Threat Assessment SEC440 Name Class Date ✓ Solved

Threat Assessment SEC440 Threat Assessment Name Class Date

In the information age, it is essential to have the necessary security in place to ensure that private data is not stolen or lost. The threat assessment is conducted to ensure that any potential security gaps are identified and that the necessary security measures are in place to prevent intrusion or damage to the information systems. As the chief security officer for the Information Technology (IT) department of Applebee’s Inc., understanding the potential threats will make them more effective in their role.

The type of information that will be gathered in the threat assessment includes what needs to be protected, the potential threats or vulnerabilities faced by the organization, value to the organization, and ways to minimize damage or loss.

The objective of a threat and risk assessment is to provide recommendations that maximize the protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability while still providing functionality and usability (Bayne, 2002). The assessment will identify gaps in security that must be addressed and provide best practices for closing these security gaps. The core areas in the risk assessment include the scope, collection of data, analysis of policies and procedures, threat and vulnerability analysis, and correlation and assessment of risk acceptability.

Risk management involves identifying risks by the management in a business or organization. When conducting the threat assessment, principles of threat management will assist in identifying the impact of any recommendations, identify sources that will be used to implement suggested security changes, and minimize any threat to the company’s information systems.

This assessment will evaluate Applebee's information systems to determine threats or vulnerabilities to their information networks. Through risk management, risks can be identified, avoided, reduced, and their negative impacts diminished. Applebee’s handles thousands of pieces of customer and employee private information, making security measures essential for protecting this data.

Scope

The objective of the threat assessment is to determine the weaknesses of a structure and protect that structure and its occupants from criminal intent (Mendoza, 2009). The scope explains what needs to be protected and outlines how the assessment will be conducted. In the case of Applebee’s, the assessment will include the organization’s financial information, customer information networks, and employee personal information.

This assessment will determine if the existing security measures employed by Applebee’s are effective and identify areas needing improvement to reduce potential threats. Management's involvement is crucial during this process, as they can alert the chief security officer to areas that may pose potential security threats.

Collecting Data

The next step in the risk assessment is data collection. Data is key in identifying vulnerabilities and informing recommendations. During this process, policies and procedures, past and present security documents, interviews with key personnel, and critical security information will be gathered. Data will be sourced from key IT personnel at Applebee’s and will include details on the type of operating system used, services the organization runs, network applications, physical location of information systems, access controls, intrusion detection measures, firewalls, and network surveying measures.

The involvement of stakeholders is vital to ensure that the chief security officer has all necessary information for an effective threat assessment.

Analyze Policies and Procedures

The next core component of the threat assessment is analyzing the policies and procedures the company has in place regarding their information technology security. Current policies provide crucial insights into employee compliance levels and their effectiveness. The chief security officer will evaluate the existing security standards while identifying potential areas needing enhanced consideration.

For example, one of Applebee’s primary objectives is to create an environment where customers feel like family. If customers fear that their private information could be lost or stolen, it could deter them from dining at Applebee’s. Therefore, protecting customer information is paramount, and any failures in compliance with security measures must be addressed.

Threat and Vulnerability Analysis

In the vulnerability analysis, the chief security officer will evaluate the current vulnerabilities of the organization’s information systems by assessing existing security measures and exposure to potential losses. Tools like Nessus or SARA will be utilized during this process to ensure existing safeguards are effective. Results must be validated to accurately assess reliability and avoid misdirected protections.

Additionally, penetration tests may be conducted to determine the robustness of security measures. For instance, tests could try to penetrate the password systems of the company. The threat analysis will identify factors that could risk the organization’s information systems, which may include human threats (employees or criminals) and nonhuman threats (natural disasters like floods or fires).

Recognizing these threats necessitates specific steps to minimize vulnerabilities. According to principles of risk management, identifying vulnerabilities or threats requires stakeholder involvement, good communication, clear understanding of organizational objectives, and reporting areas needing focus (Nathwani, 2001).

Analysis of Acceptable Risk

The analysis of acceptable risk involves evaluating collected data on current policies and procedures to determine their effectiveness. If existing safeguards successfully prevent intrusion, loss, or damage, the list of vulnerabilities may be shorter. The chief security officer will use findings from the vulnerability assessment to ascertain which risks or vulnerabilities require immediate attention.

Conclusion

The threat assessment provides the organization with critical information to effectively protect private information stored on information systems. This includes safeguarding the financial and operational information of the organization as well as private customer records and employee data. Following the assessment, the chief security officer at Applebee's can implement necessary measures to ensure private information remains secure.

The threat assessment is an essential tool for detecting threats and vulnerabilities. If Applebee’s faces a security incident, where private information is breached, it could result in a loss of public trust and consequent sales decline. Therefore, implementing effective security measures is crucial to maintaining customer confidence in the safety of their personal information.

References

• Bayne, J. (2002). An Overview of Threat and Risk Assessment. SANS Institute.
• Mendoza, A. (2009). What is a Threat Assessment.
• Nathwani, J. & Pandey, M. (2001). Principles for Managing Risk: A Search for Improving the Quality of Decisions.