Risk Assessment Of Information Systems Security Risks Essay

The periodic assessment of risk to agency operations or assets resulting from the operation of an information system is an important activity. It summarizes the risks associated with the vulnerabilities identified during the vulnerability scan. Impact refers to the magnitude of potential harm that may be caused by successful exploitation. It is determined by the value of the resource at risk, both in terms of its inherent (replacement) value, its importance (criticality) to business missions, and the sensitivity of data contained within the system. The results of the system security categorization estimations for each system, is used as an aid to determining individual impact estimations for each finding. The level of impact is rated

Risk assessment and threat assessment should go hand-in-hand.The outcome of the risk assessment and threat assessment should provide recommendations that maximize the protection of confidentiality, integrity and availability while still providing functionality and usability. The purpose of a risk assessment is to ensure sensitive data and valuable assets are protected. An organization should take a hard look at who has access to sensitive data and if those accesses are required. The security audit should monitor the companies systems and users to detect illicit activity.The security audit should

How does Department of Homeland Security Enterprise manage to satisfy on the shareholders, risk management. Risk management is defined as “a systematic and analytical process to consider the likelihood that a threat will endanger an asset, individual, or function and identify actions to reduce the risk and mitigate the consequences of an attack” (Decker 2002, page 1). Risk management acknowledges that “threats and risks will never be completely eliminated, but enhancing protection from known or potential threats can reduce it” (Decker 2002, page 1).

An effective information security program should include, periodic assessments of risk, including the magnitude of harm that could result from the unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information and information systems that support the operations and assets of the organization. Policies and procedures should be based on risk assessments, cost effective reduced information security risk, and it should ensure that the information security is addressed throughout the entire life cycle of each and every organizational information system. Subordinate plans for providing sufficient information security for groups of the information system, facilities, networks, or information systems.

Assessments are used to determine if sufficient security is being utilized to protect federal data. These requirements are put in place to identify vulnerabilities within the information security infrastructure. It rates potential weak points that may be caused if vulnerability was found and a plan of action must be developed and executed to elevate found vulnerabilities to meet desire security standards. System administrators are obligated to assist their higher levels with found assessment and suggestions on how to improve the information system infrastructure. Scanning the system infrastructure is one of many modes used to assess the strength of information security. Several software, such as QualysGuard, have been designed to scan system architecture. QualysGuard is an automated suite that simplifies information security measures by rendering critical security intelligence. The suite offers full protection of all information security systems, auditing, and compliance assessments. Accrediting and

Threat modeling is the process of optimizing an organizations’ security of their network by finding vulnerabilities in that system, and then deploying countermeasures to protect against those threats should they happen in the future. If a company wants to know what vulnerabilities they may have then threat modeling is an excellent way of determining these threats. An individual threat is when an event occurs that has a negative impact on an organization’s daily operations. (Rouse, 2006). These negative impacts can manifest themselves in many ways from damaging the reputation of that organization to interrupting the functions of that organization. These threats can be in the form of destruction or stealing sensitive data, cracking of weak passwords, malware, phishing, or other scams and frauds. The goal of this paper is to address how the organizations code of ethics and security policies apply, what specific security policies can be deployed, and to identify the impact of asset security standards and governance. I chose Northrop Grumman as the focus of my paper

Risk analysis is an integral part of data safety within an organization and the analysis is vital to the mission and success of an organization. Risk analysis is used “to identify threats and then provide recommendations to address these threats” (Taylor et al, 2006). Risk analysis encompasses not only the equipment and programs used in an organization but also covers the culture, managerial, and administrative processes to assure data security. A key factor in risk analysis is to have a good Information Resource Management Plan.

