Which of the following is the MOST relevant risk factor to an organization when employees use social media?
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.C.
When employees use social media, there are several risk factors that an organization must consider. However, the most relevant risk factor among the options given in the question is option D: Social media increases the velocity of risk and the threat capacity.
The use of social media by employees can rapidly escalate the speed and scope of security risks. It increases the velocity of risk because of the vast amount of information that is shared on social media, and the speed at which it spreads. This can quickly lead to reputational damage, data breaches, and other security incidents.
Moreover, social media also increases the threat capacity because of the ease with which malicious actors can access and exploit personal information that is shared on these platforms. Attackers can use social media to launch spear-phishing attacks, identify potential targets, and gather intelligence about the organization's operations and employees.
Option A: Social media can be accessed from multiple locations, is a valid concern but is not the most relevant risk factor because most employees use personal devices and can access social media from anywhere, regardless of location. It's not unique to social media and applies to most other web-based applications as well.
Option B: Social media offers a platform that can host cyber-attacks, is a valid concern, but it's not the most relevant risk factor because social media platforms are not inherently designed for cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can be launched from any online platform, not just social media.
Option C: Social media can be used to gather intelligence for attacks, is also a valid concern, but not the most relevant risk factor because gathering intelligence on an organization is possible through several other means, such as hacking, phishing, and social engineering.
In summary, when employees use social media, the most relevant risk factor for an organization is the increased velocity of risk and the threat capacity, which makes social media a prime target for cyberattacks and other security incidents.