You Have Just Completed A Qualitative Threat Assessment

1 You Have Just Completed A Qualitative Threat Assessment Of the Comp

You have just completed a qualitative threat assessment of the computer security of your organization, with the impacts and probabilities of occurrence listed in the table that follows. Properly place the threats in a 3-by-3 table. Which of the threats should you take action on, which should you monitor, and which ones may not need your immediate attention? Threat Impact Probability of Occurrence Virus attacks High High Internet hacks Medium High Disgruntled employee hacks High Medium Weak incidence response mechanisms Medium Medium Theft of information by a trusted third-party contractor Low Medium Competitor hacks High Low Inadvertent release of noncritical information Low Low

You have been asked by management to secure the laptop computer of an individual who was just dismissed from the company under unfavorable circumstances. Pretend that your own computer is the laptop that has been secured. Make the first entry in your log book and describe how you would start his incident off correctly by properly protecting and securing the evidence.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective threat assessment and response are crucial components of cybersecurity management. In this scenario, the organization faces multiple threats with varying impacts and probabilities, requiring a strategic approach to prioritize actions and allocate resources appropriately. This essay analyses the threats identified, categorizes them based on their risk levels, and discusses the initial steps in securing evidence from a dismissed employee’s laptop.

Classification of Threats Using a 3x3 Matrix

The first step involves placing each threat within a 3-by-3 matrix based on its impact and likelihood of occurrence. This matrix helps visualize the risk levels associated with each threat and guides decision-making regarding mitigation strategies.

Risk Prioritization and Response Strategies

Based on the assessment, threats are categorized as follows:

• Action Required: Threats with high impact and high or medium probability—such as virus attacks, internet hacks, and disgruntled employee hacks—should be immediate priorities for mitigation. These threats pose significant risks to organizational assets and require proactive measures like deploying advanced security tools, regular training, and robust incident response plans.
• Monitor: Threats with medium impact and probability, such as weak incident response mechanisms, necessitate ongoing monitoring and improvement to prevent escalation. Constant vigilance and process enhancements are essential.
• Low Priority: Threats with low impact and low probability—like inadvertent release of noncritical information—may be accepted with minimal intervention but still require basic security practices.

Securing and Protecting Evidence from a Dismissed Employee's Laptop

In the case of securing a laptop belonging to a recently dismissed employee, the initial steps are critical to preserve evidence integrity and prevent contamination. The first entry in the logbook should document the initial assessment and actions taken:

• Secure the physical device: Lock the laptop in a tamper-evident bag or container to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
• Record details: Note the physical condition, serial number, user account details, and any preliminary observations.
• Document initial actions: Record who is handling the device, the date and time of securing it, and the reasons for suspicion or concern.
• Maintain chain of custody: Assign a unique identifier to the evidence and document every transfer or inspection subsequent to this initial step to maintain chain of custody integrity.
• Isolate the device: Disconnect the laptop from networks to prevent remote interference or data exfiltration.
• Preserve volatile data: Unless authorized and trained personnel are available, avoid powering down or altering the device unnecessarily, to preserve volatile data such as RAM contents.

By meticulously documenting these initial actions, the organization ensures that the evidence is protected from contamination, and the forensic process remains robust and legally defensible.

Conclusion

Effective risk management in cybersecurity hinges on accurately assessing threats and prioritizing responses based on potential impacts and probabilities. Using structured tools like a risk matrix allows organizations to allocate resources efficiently and implement appropriate security measures. Simultaneously, the initial handling of digital evidence—particularly from dismissed employees—must follow strict forensic protocols to safeguard the integrity of investigations. By combining strategic threat assessment with rigorous evidence management, organizations can better defend their assets and respond appropriately to security incidents.

References

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