Purpose Of Security In The Workplace Is A Major Concern

Purpose Of Assignmentsecurity In The Work Place Is A Major Concern Bus

Purpose of Assignment Security in the work place is a major concern businesses must address to protect company data. In addition, to automated security, it is also the company's responsibility to implement policies and procedures for the handling of data by company personnel. Students will research risks and threats to digital data and develop security policies all company personnel must be trained on and be held accountable to protect company data.

Assignment Steps Resources: Internet search engine such as Google™, Yahoo!®, or Bing™. Microsoft® Word 2016 Click the "File" tab, then "New" to search for Microsoft® Word Memo Templates Microsoft Office 365, Office 2016: Introductory : Module 1: Creating, Formatting, and Editing a Word Document with a Picture Note: This is a two-part assignment and students will submit two documents.

Part 1 Write a 1,400-word paper describing the challenges businesses have in securing data in today's technological environment and what businesses should do to mitigate or minimize risks: Include risks and threats of company data. What policies/procedures should be implemented for the handling of data to ensure data protection and business continuity? Include in-text citations and references. Format your assignment consistent with APA guidelines. Save as a Microsoft® Word document saved under the following format: Lastname_Course#_W2.doc.

Part 2 - Use a Microsoft® Word memo template. Write a 175-word memo announcing the new security policies to all employees taking effect in one month following mandatory training. Search online for a Microsoft® memo template. Create an eye-catching memo that is clear and to the point concerning the new security policies. APA formatting is not required for this part of the assignment.

Use the following features of Microsoft® Word in your memo: A Microsoft® Word memo template. Either a bulleted or numbered list of the new security policies/procedures, and bold or changed font color so this list is highly visible. Highlight the effective date so it stands out. Insert an image that is relevant to the memo content. Images must also be cited and referenced.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary digital landscape, security of business data is a paramount concern that enterprises must address proactively. The proliferation of information technology has brought about numerous vulnerabilities, including sophisticated cyberattacks, data breaches, insider threats, and physical vulnerabilities, all of which jeopardize sensitive data and undermine operational continuity. This paper discusses the challenges businesses face in securing data, identifies common risks and threats, and outlines essential policies and procedures necessary to mitigate these risks effectively.

One significant challenge in safeguarding data is the rapid evolution of cyber threats. Cybercriminals continually develop new tactics such as phishing, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), which can bypass traditional security measures. According to Symantec (2020), there was a 421% increase in phishing attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring how external threats are escalating. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and expertise, making comprehensive cybersecurity strategies vital for all organizations regardless of size (Smith & Johnson, 2019).

Another challenge stems from human factors. Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s security framework. Lack of awareness about security risks or neglecting proper handling of data can lead to accidental breaches or insider threats. For example, employees might fall prey to phishing schemes or inadvertently disclose confidential information (AlHogail, 2015). To counteract this, organizations must implement extensive training programs emphasizing security awareness and establishing a strong security culture.

The integration of technology also introduces risks such as malware, unpatched systems, and inadequate access controls. Legacy infrastructure or outdated software increases vulnerabilities, permitting attackers easier access to sensitive data. Furthermore, remote work arrangements, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have expanded the attack surface, complicating security efforts. Ensuring secure remote access using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encryption of data in transit are critical measures (Chowdhury et al., 2020).

To address these challenges, businesses must adopt comprehensive security policies and procedures. The development of an enterprise-wide cybersecurity policy provides a structured framework for managing risks and responding to incidents. Core components include data classification, access controls, incident response plans, and regular security audits (Pfleeger & Schneier, 2015). Data classification ensures that sensitive and confidential data are appropriately identified and protected through encryption and restricted access.

Implementing robust access controls aligns with the principle of least privilege, ensuring employees only access data necessary for their roles. Multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring multiple verification steps beyond passwords, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access (Goglin et al., 2019). Regular security awareness training is essential for keeping employees informed on emerging threats and best practices, fostering a security-conscious organizational culture.

Organizations should also establish incident response and disaster recovery plans. These plans specify procedures for detecting, containing, and eradicating threats, as well as recovering data and resuming operations after an incident. Conducting regular drills and audits ensures readiness and identifies gaps in security measures (Whitman & Mattord, 2018).

Data backups and encryption are indispensable components of data protection strategies. Regular backups stored in secure, offsite locations protect against data loss from ransomware attacks or hardware failures. Encryption ensures that even if data are accessed unlawfully, they remain unreadable without decryption keys, thereby maintaining confidentiality (Zhu et al., 2020).

To foster a culture of security, leadership must prioritize security policies, allocate resources for ongoing training, and stay informed of evolving threats through threat intelligence sharing networks. Collaboration with cybersecurity professionals and adherence to regulatory standards, such as GDPR or HIPAA, further strengthen data protection efforts (McGraw & Mahindrappa, 2021).

In conclusion, the cybersecurity landscape poses numerous challenges that require comprehensive, multilayered strategies. Businesses must integrate technological solutions with organizational policies, foster employee awareness, and prepare for incidents through robust response plans. These efforts are crucial to safeguarding digital assets, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining trust in the digital age.

References

• AlHogail, A. (2015). Improving information security awareness and training. International Journal of Information Management, 35(2), 165-170.
• Chowdhury, M., Alazab, M., & Nik, R. M. (2020). Securing remote working environments in organizations. Cybersecurity Journal, 6(1), 45-58.
• Goglin, M., Krone, S., & Weber, M. (2019). Multi-factor authentication: A review of practices and challenges. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(2), 134-148.
• McGraw, G., & Mahindrappa, R. (2021). Regulatory compliance and cybersecurity. Information Security Journal, 30(3), 174-183.
• Pfleeger, C. P., & Schneier, B. (2015). Security in the digital age. Communications of the ACM, 58(4), 44-50.
• Smith, R., & Johnson, T. (2019). Cybersecurity risks for small to medium enterprises. Journal of Information Security, 8(3), 249-262.
• Symantec. (2020). Internet security threat report. Symantec Corporation.
• Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2018). Principles of Information Security. Boston: Cengage Learning.
• Zhu, Y., Zhang, Y., & Lee, J. (2020). Data encryption methods for secure cloud storage. Journal of Cloud Security, 4(1), 25-39.