Using Security Policies And Controls To Overcome Business Ch

Using Security Policies And Controls To Overcome Business Challengesle

Using Security Policies and Controls to Overcome Business Challenges Learning Objectives and Outcomes Understand the importance of information security policies and the role they play in business activities to ensure sound, secure information. Identify four IT security controls for a given scenario. Scenario The organization is a regional XYZ Credit Union/Bank that has multiple branches and locations throughout the region. Online banking and use of the Internet are the bank’s strengths, given limited its human resources. The customer service department is the organization’s most critical business function. The organization wants to be in compliance with Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and IT security best practices regarding its employees. The organization wants to monitor and control use of the Internet by implementing content filtering. The organization wants to eliminate personal use of organization-owned IT assets and systems. The organization wants to monitor and control use of the e-mail system by implementing e-mail security controls. The organization wants to implement this policy for all the IT assets it owns and to incorporate this policy review into an annual security awareness training program. Assignment Requirements Using the scenario, identify four possible information technology (IT) security controls for the bank and provide rationale for your choices. Length: 1–2 pages

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In an increasingly digital banking environment, implementing effective security controls is critical to protect sensitive financial information, comply with regulations such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and ensure the continuity of essential operations like customer service. For a regional credit union with multiple branches, leveraging appropriate IT security controls not only mitigates risks but also fosters trust among customers and regulators. This paper discusses four vital security controls tailored for a banking institution to address challenges related to internet usage, email security, regulatory compliance, and organizational policy enforcement.

1. Content Filtering for Internet Usage

Given the importance of internet use in operational activities and the necessity to prevent unauthorized or inappropriate content, implementing content filtering is pivotal. Content filtering controls restrict access to websites deemed non-business related or potentially malicious, thereby reducing risks associated with malware, phishing attacks, and productivity loss. In the context of compliance with GLBA, content filtering also supports the prevention of inadvertent data leakage through risky web activities. For instance, blocking access to social media platforms or gambling websites helps ensure that Internet resources are used appropriately, aligning with organizational policy and regulatory standards. The rationale behind this control is to establish a secure browsing environment that balances operational needs while minimizing security vulnerabilities.

2. Email Security Controls

Email remains a primary vector for cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and malware-laden attachments. Implementing robust email security controls—such as spam filtering, attachment scanning, and secure email gateways—is critical for the bank. These controls help detect and prevent the delivery of malicious content, thereby safeguarding sensitive customer and organizational data. Furthermore, encryption for email communications ensures confidentiality and integrity, especially when transmitting financial data or personally identifiable information (PII). Relating to GLBA compliance, email security controls are essential to protect sensitive data from interception or breaches, ultimately supporting the bank's commitment to safeguarding customer privacy.

3. Device and Asset Management Policies

An overarching control is the enforcement of policies that monitor and regulate the use of IT assets—computers, mobile devices, and other hardware. This includes deploying endpoint security solutions such as antivirus software, host-based intrusion prevention systems, and device control policies that disable unauthorized external device usage. Such controls prevent the introduction of malicious software, unauthorized data access, and data exfiltration from organizational devices. Given the bank’s objective to eliminate personal use of organizational assets, this control reinforces organizational policies through technical enforcement, ensuring all employees adhere to security standards and reducing insider threats.

4. Security Awareness and Policy Training

Regular security awareness training, integrated into an annual review process, is essential in cultivating a security-conscious culture. Training educates employees about organizational policies on internet and email use, recognizing phishing attempts, and reporting security incidents. This control is particularly relevant for the customer service department, which is the organization’s most critical business function, since well-informed staff are more likely to follow security procedures and less likely to inadvertently compromise information security. Embedding policy review into annual training ensures that staff remains current on security best practices and organizational expectations, thereby fostering ongoing compliance and resilience against evolving threats.

Conclusion

Implementing these four security controls—content filtering for internet use, email security measures, endpoint management policies, and ongoing security training—aligns organizational practices with regulatory compliance, minimizes vulnerabilities, and enhances operational resilience. For a regional bank, these controls are foundational in creating a secure, trustworthy environment that safeguards customer data, supports business objectives, and adheres to legal standards like GLBA. Comprehensively, these measures enable the bank to proactively address the unique challenges faced in the digital banking landscape.

References

• Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.
• Gordon, L. A., Loeb, M. P., & Zhou, L. (2019). The Impact of Information Security Certification and Controls on Financial Performance. Journal of Management Information Systems, 36(1), 95-119.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST.
• Ollila, E., & Karjaluoto, H. (2020). Information Security in Financial Services: A Review. Information & Computer Security, 28(2), 200-219.
• Pearson, S., & Benameur, A. (2021). Privacy, Security, and Blockchain Technology in Financial Sector. IEEE Security & Privacy, 19(4), 54-63.
• PricewaterhouseCoopers. (2022). Cybersecurity in Banking: Best Practices and Trends. PwC Reports.
• Schneier, B. (2018). Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World. W.W. Norton & Company.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2017). Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Framework. DHS.
• Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2018). Principles of Information Security. Cengage Learning.
• Zimmerman, R. (2019). Financial Sector Security: Strategies for Protecting Banking and Payment Systems. Springer.