In his latest book, a pre-eminent information security pundit confessed that he was wrong about the solutions to the problem of information security. It's not technology that's the solution, but the human factor-people. But even infosec policies and procedures are insufficient if employees don't know about them, or why they're important, or what can happen to them if they ignore them. The key, of course, is continuous awareness of the problems and the solutions.
Building an Information Security Awareness Program addresses these concerns. A reference and self-study guide, it goes step-by-step through the methodology for developing, distributing, and monitoring an information security awareness program. It includes detailed instructions on determining what media to use and where to locate it, and it describes how to efficiently use outside sources to optimize the output of a small staff. The author stresses the importance of security and the entire organizations' role and responsibility in protecting it. He presents the material in a fashion that makes it easy for nontechnical staff members to grasp the concepts. These attributes render Building an Information Security Awareness Program an immensely valuable reference in the arsenal of the IS professional.
Reviewing the Provisions the Company Now Has in Place
Learning the Players-Where the Power Resides
Learning the Corporate Culture-What Can Work Here, What Cannot
Obtaining Management Buyoff-How to Present the Case
Finding Communications Vehicles Currently in Place
ESTABLISHING A BASELINE
Review All Company Polices, Procedures, Standards, Guidelines That Even Remotely Address Information Security Issues
Identifying What Can Be Updated
Identify Documentation Needed
Prepare Documentation
Prepare Forms
Obtain Management Support for Documents-The Seal of Approval
Distribution
COMMUNICATIONS
The Media Available Through the Company
New Technology (Video Taping, Streaming Video, Etc.)
Class or Presentation Design
Inclusion of HR Based Communications
Leveraging Resources
Locating Additional Resources
Placing Your Shots-Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
EVALUATION
Demonstrating the Effectiveness of Your Program
Refreshing Staff Knowledge and Agreements
Use Statistics-Sparingly but Pointedly
Getting Third Party Input
Leveraging Internal Audit
Keeping Up with the Joneses-What Is Happening in the Industry
Updating the Program to Address Changing Needs.
Biography
Mark B. Desman