Home > Articles > Security > Network Security

This chapter is from the book

Summary

Information security is not an end unto itself. Information security is a business discipline that exists to support business objectives, add value, and maintain compliance with externally imposed requirements. This type of relationship is known as strategic alignment. Organizational commitment to information security practices should be codified in a written policy. The information security policy is an authoritative document that informs decision making and practices. As such, it should be authorized by the Board of Directors or equivalent body. Derivative documents for specific audiences should be published and distributed. This includes an Acceptable Use Policy and Agreement for users, a third-party version for vendors and service providers, and a synopsis for business partners and clients.

It is essential that information security policies remain relevant and accurate. At a minimum, policies should be reviewed and reauthorized annually. Change drivers are events that modify how a company operates and are a trigger for policy review. Compliance with policy requirements should be assessed and reported to executive management.

An information security audit is a systematic evidence-based evaluation of how well the organization conforms to established criteria. Audits are generally conducted by independent auditors, which implies that the auditor is not responsible for, benefited from, or in any way influenced by the audit target. A capability maturity model (CMM) assessment is an evaluation of process maturity for a given area. In contrast to an audit, the application of a CMM is generally an internal process. Audits and maturity models are good indicators of policy acceptance and integration.

Governance is the process of managing, directing, controlling, and influencing organizational decisions, actions, and behaviors. The Board of Directors is the authoritative policy making body. Executive management is tasked with providing support and resources. Endorsed by the Board of Directors and executive management, the CISO (or equivalent role) is vested with information security program management responsibility and accountability. The chain of command for the CISO should be devoid of conflict of interest. The CISO should have the authority to communicate directly with the Board of Directors.

Discussion, debate, and thoughtful deliberation result in good decision making. Supporting the CISO should be an Information Security Steering Committee, whose members represent a cross-section of the organization. The steering committee serves in an advisory capacity with particular focus on the alignment of business and security objectives. Distributed throughout the organization are a variety of roles that have information security–related responsibilities. Most notably, data owners are responsible for defining protection requirements, data custodians are responsible for managing the protection mechanisms, and data users are expected to act in accordance with the organization’s requirements and to be stewards of the information in their care.

Three factors influence information security decision making and policy development: guiding principles, regulatory requirements, and risks related to achieving their business objectives. Risk is the potential of an undesirable or unfavorable outcome resulting from a given action, activity, and/or inaction. Risk tolerance is how much of the undesirable outcome the risk taker is willing to accept in exchange for the potential benefit. Risk management is the process of determining an acceptable level of risk, identifying the level of risk for a given situation, and determining if the risk should be accepted or mitigated. A risk assessment is used to calculate the level of risk. A number of publically available risk assessment methodologies are available for organizations to use and customize. Risk acceptance indicates that the organization is willing to accept the level of risk associated with a given activity or process. Risk mitigation implies that one of four actions (or a combination of actions) will be undertaken: risk reduction, risk sharing, risk transference, or risk avoidance.

Risk management, governance, and information policy are the basis of an information program. Policies related to these domains include the following policies: Information Security Policy, Information Security Policy Authorization and Oversight, CISO, Information Security Steering Committee, Information Security Risk Management Oversight, Information Security Risk Assessment, and Information Security Risk Management.

Test Your Skills

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. When an information security program is said to be “strategically aligned,” this indicates that __________________.

    1. It supports business objectives
    2. It adds value
    3. It maintains compliance with regulatory requirements
    4. All of the above
  2. How often should information security policies be reviewed?

    1. Once a year
    2. Only when a change needs to be made
    3. At a minimum, once a year and whenever there is a change trigger
    4. Only as required by law
  3. Information security policies should be authorized by ____________.

    1. the Board of Directors (or equivalent)
    2. business unit managers
    3. legal counsel
    4. stockholders
  4. Which of the following statements best describes policies?

    1. Policies are the implementation of specifications.
    2. Policies are suggested actions or recommendations.
    3. Policies are instructions.
    4. Policies are the directives that codify organizational requirements.
  5. Which of the following statements best represents the most compelling reason to have an employee version of the comprehensive information security policy?

    1. Sections of the comprehensive policy may not be applicable to all employees.
    2. The comprehensive policy may include unknown acronyms.
    3. The comprehensive document may contain confidential information.
    4. The more understandable and relevant a policy is, the more likely users will positively respond to it.
  6. Which of the following is a common element of all federal information security regulations?

