Running Head: Cigo

Running Head Cigo

Develop a comprehensive policy to promote secure data transmission and protect an organization and its customers from cyber-attacks, including assessing vulnerabilities, legal considerations, and recommendations.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary digital landscape, organizations handling sensitive data, such as Apple Inc., face increasing threats from cyber-attacks. As the appointed Chief Information Governance Officer (CIGO), my primary responsibility is to formulate and implement policies that ensure secure data transmission and safeguard both enterprise assets and customer information. This paper discusses a strategic approach to assessing vulnerabilities within Apple’s data management practices, reviewing relevant security policies, and proposing effective strategies aligned with legal and ethical standards to fortify the company’s cybersecurity posture.

Apple, as a leading technology company, manages vast volumes of sensitive information, including financial data, user profiles, and proprietary technology details. The importance of securing such data cannot be overstated, considering the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal activities (Kangyi, 2021). The potential damages from security breaches include substantial financial losses, legal penalties, and irreversible damage to corporate reputation. Therefore, proactive measures rooted in robust information governance are essential.

Firstly, a comprehensive assessment of vulnerabilities is necessary. One significant weakness identified is the reliance on physical documentation stored in hard copy. Hard copy storage is inherently vulnerable to theft, misplacement, damage, or destruction, which can lead to the loss of critical information used in decision-making processes. Although Apple has transitioned to electronic data storage, current systems still expose the organization to security threats, such as inadequate protection of shared file repositories that are incompatible with modern firewall technology (Mullon & Ngoepe, 2019). Additionally, the use of relational databases without implemented monitoring systems poses risks of duplication, data corruption, and potential system crashes, risking data loss with limited recovery options.

Legal compliance is another critical aspect of Apple’s data governance strategy. The absence of formal policies to govern customer data and social media engagement exposes the company to significant legal risks, including penalties from regulatory bodies and breaches of data privacy laws such as GDPR or CCPA (Agrawal & Alharbe, 2019). A lack of clear protocols for data breach response and management could exacerbate the fallout from security incidents, leading to diminished customer trust.

To address these vulnerabilities, the proposed policy encompasses several key measures. First, full encryption of data both at rest and in transit will significantly reduce the risk of interception or unauthorized access during transmission, complying with best practices outlined by cybersecurity standards (Kangyi, 2021). Second, implementing strict access controls using multi-factor authentication (MFA) ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. Regular audits and automated monitoring systems will detect unusual activities or potential breaches early, aiding in prompt response and mitigation.

Furthermore, developing a formal data governance framework aligned with legal regulations enhances organizational accountability. This includes policies for routine data classification, retention, and disposal, which reduces the risk of data accumulation unnecessary for operations or legal obligations. Training employees on cybersecurity awareness fosters a culture of vigilance and responsibility. For instance, phishing simulations can improve staff recognition of security threats (Mullon & Ngoepe, 2019).

The overview of best practices emphasizes that integrating technical measures with administrative controls ensures a resilient cybersecurity posture. As recommended by industry standards (Agrawal & Alharbe, 2019), organizations should adopt a layered security approach, employing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical assets comprehensively.

In conclusion, Apple's handling of sensitive information necessitates a multifaceted security policy grounded in legal compliance, technical safeguards, and organizational culture change. The combination of encryption, multi-factor authentication, consistent monitoring, and employee training creates a robust framework that enhances data security, mitigates legal risks, and upholds trust with customers. As cyber threats evolve, continuous review and adaptation of these policies will be vital in maintaining resilience and safeguarding organizational integrity (Kangyi, 2021).

References

  • Agrawal, A., & Alharbe, N. R. (2019). Need and importance of healthcare data integrity. International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET), 11(4), 43-46.
  • Kangyi, W. (2021, June). Analysis of Financial Policy at Apple Company in 2020. In 2021 International Conference on Enterprise Management and Economic Development (ICEMED 2021) (pp. 123-128). Atlantis Press.
  • Mullon, P. A., & Ngoepe, M. (2019). An integrated framework to elevate information governance to a national level in South Africa. Records Management Journal.
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  • Agrawal, A., & Alharbe, N. R. (2019). Healthcare data integrity: An overview. International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET), 11(4), 43-46.
  • Additional scholarly references as needed for supporting cybersecurity policies and legal frameworks.

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