You Are The Information Security Officer Of Mahtmarg Manufac

You Are The Information Security Officer Of Mahtmarg Manufacturing A S

You are the Information Security Officer of Mahtmarg Manufacturing a small manufacturing company worth approximately $5 Million who provides fiber cable to local businesses, individual customers and to government organizations. In the course of the next eight weeks you will be creating your Information Security Plan (Issue-Specific Security Policy in Table 4-3 of the textbook) step by step using this scenario. Your Task Step 4: Develop the Systems Management section of your ISP In this week’s Lab you will develop the section on Systems Management which focuses on the user’s relationship to systems management and the responsibilities delegated to both users and systems administrators to avoid confusion. This includes: · Authentication and Encryption · System Administrator Responsibilities · User Responsibilities · Auditing · Configuration

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the realm of information security management, particularly within small to medium-sized enterprises like Mahtmarg Manufacturing, establishing clear and effective systems management policies is crucial. Systems management encompasses the processes and responsibilities involved in maintaining, securing, and auditing IT systems to ensure both operational integrity and security. This paper develops the Systems Management section for Mahtmarg Manufacturing’s Information Security Plan (ISP), focusing on user relationships with systems, delegated responsibilities, and essential security controls such as authentication, encryption, auditing, and configuration management.

Authentication and Encryption

Authentication forms the cornerstone of access control, verifying the identities of users before granting system access. For Mahtmarg Manufacturing, implementing robust authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) is vital to prevent unauthorized access. MFA combines something the user knows (password), something the user has (security token), and something the user is (biometric verification), providing multiple layers of security (Fernandez et al., 2019). Encryption complements authentication by safeguarding data both in transit and at rest. Data transmitted over networks should be encrypted using protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security), whereas stored data should be encrypted with strong algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) (Homeland Security, 2021). These measures ensure confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information such as client data and proprietary designs.

System Administrator Responsibilities

System administrators at Mahtmarg Manufacturing hold the primary responsibility for maintaining system security and operational integrity. They are tasked with configuring and managing security controls, applying patches and updates, and monitoring system activity for suspicious behavior. Administrators should establish strict access controls, enforce password policies, and regularly review user permissions to minimize security vulnerabilities (ISO/IEC 27001, 2013). They are also responsible for conducting security audits, maintaining audit logs, and responding to security incidents promptly. Effective documentation of these activities is essential for accountability and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

User Responsibilities

Users at Mahtmarg Manufacturing are entrusted with safeguarding their login credentials, adhering to security policies, and reporting any suspicious activity. They must understand that their role is critical in maintaining the security posture of the organization. Policies should mandate the use of strong, unique passwords, periodic password changes, and secure handling of sensitive data. Users should also be trained in recognizing phishing attempts and avoiding unsafe practices that could compromise system security (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, 2022). By clearly delineating user responsibilities, the organization reduces the risk of internal threats and accidental breaches.

Auditing

Regular auditing is essential to verify compliance with security policies and detect potential security breaches or policy violations. System logs should be collected and reviewed periodically to identify unusual activities such as unauthorized access attempts, data exfiltration, or privilege escalations (NIST, 2020). Automated auditing tools can facilitate continuous monitoring, while manual reviews ensure contextual understanding of security events. Audit reports should be maintained securely and used to inform security improvements or disciplinary actions if necessary.

Configuration Management

Proper configuration management involves establishing and maintaining secure system settings across all IT assets. This includes disabling unnecessary services, applying security patches promptly, and configuring systems to enforce security policies (CIS Benchmarks, 2021). Inventory management of hardware and software assets ensures that all components are accounted for and managed securely. Baseline configurations should be documented, and any changes must be reviewed and approved through a controlled process to prevent configuration drift and vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Developing a comprehensive Systems Management section for Mahtmarg Manufacturing’s ISP is vital to ensure the security of its IT infrastructure. Clear delineation of responsibilities between users and administrators, coupled with robust practices in authentication, encryption, auditing, and configuration, fosters a secure environment. Regular updates and audits further strengthen the security posture, enabling the organization to protect its sensitive information and maintain operational resilience.

References

  • Fernandez, A., Garcia, M., & Rodriguez, P. (2019). Multi-Factor Authentication Systems for Organizational Security. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(3), 143-157.
  • Homeland Security. (2021). Data Encryption Standards. National Cybersecurity Center.
  • ISO/IEC 27001. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
  • Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. (2022). User Awareness and Training. CISA Publications.
  • NIST. (2020). Guide to Computer Security Log Management (Special Publication 800-92).
  • Center for Internet Security (CIS). (2021). CIS Benchmarks for System Configuration.
  • Smith, J. (2018). Managing User Responsibilities and Access Control in SMEs. Cybersecurity Journal, 2(4), 101-112.
  • Williams, R. (2020). Implementing Effective Auditing in Small Organizations. InfoSec Magazine, 4(2), 65-70.
  • Kim, H., & Lee, S. (2019). Secure System Configuration Best Practices. International Journal of Computer Security, 11(1), 45-58.
  • Anderson, R. (2021). The Importance of Encryption in Protecting Organizational Data. Data Security Review, 8(5), 23-29.

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