Security monitoring is an important factor in keeping any organization network safe as various attacks are on a rise. A company constantly must practice monitory techniques to keep their data safe. " The first step is to scan the internal and external environment and identify information technology risks before they become a problem. The key is to be proactive rather than reactive" (Marilyn Greenstein). Different organization consist of many applications that require a certain level of security measures and risk assessment. To determine the associated risks within an organization each application

After the information system is installed, the IS security controls must be monitored and assessed on a continuous basis. Continuous monitoring ensures the security controls in place are effective. In this step, there are five tasks. The first task requires managers to determine the security impact based on the threat environment. The second task is conducting assessments on certain security controls as outlined in their Continuous Monitoring Strategy. The third task is correcting discrepancies found in the assessment. The fourth task requires updating the Security Authorization package based on the previous results. The fifth task requires the appropriate officials to make a risk determination and acceptance by reviewing the reported security

Information systems are known to be at risk from malicious attacks, user error, and from other disasters. As technology is relied upon more heavily and computer systems become interdependent and accessible by more individuals, the susceptibility to threats increases. In addition, individuals are developing high levels of computer skills that results in an increased risk of intrusion from outsiders. The Information Security Risk Assessment will determine the assets of the company, organizational risks, the current security posture, any areas of risk for GDI, and recommend a mitigation strategy for reducing information security risks and implementing strategies to reduce these risks. Through the Information Security Risk Assessment, GDI is taking steps to ensure that the organization identifies significant risks and determines the best method to mitigate the risks.

Risk management compiles data of all the factors in the scenario or event that could likely or rather possibly come about from any negative situation. The risk management formula and method of approaching situations more often than not attempts to look beyond the current situation and determine possible outcomes based on experience rational thinking considering all factors. Risk management is more than just an equation however, it is a way of thinking, operating and making good use of ones abilities and resources. It is a much needed skill and practice that should be used continuously as threats to homeland security and defense are always changing and or growing bolder. Along with continuous application, one aspect of risk management is that as threats continuously change it is a constant and always applicable formula that can be used despite the situation. Risk management will always be applicable useful no matter the situation if one is capable of applying it

Background - Country Girl Jewelry has expanded rapidly to the point at which they now have two offices and over 70 employees. There are now larger issues requiring the Security Department to be responsible for secure transactions for online clients, the personal financial data of all concerned, and a safe and secure network situation). Our first step in this process is to look at the situation carefully and, especially in the era of globalization, manage our security risk level by first considering our risk level. Basic risk management for any organization encompasses six general parameters" 1) The identification of a risk within the context of the organization or area; 2) Planning some sort of a process to mitigate the situation(s); 3) Mapping, either formally or informally, the scope, objectives, stakeholders, and constraints; 4) Defining a framework for managing the risk(s); 5) Developing a sound analysis of the risks using as many tools as possible; 6) Finding mitigating solutions using all available tools (Wan, 2009; Frenkel, Hommel, & Rudolf, 2005). Most experts, in fact, suggest that one look at risk as a simple formula: Risk Index = Impact of Risk Event(s) X Probability of Occurance.

This paper explores the most significant security vulnerability that information technology (IT) professionals face in the future. It provides definitions, dissimilarities between vulnerabilities, risks, threats, and risk along with real-world examples of each. This conclusion is the result of several research reports from various sources, to include IT professionals such as the Apple Developers who propose that there are several variations of vulnerabilities which exist, Microsoft, and The Certified Ethical Hackers Guide. This paper also examines four variations of vulnerabilities described in various articles reports, and websites and gives real world examples of each. These descriptions and examples also define as well as illustrate the vulnerabilities albeit each article has its own conviction as to what the greatest security vulnerability is facing IT professionals. Nevertheless, all vulnerabilities have a commonality discussed in the IBM Security Services 2014 Cyber Security Intelligence Index (2014). The IBM Security Services 2014 Cyber Security Intelligence Index establishes the correlation between the variations in vulnerabilities: Humans and human error.

Risk is becoming more and more looked into from a company standpoint. What it really boils down to is when something catastrophic happens to a company will they have the necessary plans of action ready. This is when the importance of IT department comes into play, especially with the role and direction that technology has taken in the last couple of years. The IT department does not just make sure that the company at the time has an efficient and effective computing environment, they plan for the future and put together plans of action against disaster occurrences. Depending on the type of business the company does depends on the information needed from the customer. When dealing with confidential information it is important to have secure plans of action by the IT department in place to stop intruders. The basic principal that the IT department takes into account when dealing with risks is what necessary actions can they put in place in order to keep a company’s goals, reputation and assets intact.

Safety of information is the most valuable asset in any organization particular those who provide financial service to others. Threats can come from a variety of sources such as human threats, natural disasters and technical threats. By identifying the potential threats to the network, security measure can be taken to combat these threats, eliminate them or reduce the likelihood and impact if they should occur.