Establishing an Information Security Program: Next Steps

Next Steps for Establishing an Information Security Program

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Question

After obtaining commitment from senior management, which of the following should be completed NEXT when establishing an information security program?

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Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

B.

When establishing an information security program, conducting a risk assessment is key to identifying the needs of the organization and developing a security strategy.

Defining security metrics, performing a gap analysis and procuring security tools are all subsequent considerations.

When establishing an information security program, obtaining commitment from senior management is a crucial first step. The next step should be to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks to the organization's information assets.

Option B is the correct answer. Conducting a risk assessment allows organizations to determine the likelihood and impact of various security threats and vulnerabilities on their information assets. The risk assessment process should identify potential threats, vulnerabilities, and assets at risk, and evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of each risk.

Once the risks have been identified and evaluated, the organization can determine the appropriate risk response strategy, such as risk avoidance, risk mitigation, risk transfer, or risk acceptance. The risk assessment process should be conducted regularly to ensure that the organization's information security program remains effective and up-to-date.

Option A, defining security metrics, is an important step in measuring the effectiveness of an information security program, but it should come after conducting a risk assessment. Security metrics should be based on the risks identified in the risk assessment and should be used to monitor the effectiveness of the organization's information security program.

Option C, performing a gap analysis, can also be useful in identifying areas where the organization's information security program may be lacking or where improvements can be made. However, a gap analysis should be conducted after a risk assessment to ensure that any identified gaps are based on actual risks and vulnerabilities.

Option D, procuring security tools, should come after the risk assessment and the development of a risk response strategy. It's important to ensure that security tools are appropriate and effective in addressing the identified risks and vulnerabilities. Procuring security tools should not be the first step in establishing an information security program as it does not address the specific risks and vulnerabilities of the organization.