use the IT policy control framework developed in the previous assignment to add a risk assessment to your IT solution strategic plan. Once your risk reduction and control strategy are in place, provisions are to be made in system policies for quality assurance and management program.
Begin by categorizing potential vulnerabilities and risks that must be addressed by policies, standards, and procedures based on the risk matrix for your organization (if available) or created by you similar to the example in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Sample Risk Matrix. US gov [Public domain] Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Risk_Matrix_Simple.jpg
Figure 6. Sample Risk Matrix. US gov [Public domain]
Plan to include the potential vulnerabilities and risks table as part of the introduction in your IT solution strategic plan.
Address provisions and processes for risk assessment and evaluation (at the network, operating system, data, and software layer).
You could use spreadsheet software to configure the matrix and levels of categorization for all layers:
network infrastructure risk criteria and tolerance levels
operating systems
database and application risk criteria for risk assessment and management.
Based on your scenario, identify and develop a risk register (sample is shown below), where you will identify potential risks and their severity level; then, present and discuss corrective measures to be taken by inserting provisions in policies, standards, and standard operating procedure.
Figure 7. Sample Risk Register. Retrieved from https://prince2.wiki/management-products/risk-register/
Figure 7. Sample Risk Register.
Retrieved from
Create an outline that describes the main policies and standards to be developed. Do not write the entire policy, create only an outline of the content each policy must have, specifically related to IT controls.
For each policy, outline the main control provisions based on your assessment and your risk categorization.
Include the risk matrix and risk register in your document, aligned with the network and applications to be assessed and controlled. You will submit 3 files, the paper, the risk matrix, and risk register.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
IT Solution Strategic Plan: Risk Assessment and Management
Introduction
In the context of our IT solution strategic plan, a comprehensive risk assessment is essential to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks that could impact the organization’s IT infrastructure. This document includes a risk matrix, a risk register, and outlines the necessary policies and standards for effective risk management.
Potential Vulnerabilities and Risks
The following table categorizes potential vulnerabilities and risks based on their severity and likelihood of occurrence. The risk matrix (Figure 6) will be utilized to prioritize these risks.
| Vulnerability/Risk | Severity (1-5) | Likelihood (1-5) | Risk Level (1-25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized Access | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| Data Breach | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Malware Infection | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| System Downtime | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| Insider Threats | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Inadequate Backup Procedures | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| Software Vulnerabilities | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Unpatched Systems | 4 | 4 | 16 |
Risk Matrix
Below is the risk matrix used to assess and categorize risks. This matrix will guide the development of policies, standards, and procedures to mitigate these risks.
Risk Register
The risk register identifies potential risks, their severity levels, and corrective measures. It serves as a framework for tracking risks throughout the IT solution’s lifecycle.
| Risk ID | Risk Description | Severity Level | Corrective Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Unauthorized Access | High | Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), user access reviews, and role-based access controls. |
| R2 | Data Breach | High | Encrypt sensitive data, conduct regular security audits, and establish an incident response plan. |
| R3 | Malware Infection | Moderate | Deploy antivirus software, conduct employee training on phishing, and implement endpoint protection. |
| R4 | System Downtime | Moderate | Establish redundant systems, conduct regular maintenance, and develop a business continuity plan. |
| R5 | Insider Threats | Moderate | Conduct background checks, monitor user activity, and develop a whistleblower policy. |
| R6 | Inadequate Backup Procedures | Moderate | Implement regular backup schedules and test recovery processes. |
| R7 | Software Vulnerabilities | Moderate | Regularly update software, conduct vulnerability assessments, and apply patches promptly. |
| R8 | Unpatched Systems | High | Maintain an inventory of systems, automate patch management, and schedule regular updates. |
Policies and Standards Outline
1. Access Control Policy
- Purpose: To define access control mechanisms to secure sensitive information.
- Scope: All employees accessing company systems.
- Control Provisions:
- User authentication methods.
- Role-based access control (RBAC).
- Regular access reviews.
2. Data Protection Policy
- Purpose: To safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access.
- Scope: All forms of data storage and transmission.
- Control Provisions:
- Data encryption methods.
- Data classification guidelines.
- Incident response procedures for data breaches.
3. Incident Response Policy
- Purpose: To establish procedures for responding to security incidents.
- Scope: All IT personnel involved in incident management.
- Control Provisions:
- Incident reporting process.
- Investigation and containment measures.
- Post-incident review protocols.
4. Backup and Recovery Policy
- Purpose: To ensure data integrity through regular backups.
- Scope: All critical organizational data.
- Control Provisions:
- Backup frequency and retention schedule.
- Testing recovery processes.
- Offsite backup requirements.
5. Software Management Policy
- Purpose: To manage software installation and updates effectively.
- Scope: All software utilized within the organization.
- Control Provisions:
- Regular software updates and patch management.
- Software inventory management.
- Vulnerability assessment procedures.
6. Network Security Policy
- Purpose: To protect the network infrastructure from threats.
- Scope: All network devices and connections.
- Control Provisions:
- Firewall configurations.
- Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
- Network segmentation protocols.
Conclusion
This comprehensive risk assessment framework provides a structured approach to identifying, evaluating, and managing risks associated with IT solutions. By implementing the outlined policies and standards, we can enhance our organization’s security posture and ensure the integrity of our systems. The risk matrix and risk register serve as foundational tools in our ongoing efforts to mitigate vulnerabilities and safeguard our IT infrastructure.
