Cyb 690 Cybersecurity Program Maintenance Scoring Guideperformance Le ✓ Solved

CYB- 690 Cybersecurity Program Maintenance Scoring Guide Performance Level Ratings Meets Expectations Performance consistently met expectations in all essential areas of the assignment criteria, at times possibly exceeding expectations, and the quality of work overall was very good. The most critical goals were met. Near Expectations Performance did not consistently meet expectations. Performance failed to meet expectations in one or more essential areas of the assignment criteria, one or more of the most critical goals were not met. Below Expectations Performance was consistently below expectations in most essential areas of the assignment criteria, reasonable progress toward critical goals was not made.

Significant improvement is needed in one or more important areas. Criteria Below Expectations Near Expectations Meets Expectations Earned The student presents a comprehensive cybersecurity program maintenance actionable plan including executive level support and budget allocation to ensure security controls can be rapidly updated and expanded as the threat environment increases to include: Procedures to track performance 0 pts – 6 pts 7 pts – 9 pts 10 pts Procedures to monitor and measure performance for areas of improvement 0 pts – 2 pts 3 pts – 4 pts 5 pts Procedures to identify new threats, vulnerabilities, or any countermeasures 0 pts – 6 pts 7 pts – 9 pts 10 pts Procedures to obtain feedback on the effectiveness of policies 0 pts – 2 pts 3 pts – 4 pts 5 pts Procedures and technical tools to monitor the internal and external environment 0 pts – 6 pts 7 pts – 9 pts 10 pts Procedures for budget allocation 0 pts – 6 pts 7 pts – 9 pts 10 pts Procedures to catch any oversights 0 pts – 6 pts 7 pts – 9 pts 10 pts Prose is largely free of mechanical errors.

The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures, figures of speech, and industry terminology. 0 pts – 2 pts 3 pts – 4 pts 5 pts TOTAL /65 Instructor Feedback

Paper for above instructions

In the fast-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organizations are increasingly faced with the challenge of safeguarding sensitive information against a myriad of threats. As such, a robust cybersecurity program maintenance plan is requisite for organizations to ensure their defense mechanisms are not just reactive but also proactive. This actionable plan outlines critical components necessary for maintaining an effective cybersecurity program, including performance tracking, threat identification, policy feedback mechanisms, internal and external environmental monitoring, budget allocation strategies, oversight procedures, and considerations for organizational communication.

1. Procedures to Track Performance

Effective performance tracking is paramount to assess the efficacy of cybersecurity strategies. Fostering a comprehensive approach entails the implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) that span all aspects of cybersecurity operations (Baskerville, 2019). Metrics such as incident response times, the number of detected breaches, and percentage of systems patched on schedule should be put in place. Automated reporting tools can be utilized to gather data for these metrics, enabling cybersecurity teams to gain insights into performance trends over time. Regular assessments through audits and penetration testing must also occur to provide empirical data on the effectiveness of security controls in place (Mavridis et al., 2020).

2. Procedures to Monitor and Measure Performance for Areas of Improvement

In addition to performance tracking, continuous monitoring is essential for not only measuring success but also identifying areas requiring enhancement. The process should integrate a feedback loop where incidents and anomalies are regularly analyzed using security information and event management (SIEM) systems (Rudolph & Zain, 2018). Organizations should also conduct post-incident reviews to evaluate responses to security incidents and identify gaps for potential improvements. Emphasis should be placed on the development of a culture of continuous improvement in cybersecurity practices through consistent training and education tailored to emerging threats (Whitman & Mattord, 2020).

3. Procedures to Identify New Threats, Vulnerabilities, or Any Countermeasures

The dynamic nature of cyber threats necessitates constant vigilance in threat identification. Security teams should leverage threat intelligence feeds and participate in information-sharing initiatives with industry peers and government bodies, such as the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC) (Mason, 2021). Vulnerability scanning tools must be employed at regular intervals to detect potential weaknesses in the system’s architecture. Encouraging a proactive identification strategy can be further supported through engaging in red teaming exercises where simulated attacks unveil potential vulnerabilities (Hodges et al., 2018).

4. Procedures to Obtain Feedback on the Effectiveness of Policies

Feedback mechanisms are essential to ensure that cybersecurity policies remain relevant in the face of changing threats. Organizations should establish regular security awareness training programs to solicit feedback from employees regarding the clarity and applicability of security policies (Anderson et al., 2019). Incorporating surveys and focus groups can also allow personnel to express their concerns and suggest improvements. Additionally, organizations should rigorously monitor compliance with established practices, facilitating revisions to policies in accordance with real-world applications and outcomes (Gordon et al., 2017).

5. Procedures and Technical Tools to Monitor the Internal and External Environment

An integrated approach utilizing both internal and external monitoring tools is necessary to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity resilience. Internally, organizations should deploy network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, enabling real-time monitoring of local threats. Externally, entities can utilize web application firewalls (WAF) and DDoS protection to shield against outside incursions (Shamim et al., 2020). Organizations should also consider using threat hunting teams that proactively look for abnormalities in network traffic patterns, signifying potential breaches.

6. Procedures for Budget Allocation

Securing executive-level support and a well-defined budget is critical for sustaining a robust cybersecurity program. Budget allocation procedures must prioritize risk management, tying financial resources to assessed cybersecurity risks and corresponding mitigation strategies (Cameron & Fok, 2018). A cybersecurity budget can be segmented into various domains such as staff training, tools and technologies, incident response, and compliance efforts. Transparent reporting to stakeholders will facilitate understanding and support, demonstrating how investments correlate to reducing potential risk exposure (Rance & Hall, 2019).

7. Procedures to Catch Any Oversights

Establishing oversight is vital to nullify potential oversights in the cybersecurity posture. To do this, organizations should form a cybersecurity steering committee comprising representatives from key operational areas including IT, legal, and compliance. Regular reviews of cybersecurity measures should be encapsulated in an overall risk assessment strategy, integrating compliance regulations (Mansfield-Devine, 2020). Encouraging whistleblower policies and anonymous reporting channels can also cultivate a culture where employees feel empowered to report security oversights, leading to direct remediation efforts.

8. Conclusion

The ever-increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats necessitates that organizations remain vigilant and nimble in their approach to security. A well-crafted cybersecurity program maintenance actionable plan, enriched with performance tracking, monitoring mechanisms, and budgeting strategies, forms the backbone for an organization’s success in thwarting potential threats. The outlined approach aims to not just meet but constantly exceed essential expectations in maintaining cybersecurity defenses, ensuring that organizational resources are effectively utilized in safeguarding sensitive data.
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References

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