically—at least quarterly—and after any security incident involving authentication mechanisms.
Why: RSA solutions enhance security by providing strong, multifactor authentication, reducing the risk of credential theft, and ensuring only authorized personnel can access sensitive healthcare systems.
Conclusion
The selected policies for server, mainframe, and RSA access are crucial components of a comprehensive security framework in a healthcare setting. They are designed to limit access to sensitive patient data, enforce accountability, and comply with legal standards such as HIPAA. Regular review and updates of these policies adapt to emerging threats, technological changes, and organizational shifts. Implementing strict, well-defined access policies ensures the protection of critical healthcare information while supporting operational needs and regulatory compliance.
References
- ISO/IEC 27001:2013. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
- HIPAA Privacy Rule, 45 CFR §164.308, 164.310, 164.312 (1996).
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2017). Digital Identity Guidelines (SP 800-63-3).
- Chen, Y., & Poo, Y. (2021). Healthcare Data Security and Privacy: Best Practices and Policy Frameworks. Journal of Healthcare Information Security, 15(2), 45-63.
- Sharma, S., & Khandelwal, M. (2020). User Access Management in Healthcare IT Systems. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 138, 104170.
- Gollmann, D. (2011). Computer Security. Wiley.
- Hsu, C. L., & Lee, T. S. (2019). Advanced Authentication Techniques for Healthcare Information Systems. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(3), 155-165.
- Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.
- NIST. (2022). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
- Office for Civil Rights (OCR). (2013). HIPAA Security Rule. Department of Health & Human Services.