Nadia Simpson
Old Dominion University
CYSE300
Malik Gladden
9/17/2023
As organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms to handle sensitive data of their users, the importance of creating strong cybersecurity policies for information systems has never been more critical. An effective cybersecurity policy ensures that all components of an organization’s IT infrastructure, especially high value systems such as web, database, and application servers, are protected from evolving cyber threats. In the case of database servers that hold highly sensitive information, such as personal, financial, or confidential business data, securing these systems is of the greatest importance. This paper will discuss five key issues that should be addressed in the cybersecurity policy for an organization’s information system, such as data encryption, access control, system monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response.
One of the most important aspects of securing sensitive data is properly encrypted both at rest and in transit. Data encryption converts readable data into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms, ensures that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to the data, hackers won’t be able to interpret it without the decryption key. When it comes to database servers, encryption protects confidential data from being exposed in the event of a data breach, mitigating the risk of identity theft, fraud, or financial loss. A cybersecurity policy needs to define which types of data should be encrypted, as well as the encryption standards and protocols that need to be followed to successfully protect sensitive data.
Proactive monitoring and comprehensive logging are essential for detecting potential security breaches and ensuring that systems are functioning as intended. The policy should mandate the continuous monitoring of web, application, and database servers for unusual activity, such as unauthorized login attempts, system configuration changes, or access to sensitive data. It should also require the logging of key system events, such as login attempts, failed authentication attempts, and changes to user privileges. Logs should be securely stored and regularly reviewed to identify and address potential vulnerabilities or signs of malicious activity. Automated alerts should be configured to notify security teams of any suspicious behavior.
Strict access control mechanisms are crucial for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. The policy should define who has access to the various servers in the information system, as well as the levels of access granted. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, meaning that users, applications, and services should only have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. Access controls should be implemented through mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and strong password policies. Additionally, periodic reviews of user access rights should be conducted to ensure that no unnecessary privileges are granted.
A critical element of an information system’s security policy is vulnerability management, which involves identifying, evaluating, and mitigating security weaknesses within the system. The policy should outline procedures for conducting regular security assessments, such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, to identify potential risks in the system’s hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Patch management is an integral part of this process, ensuring that all systems, including web, application, and database servers, are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities. The policy should establish a clear process for prioritizing and addressing vulnerabilities based on their severity.
Even with strong preventive measures in place, security incidents can still occur. Therefore, the security policy must include a detailed incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach or data compromise. The policy should define roles and responsibilities for the incident response team, establish clear communication protocols, and set timelines for incident containment, investigation, and resolution. Furthermore, the policy should include a disaster recovery plan to ensure that business operations can quickly resume after an incident. Regular training and tabletop exercises should be conducted to ensure that all stakeholders are prepared to respond effectively to a security incident.
Designing a security policy for a corporate information system requires a comprehensive approach to safeguarding sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. By addressing issues such as data encryption, access control, system monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their information systems. A well-defined security policy is essential for ensuring that security measures are effectively implemented and followed, reducing the potential impact of security breaches.