Security Policy Assignment Page 2

Security Policy Assignment Page 2security Policy Assignment

Develop a comprehensive security policy for your home computer use, including the following components:

  • General Statement:
    • Goals of the statement
    • Assets to be protected (hardware and software)
    • Who will use this policy
  • Risks and Uncertainties:
    • Risks (include probabilities)
    • Uncertainties (include probabilities)
    • Consequences of loss
  • Safeguards:
    • Physical security
    • Electronic security:
      • Password protection (including computers, modems, Wi-Fi, and password change timing)
      • Encryption
      • Firewalls (or state if not installed)
      • Online security
    • Back-ups & Recovery Operations
  • Concluding statement: Write a synopsis of the movie, including your impressions and thoughts about the movie, not just what happened.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a comprehensive home computer security policy is essential for protecting digital assets from myriad threats and vulnerabilities in today's interconnected environment. My primary goal in developing this policy is to create a secure digital environment that safeguards personal information, financial data, and other sensitive materials, while ensuring accessibility and ease of use for authorized users. This policy applies to all individuals who use or have access to my home computer system, including myself and any family members or trusted guests.

The assets to be protected include hardware components such as desktops, laptops, external drives, routers, and servers, along with critical software applications, operating systems, and stored data. Protecting these assets is vital to prevent data theft, hardware damage, or malicious attacks that could lead to data loss or system malfunctions. Additionally, peripherals such as printers and smart home devices connected to the computer network also form part of the protected assets.

Risks and Uncertainties

Home computer systems face numerous risks that could compromise their integrity. These include malware infections, unauthorized access, phishing attacks, hardware failures, and physical theft. For example, malware could corrupt or steal data with a probability estimated at around 20%, considering current cybersecurity threats. Unauthorized access might happen via weak passwords or unsecured networks, with an estimated probability of 15%. Physical theft or damage, such as fire or natural disasters, may have a lower probability of around 5%, but the impact would be significant.

Uncertainties involve unpredictable events such as zero-day vulnerabilities or future technological changes that could introduce new risks. The probability of emerging threats is difficult to quantify but remains a constant concern. The consequences of such losses include financial costs, identity theft, loss of personal data, stress, and inconvenience. Preventative measures must anticipate these threats appropriately.

Safeguards

Physical Security

Physical security measures include securing hardware in locked cabinets or rooms, restricting access to authorized individuals, and using security cameras or alarm systems for theft prevention. It is also important to control physical access to internet-connected devices to avoid tampering or theft.

Electronic Security

  • Password Protection: Use strong, unique passwords for all devices and accounts, including computers, modems, and Wi-Fi networks. Change passwords regularly, approximately every 60-90 days, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Encryption: Implement encryption protocols for sensitive data stored locally or transmitted over networks. Encryption tools such as BitLocker or VeraCrypt can protect data if devices are stolen or accessed unlawfully.
  • Firewalls: Install and configure firewalls to block unauthorized access. If a firewall is not part of the current setup, this must be acknowledged, and alternative protective measures should be considered.
  • Online Security: Use secure browsing practices, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and stay vigilant against phishing attempts. Regularly update browser and system security patches to close vulnerabilities.

Back-ups & Recovery Operations

Regular backups of critical data are essential to mitigate data loss from hardware failure, malware, or other disasters. My policy includes daily backups of important files to an external drive or cloud storage service. Recovery operations involve testing backup restores periodically to ensure data integrity and a clear plan for rapid rebuilding or reinstallation of software and data in case of system compromise.

Concluding Statement

In conclusion, protecting my home computer system requires a proactive and layered security strategy. Implementing physical and electronic safeguards, conducting regular backups, and maintaining vigilance against emerging threats are crucial steps to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of my digital assets. This policy not only provides a structured approach to security but also emphasizes the importance of ongoing awareness and adaptation to evolving technological landscapes.

References

  • Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.
  • Clampett, J. (2019). Principles of Computer Security. Pearson.
  • Mitnick, K. D., & Simon, W. (2021). The Art of Invisibility: The World's Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to Be Secure in the Age of Digital Surveilance. Little, Brown and Company.
  • Northcutt, S., & Shenk, D. (2018). Network Intrusion Detection. Sams Publishing.
  • Stallings, W. (2021). Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards. Pearson.
  • Vacca, J. R. (2019). Computer and Information Security Handbook. Morgan Kaufmann.
  • Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2019). Principles of Information Security. Cengage Learning.
  • Gordon, L. A., & Loeb, M. P. (2020). Managing Cybersecurity Resources: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. Computer, 37(1), 64-71.
  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. (2022). Cybersecurity Best Practices. CISA.gov.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST.

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