Cyber threats are a very tough enemy to attack, due to the fact almost every American has access to the web. It is such a broad platform it will be extremely difficult to completely defend. Training employees, colleagues, and partners cyber security principles definitely needs to be part of the plan. Some of the challenges that may be faced while doing this would be employees trying to plug in personal USB drives to government computers along with personal CD’s.

QUESTION

Cyber threats are a very tough enemy to attack, due to the fact almost every American has access to the web. It is such a broad platform it will be extremely difficult to completely defend. Training employees, colleagues, and partners cyber security principles definitely needs to be part of the plan. Some of the challenges that may be faced while doing this would be employees trying to plug in personal USB drives to government computers along with personal CD’s. I’ve seen it happen before even after we were all told not to do it. Another aspect that needs to be included in the plan is encouraging everyone to change their passwords on a regular basis. I’ve had my Facebook account hacked at least three times, and I don’t really even use it. This taught me to start changing my passwords every few months. Additionally, requiring an individual account for each employee using the intranet will also be in the plan. This will help reduce the amount of confusion for employees, and make the information held a harder target to get. Furthermore, physically controlling who touches what computer in a workplace is important also. Some system needs to be in place, so you know exactly who is utilizing what computer and when they are using it. The plan will make firewalls and virus protection mandatory for any computer that contains sensitive information/ intelligence. Also, it will be encouraging backing up important information so if it gets wiped out it can be properly restored. For the most part this plan shouldn’t be a challenge, but some employees will bring personal items on government or corporate computers that contain sensitive information and put the whole Country at risk. The only way to combat that is to explain the importance of it, and to hold the people accountable who don’t abide by the rule. Keeping passwords updated can also be a challenge, because you run out of ideas after a while. I believe a way to fix this would be to encourage everyone to think of their favorite numbers and letters while changing the order it was in each time, they change the password (Capacity Corner, n.d.).

ANSWER

Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures: Safeguarding Against Evolving Threats

Introduction

In today’s digital age, where the internet has become an integral part of our lives, protecting sensitive information and defending against cyber threats has become a critical priority. The pervasive nature of the web presents a formidable challenge in ensuring comprehensive security. However, by implementing a well-thought-out plan that encompasses employee training, password management, access control, and data backup, organizations can significantly fortify their cybersecurity defenses.

Employee Training and Awareness

One of the foremost pillars of any cybersecurity plan is ensuring that all employees, colleagues, and partners are well-versed in cybersecurity principles. However, challenges may arise when employees inadvertently violate security protocols, such as plugging personal USB drives or CDs into government computers (Administrator, 2022). Despite explicit instructions, these actions can jeopardize sensitive information. To address this, a robust training program should be implemented to educate employees on the risks associated with such practices and emphasize the importance of adhering to established guidelines.

Regular Password Updates

Password security is a crucial aspect of protecting personal and professional accounts. Unfortunately, many individuals neglect to change their passwords regularly, making them susceptible to hacking attempts. Sharing personal experiences of having social media accounts compromised can help drive home the importance of regular password updates. Encouraging individuals to use combinations of their favorite letters and numbers, while altering their arrangement with each change, can provide a simple yet effective strategy to enhance password strength and memorability.

Individual Account Access

To minimize confusion and enhance security, providing each employee with an individual account for accessing the intranet is essential. This approach ensures that user activities can be attributed to specific individuals, making it easier to monitor and track potential security breaches (Chapter 3-Security Policy: Development and Implementation, From Safeguarding Your Technology,  NCES Publication 98-297 (National Center for Education Statistics), n.d.). By segregating access and implementing appropriate user privileges, the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information is significantly reduced.

Physical Access Control

While digital threats often dominate discussions around cybersecurity, physical access to computers and other devices cannot be overlooked. Implementing measures to control and monitor who interacts with workplace computers is crucial. This could include assigning unique user IDs, implementing sign-in/sign-out processes, or utilizing biometric authentication methods. By knowing precisely who is using which computer and when, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access and potential insider threats.

Mandatory Firewalls, Virus Protection, and Data Backup

To ensure the utmost protection of systems housing sensitive information, it is imperative to make firewalls and virus protection mandatory on all computers. These measures act as a first line of defense against external threats. Additionally, promoting regular backups of critical data further enhances resilience. In the event of data loss or system compromise, the ability to restore important information promptly can minimize the impact on operations and mitigate potential risks.

Overcoming Challenges and Accountability

While the outlined plan addresses the majority of cybersecurity concerns, challenges may still arise, primarily due to employees bringing personal items containing sensitive information into the workplace (Romeo, 2021). To combat this, it is crucial to foster a culture of understanding and accountability. Clearly explaining the importance of adhering to security policies and holding individuals accountable for non-compliance can reinforce the significance of responsible behavior and the potential consequences of negligence.

Conclusion

The landscape of cybersecurity is complex and ever-evolving, necessitating a multifaceted approach to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyber threats. By implementing a comprehensive plan encompassing employee training, password management, individual account access, physical controls, and mandatory security measures, organizations can significantly enhance their cybersecurity defenses. A combination of awareness, accountability, and proactive measures will ensure a safer digital environment, not only for corporations but also for the nation as a whole.

References

Administrator, I. (2022). Cybersecurity Essentials FINAL Quiz Answers Full Questions. ITExamAnswers.net. https://itexamanswers.net/cybersecurity-essentials-final-quiz-answers-full-questions.html 

Chapter 3-Security Policy: Development and Implementation, from Safeguarding Your Technology,  NCES Publication 98-297 (National Center for Education Statistics). (n.d.). https://nces.ed.gov/pubs98/safetech/chapter3.asp 

Romeo, C. (2021). 6 ways to develop a security culture in your organization. TechBeacon. https://techbeacon.com/security/6-ways-develop-security-culture-top-bottom