    1. Covered entities must have a written information security policy.
    2. Covered entities must use federally mandated technology.
    3. Covered entities must self-report compliance.
    4. Covered entities must notify law enforcement if there is a policy violation.
  7. Organizations that choose to adopt the ISO 27002:2103 framework must ________________.

    1. use every policy, standard, and guideline recommended
    2. create policies for every security domain
    3. evaluate the applicability and customize as appropriate
    4. register with the ISO
  8. Evidence-based techniques used by information security auditors include which of the following elements?

    1. Structured interviews, observation, financial analysis, and documentation sampling
    2. Structured interviews, observation, review of practices, and documentation sampling
    3. Structured interviews, customer service surveys, review of practices, and documentation sampling
    4. Casual conversations, observation, review of practices, and documentation sampling
  9. Which of the following statements best describes independence in the context of auditing?

    1. The auditor is not an employee of the company.
    2. The auditor is certified to conduct audits.
    3. The auditor is not responsible for, benefited from, or in any way influenced by the audit target.
    4. Each auditor presents his or her own opinion.
  10. Which of the following states is not included in a CMM?

    1. Average
    2. Optimized
    3. Ad hoc
    4. Managed
  11. Which of the following activities is not considered a governance activity?

    1. Managing
    2. Influencing
    3. Evaluating
    4. Purchasing
  12. To avoid conflict of interest, the CISO could report to which of the following individuals?

    1. The Chief Information Officer (CIO)
    2. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
    3. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
    4. The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
  13. Which of the following statements best describes the role of the Information Security Steering Committee?

    1. The committee authorizes policy.
    2. The committee serves in an advisory capacity.
    3. The committee approves the InfoSec budget.
    4. None of the above.
  14. Defining protection requirements is the responsibility of ____________.

    1. the ISO
    2. the data custodian
    3. data owners
    4. the Compliance Officer
  15. Designating an individual or team to coordinate or manage information security is required by _________.

    1. GLBA
    2. MA CMR 17 301
    3. PCI DSS
    4. All of the above
  16. Which of the following terms best describes the potential of an undesirable or unfavorable outcome resulting from a given action, activity, and/or inaction?

    1. Threat
    2. Risk
    3. Vulnerability
    4. Impact
  17. Inherent risk is the state before __________________.

    1. an assessment has been conducted
    2. security measures have been implemented
    3. the risk has been accepted
    4. None of the above
  18. Which of the following terms best describes the natural, environmental, or human event or situation that has the potential for causing undesirable consequences or impact?

    1. Risk
    2. Threat source
    3. Threat
    4. Vulnerability
  19. Which of the following terms best describes a disgruntled employee with intent to do harm?

    1. Risk
    2. Threat source
    3. Threat
    4. Vulnerability
  20. Which if the following activities is not considered an element of risk management?

    1. The process of determining an acceptable level of risk
    2. Assessing the current level of risk for a given situation
    3. Accepting the risk
    4. Installing risk-mitigation safeguards
  21. How much of the undesirable outcome the risk taker is willing to accept in exchange for the potential benefit is known as _________.

    1. risk acceptance
    2. risk tolerance
    3. risk mitigation
    4. risk avoidance
  22. Which of the following statements best describes a vulnerability?

    1. A vulnerability is a weakness that could be exploited by a threat source.
    2. A vulnerability is a weakness that can never be fixed.
    3. A vulnerability is a weakness that can only be identified by testing.
    4. A vulnerability is a weakness that must be addressed regardless of the cost.
  23. A control is a security measure that is designed to _______ a threat source.

    1. detect
    2. deter
    3. prevent
    4. All of the above
  24. Which of the following is not a risk-mitigation action?

    1. Risk acceptance
    2. Risk sharing or transference
    3. Risk reduction
    4. Risk avoidance
  25. Which of the following risks is best described as the expression of (the likelihood of occurrence after controls are applied) × (expected loss)?

    1. Inherent risk
    2. Expected risk
    3. Residual risk
    4. Accepted risk
  26. Which of the following risk types best describes an example of insurance?

    1. Risk avoidance
    2. Risk transfer
    3. Risk acknowledgement
    4. Risk acceptance
  27. Which of the following risk types relates to negative public opinion?

    1. Operational risk
    2. Financial risk
    3. Reputation risk
    4. Strategic risk
  28. Compliance risk as it relates to federal and state regulations can never be ____________.

