For this assignment, you will research and locate a recent news journal article related to information security. Your task is to write a one- to two-page review of the article, focusing on its connection to the principles of information security discussed in the textbook. In addition, you are required to include common the vulnerabilities in information security.To begin, search for a relevant news journal article on information security. Read the article thoroughly, paying attention to its main points, arguments, and findings. In your review, summarize the article’s content, emphasizing its significance in the field of information security. Analyze how the article aligns with the principles of information security introduced in the textbook, providing examples or evidence to support your analysis.Next, shift your focus to vulnerabilities in information security. Conduct additional research to identify common vulnerabilities and their impact on information security systems. Discuss these vulnerabilities, considering various factors such as technological, human, and organizational aspects. Provide relevant examples or case studies to illustrate the significance of these vulnerabilities in your review.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Review of Recent News Article on Information Security: “Ransomware Attacks Surge Amid Remote Work Shift”
Summary of the Article
In the recent article titled “Ransomware Attacks Surge Amid Remote Work Shift” published in The Wall Street Journal, the author discusses the alarming increase in ransomware attacks since the onset of widespread remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights how cybercriminals have adapted their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in remote work environments, targeting organizations that may be less equipped to manage cybersecurity risks outside traditional office settings.
The article points out several high-profile ransomware incidents that have occurred in the past year, illustrating how attackers have demanded hefty ransoms in exchange for decrypting organizational data. Furthermore, the piece emphasizes the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and employee training to mitigate these risks. It also discusses the financial and reputational impacts that organizations face as a result of these attacks, underscoring the critical need for effective information security practices.
Connection to Principles of Information Security
The article’s content directly relates to several fundamental principles of information security, particularly the concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (often referred to as the CIA triad).
1. Confidentiality: Ransomware attacks directly threaten the confidentiality of sensitive data. When attackers encrypt data and demand a ransom, they compromise organizations’ ability to protect confidential information, potentially leading to unauthorized access if the ransom is not paid or if decryption tools are ineffective.
2. Integrity: The integrity of data is also at risk during a ransomware attack. If an organization cannot verify that its data has not been tampered with after an attack, it faces significant challenges in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of its information systems. This can lead to further operational issues and loss of trust from stakeholders.
3. Availability: Ransomware fundamentally disrupts the availability of data and systems. Organizations may find themselves unable to access critical resources, halting operations and resulting in significant financial losses. The article emphasizes that maintaining availability is essential for organizational resilience, especially in a remote work environment where reliance on digital systems is heightened.
The article reinforces the necessity for organizations to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, which aligns with principles such as risk management and incident response planning. For instance, the implementation of comprehensive backup solutions, regular software updates, and employee training can help mitigate the risks associated with ransomware.
Common Vulnerabilities in Information Security
In addition to analyzing the article’s content, it is essential to identify common vulnerabilities that contribute to information security risks. These vulnerabilities can be categorized into technological, human, and organizational factors.
1. Technological Vulnerabilities:
– Unpatched Software: Failure to apply security patches leaves systems vulnerable to known exploits. For example, the 2020 SolarWinds cyberattack highlighted how attackers exploited unpatched vulnerabilities to gain access to numerous organizations’ networks.
– Insecure Configurations: Misconfigured systems can create entry points for attackers. Poorly configured firewalls or databases can expose sensitive data unintentionally, making organizations susceptible to breaches.
2. Human Vulnerabilities:
– Phishing Attacks: Human error plays a significant role in security breaches. Phishing attacks exploit individuals’ lack of awareness by tricking them into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. The 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack was partially attributed to a phishing email that compromised employee credentials.
– Insider Threats: Employees with legitimate access to systems can intentionally or unintentionally cause harm. Insider threats can arise from disgruntled employees or those who inadvertently mishandle sensitive information.
3. Organizational Vulnerabilities:
– Lack of Security Awareness Training: Organizations that do not prioritize employee training on cybersecurity best practices are at greater risk for attacks. Continuous education helps employees recognize threats and respond appropriately.
– Inadequate Incident Response Plans: Failure to develop and implement effective incident response plans can exacerbate damage during an attack. Organizations without established protocols may struggle to recover quickly from ransomware incidents.
Conclusion
The article “Ransomware Attacks Surge Amid Remote Work Shift” highlights the pressing need for organizations to reinforce their information security measures amid evolving cyber threats. By connecting its findings with fundamental principles of information security, we can better understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability in protecting sensitive data. Additionally, recognizing common vulnerabilities—whether technological, human, or organizational—can guide organizations in developing comprehensive strategies that minimize risks and enhance overall resilience against cyberattacks.
References
– Wall Street Journal. (2022). Ransomware Attacks Surge Amid Remote Work Shift.
– National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
– Hofmann, S., et al. (2020). Cybersecurity in Remote Work Settings: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of Information Security.
