This Is A Two-Part Deliverable Using MS Word And MS Visio ✓ Solved

This is a two-part deliverable using MS Word and MS Visio

This is a two-part deliverable using MS Word and MS Visio, or their open source equivalents. You are the chief security officer (CSO) of a law office that occupies four floors of a high-rise building in downtown Washington, D.C. There are approximately 50 PCs on the first floor, 150 PCs on the second floor, and 40 PCs on both the third and fourth floors. The servers for each department reside on their respective floors. The director of the accounting department has expressed concerns about the security of his files.

For this assignment, you will explain the key functions of a cybersecurity policy catalog. Note: You may create or make all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. Submission Requirements Document (MS Word). Microsoft Visio Plan (MS Visio).

Section 1

Write a 3–4 page deliverable in which you:

• Explain the major cyber governance issues in an organization, and examine how organizations develop communication protocols because of those issues.
• Describe the security issues found on a network, and arrange them from highest to lowest, mapping out security loopholes to justify your answer.
• Differentiating between intellectual property theft and cyber espionage.
• Determine how you, as the CSO of an organization, would deal with both cases and what standard operating procedures you would follow.

Paper For Above Instructions

The role of a Chief Security Officer (CSO) is critical in safeguarding an organization's information and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Addressing cyber governance issues is paramount for any office, especially one situated in a high-traffic area like downtown Washington, D.C. This deliverable will explore major cyber governance concerns, assess potential security issues, and differentiate between two significant threats: intellectual property theft and cyber espionage.

Major Cyber Governance Issues

Cyber governance encapsulates the framework and processes that an organization implements to manage its cyber risk. One of the significant governance issues is the lack of a formal cybersecurity policy. Without a well-defined policy, employees may inadvertently jeopardize the organization’s security. A comprehensive cybersecurity policy should outline acceptable use, incident response protocols, and employee responsibilities related to data protection (Disterer, 2013).

Additionally, organizations often face challenges in ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS. These regulations demand strict control over sensitive data and require ongoing communication and training to ensure all employees understand their responsibilities (Kumar et al., 2020).

Organizations typically establish communication protocols to address these governance issues. Effective communication channels facilitate the dissemination of security policies, updates regarding potential threats, and ongoing training initiatives. Regular security awareness training sessions and clear lines of communication for reporting suspicious activities are essential for minimizing risks associated with human error (Safa et al., 2016).

Security Issues within a Network

Identifying and addressing security issues within a network is crucial. Here, we will arrange common security issues from highest to lowest severity and map out potential security loopholes. These issues include:

1. Phishing Attacks: These are particularly prevalent and often successful due to human error. Employees clicking on malicious links can expose the entire network.
2. Insider Threats: Whether intentional or accidental, insiders can pose a significant risk to organizational data integrity. This includes disgruntled employees or those unwittingly exposing information due to lax security awareness.
3. Outdated Software: Failing to regularly update systems creates vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals routinely exploit software flaws (Choo, 2011).
4. Weak Password Policies: Weak or default passwords can facilitate unauthorized access, leading to data breaches.
5. Lack of Encryption: Storing sensitive data without encryption makes it easily accessible to attackers during a breach.

To justify these rankings, one must analyze the potential impact and likelihood of occurrence associated with each threat. Phishing attacks yield higher success rates and often lead to severe repercussions such as data breaches, making them a top priority (Symantec, 2019).

Intellectual Property Theft vs. Cyber Espionage

Understanding the differences between intellectual property (IP) theft and cyber espionage is essential for appropriate response strategies. IP theft involves the unauthorized extraction of proprietary information that typically benefits a competitor or malicious entity (Hulme, 2017). In contrast, cyber espionage refers to gaining unauthorized access to information for strategic advantage, often for political or military purposes (Lindsay, 2013).

As a CSO, addressing both cases requires a structured response. For intellectual property theft, implementing strict access controls, employee training on confidentiality, and a robust incident response plan are crucial. Immediate actions include conducting an internal investigation, assessing potential damage, and informing law enforcement if necessary. According to Ryoo (2015), companies should adopt a proactive approach, including regular audits of security protocols and encouraging employees to report any suspicious activities.

In the case of cyber espionage, responses may involve more complex investigations, potentially collaborating with governmental cybersecurity agencies. Establishing partnerships with organizations within the sector can also enhance security protocols. Continuous analysis of threats and active engagement in threat intelligence platforms can prepare organizations for potential espionage scenarios (Watkins, 2019).

Conclusion

The role of a CSO in navigating the intricacies of cybersecurity governance is multifaceted and continuous. Understanding the significance of developing comprehensive policies to address cyber governance issues, pinpointing security vulnerabilities, and differentiating between IP theft and cyber espionage are critical elements of effective risk management. Through adequate training, communication, and the establishment of rigorous security protocols, law offices can mitigate risks and protect their invaluable information assets.

References

• Choo, K. K. R. (2011). The cyber threat landscape: Challenges and future research directions. Computers & Security, 30(8), 718-724.
• Disterer, G. (2013). ISO/IEC 27001 for the same information to be secure: A measure of compliance and assurance. Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, 7(1).
• Hulme, R. (2017). Understanding intellectual property theft and its impact on innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 116, 371-383.
• Kumar, A., Kumar, Y., & Choe, J. (2020). An analysis of compliance and implementation challenges faced by organizations. International Journal of Information Management, 53.
• Lindsay, J. R. (2013). Stuxnet and cyber war: Lessons learned. Journal of International Affairs, 67(1), 33-45.
• Ryoo, S. M. (2015). Corporate intellectual property theft: Causes and responses. Harvard Business Review.
• Safa, N. S., Von Solms, R., & Furnell, S. (2016). Information security policy compliance model in organizations. Computers & Security, 56, 70-79.
• Symantec. (2019). Internet Security Threat Report. Retrieved from https://www.broadcom.com/company/newsroom/press-releases?filtr=Symantec%20Internet%20Security%20Threat%20Report
• Watkins, D. (2019). Cyber espionage and intelligence partnerships: Security implications. Journal of Cyber Policy, 4(1), 112-130.
• Cyber Risk Governance Framework. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/publications/cyber-risk-governance-framework