    1. avoided
    2. transferred
    3. accepted
    4. None of the above
  29. Which of the following statements best describes organizations that are required to comply with multiple federal and state regulations?

    1. They must have different policies for each regulation.
    2. They must have multiple ISOs.
    3. They must ensure that their information security program includes all applicable requirements.
    4. They must choose the one regulation that takes precedence.
  30. Which of the following terms best describes “duty of care” as applied to corporate directors and executive officers?

    1. It’s a legal obligation.
    2. It’s an outdated requirement.
    3. It’s ignored by most organizations.
    4. It’s a factor only when there is a loss greater than $1,000.

Exercises

Exercise 4.1 Understanding ISO 27002:2005

The introduction to ISO 27002:2005 includes this statement: “This International Standard may be regarded as a starting point for developing organization-specific guidelines. Not all of the controls and guidance in this code of practice may be applicable. Furthermore, additional controls and guidelines not included in this standard may be required.”

  1. Explain how this statement relates to the concept of strategic alignment.
  2. The risk assessment domain was included in the ISO 27002:2005 edition and then removed in ISO 27002:2013. Why do you think they made this change?
  3. What are the major topics of ISO 27005?

Exercise 4.2 Understanding Policy Development and Authorization

Three entrepreneurs got together and created a website design hosting company. They will be creating websites and social media sites for their customers, from simple “Hello World” pages to full-fledged e-commerce solutions. One entrepreneur is the technical guru, the second is the marketing genius, and the third is in charge of finances. They are equal partners. The entrepreneurs also have five web developers working for them as independent contractors on a per-project basis. Customers are requesting a copy of their security policies.

  1. Explain the criteria they should use to develop their policies. Who should authorize the policies?
  2. Should the policies apply to the independent contractors? Why or why not?
  3. What type of documentation should they provide their customers?

Exercise 4.3 Understanding Information Security Officers

  1. ISOs are in high demand. Using online job hunting sites (such as Monster.com, Dice.com, and TheLadders.com), research available positions in your geographic area.
  2. Is there a common theme in the job descriptions?
  3. What type of certifications, education, and experience are employers seeking?

Exercise 4.4 Understanding Risk Terms and Definitions

  1. Define each of the following terms: inherent risk, threat, threat source, vulnerability, likelihood, impact, and residual risk.
  2. Provide examples of security measures designed to (a) deter a threat source, (b) prevent a threat source from being successful, and (c) detect a threat source.
  3. Explain risk avoidance and why that option is generally not chosen.

Exercise 4.5: Understanding Insurance

  1. What is cyber-insurance and what does it generally cover?
  2. Why would an organization purchase cyber-insurance?
  3. What is the difference between first-party coverage and third-party coverage?

Projects

Project 4.1: Analyzing a Written Policy

  1. Many organizations rely on institutional knowledge rather than written policy. Why do you think all major information security regulations require a written information security policy? Do you agree? Explain your opinion.
  2. We are going to test the conventional wisdom that policy should be documented conducting an experiment.

    1. Write down or print out these three simple policy statements. Or, if you would prefer, create your own policy statements.

      The Board of Directors must authorize the Information Security Policy.

      An annual review of the Information Security Policy must be conducted.

      The CISO is responsible for managing the review process.

    2. Enlist four subjects for your experiment.

      Give two of the subjects the written policy. Ask them to read document. Have them keep the paper.

      Read the policy to the two other subjects. Do not give them a written copy.

    3. Within 24 hours, contact each subject and ask them to recall as much of the policy as possible. If they ask, let the first two subjects know that they can consult the document you gave them. Document your findings. Does the outcome support your answer to Question 1?

Project 4.2: Analyzing Information Security Management

  1. Does your school or workplace have a CISO or an equivalent position? Who does the CISO (or equivalent) report to? Does he or she have any direct reports? Is this person viewed as a security champion? Is he or she accessible to the user community?
  2. It is important that CISOs stay current with security best practices, regulations, and peer experiences. Research and recommend (at least three) networking and educational resources.
  3. If you were tasked with selecting an Information Security Steering Committee at your school or workplace to advise the CISO (or equivalent), who would you choose and why?

Project 4.3: Using Risk Assessment Methodologies

The three most well-known information security risk assessment methodologies are OCTAVE (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation, developed at the CERT Coordination Center at Carnegie Mellon University), FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk), and the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).

  1. Research and write a description of each (including pros and cons).
  2. Are they in the public domain, or is there a licensing cost?
  3. Is training available?

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020