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Please Read The Instructions Carefully In The Body Of This Post And In

Please read the instructions carefully in the body of this post and in the Project 8.docx, Required Practical Connection Assignment Rubric.docx files attached below. Also attached are the required PowerPoint slides and textbook for reference. The discussion requires a minimum of 400 words on the topic of Security Awareness, formatted in APA style with references. Assume you are a security awareness trainer. Part of your job is to convince end users that paying attention to security procedures makes the entire organization more successful.

Answer the following question: When a user does not follow security procedures, what are two consequences to the organization you would emphasize? Why?

The main assignment (minimum 3 pages content) must be in APA format, include references, use Arial font size 12, and be double-spaced. The question for the assignment is attached as Project 8.docx.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In today’s digital landscape, security awareness is paramount to organizational success. Employees and end users serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats; therefore, understanding the implications of non-compliance with security procedures is critical for maintaining organizational integrity. As a security awareness trainer, it is essential to communicate not only the technical aspects of security but also the tangible consequences that arise from neglecting established protocols.

One significant consequence of users not following security procedures is the increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, which can lead to data breaches. When users disregard policies such as strong password creation, multi-factor authentication, and secure data handling, they inadvertently create openings for cybercriminals to exploit. For example, weak or reused passwords are a common attack vector that hackers utilize to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and information. The consequences of such breaches include financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (2022), approximately 81% of data breaches involve stolen or weak passwords, illustrating the critical importance of user adherence to security protocols. Educating users about the importance of following password policies and recognizing phishing attempts can significantly reduce these vulnerabilities. The financial impact of data breaches can be devastating, with the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report (2021) estimating an average cost of USD 4.24 million per incident.

Another consequence is the operational disruption that results from security incidents caused by user negligence or non-compliance. When users neglect security protocols, such as failing to lock their devices or reporting suspicious activity, it can lead to malware infections, ransomware attacks, or system outages. These events can halt business operations, cause a loss of productivity, and incur high recovery costs. For instance, the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 crippled hundreds of organizations worldwide, including the UK National Health Service, leading to canceled appointments and delayed treatments. This disruption not only affects the organization’s service delivery but also damages its reputation with clients and stakeholders. Employees’ awareness and adherence to security policies are essential in avoiding such operational setbacks. As noted by Parsons et al. (2020), organizations that invest in security training and foster a security-conscious culture significantly diminish the risk of operational interruptions caused by security breaches.

Emphasizing these consequences during security training sessions underlines the importance of vigilance and proactive behavior among employees. Explaining how weak compliance can lead to costly data breaches and operational disruptions helps foster a security-minded attitude. Employees at all levels should understand that their actions directly impact the organization’s security posture and overall success. In conclusion, neglecting security procedures can lead to severe financial and operational consequences, reinforcing the necessity for ongoing security education and awareness programs.

References

• IBM Security (2021). Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021. IBM Corporation.
• Parsons, K., et al. (2020). Organizational culture and cybersecurity: The human element. Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice, 2020(2), 1-12.
• Verizon. (2022). Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon Communications.