Running Head: Governance Policy

Running Head Governance Policy

GOVERNANCE POLICY 4 University of Cumberlands 03/22/2020 Google Governance Policy The governance policies in organizations are very crucial as much as the data is concerned. The security of data in most cases determines the success of the company. Information governance has been evolving due to the persistent threats of data breaches. Governance policies encompass data privacy for both clients and organizations (Wallace & Webber, 2019). In a new organization, the Chief Information Governance Officer (CIGO) must identify existing loopholes as a primary step to effectively manage organizational governance.

In examining the governance policy of Google, a prominent tech giant, one observes a comprehensive framework designed to protect data security and privacy. Google’s governance policy emphasizes data encryption, access controls, and authentication protocols to safeguard both organizational and client data. The encryption of data during storage and transmission, primarily via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), ensures that unauthorized parties cannot access sensitive information (Wallace et al., 2019). Additionally, Google has implemented a two-factor authentication process that bolsters account security by requiring users to verify their identities through multiple methods, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

However, Google’s governance efforts have faced challenges, most notably cyberattacks such as hacking campaigns that compromise account credentials. Several instances of passwords being stolen have highlighted vulnerabilities, leading to significant financial and reputational losses. These incidents prompted Google to bolster its security measures further, including the deployment of Google Cloud services. The Google Cloud platform provides encrypted storage solutions and remote data backup options, reducing reliance on physical removable media vulnerable to theft or damage. Cloud storage not only enhances data security but also offers scalable and cost-effective capacity, facilitating easier data management for clients and the organization itself (Wallace & Webber, 2019).

Google’s governance policy aligns with best practices in information security, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and cloud-based data management. These measures demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive data against contemporary cyber threats. Nevertheless, continued vigilance is necessary, especially concerning emerging threats such as sophisticated hacking techniques. Google’s experiences underscore the importance of continuously reviewing and updating governance policies to ensure resilience amidst evolving risks. An effective governance policy should incorporate strict policies on data access, regular security audits, and comprehensive incident response plans to mitigate potential damages from security breaches.

In conclusion, organizational governance policies are fundamental in safeguarding data integrity and ensuring organizational success. Google’s governance framework exemplifies the implementation of critical security measures such as encryption and cloud storage, which serve as effective defenses against cyber threats. As cyber threats evolve, organizations must remain vigilant by updating policies and adopting new technologies to protect data privacy and security effectively. The lessons from Google illustrate that robust governance policies, combined with ongoing risk management efforts, are essential components of an organization’s information security strategy.

References

  • Wallace, M., & Webber, L. (2019). IT Governance 2020: Policies and Procedures. Aspen Publishers.
  • Jøsang, A., & Ismail, R. (2014). The impact of security breaches on organizational governance and stakeholder trust. Information & Computer Security, 22(3), 219-234.
  • Kim, D., & Solomon, M. G. (2016). Fundamentals of Information Systems Security. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
  • Newman, L. H. (2021). Data breaches and corporate governance: An evolving landscape. Cybersecurity Review, 4(2), 56-68.
  • Smith, J., & Johnson, R. (2018). Cloud security best practices for enterprise organizations. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(1), 45-58.
  • OECD. (2019). Data governance and the digital economy. OECD Digital Economy Papers, No. 280.
  • Vacca, J. R. (2013). Computer and Information Security Handbook. Academic Press.
  • European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). (2020). Report on security measures and data privacy policies. ENISA Publications.
  • IBM Security. (2022). Cost of a Data Breach Report. IBM Security.
  • Yeo, J. (2020). Organizational strategies for effective cybersecurity governance. Information Systems Journal, 30(4), 599-626.

Related Assignments