Students, please view the “Submit a Clickable Rubric Assignment” in the Student Center. Instructors, training on how to grade is within the Instructor Center. Assignment 1: IT Security Policy Framework Due Week 4 and worth 100 points Establishing an effective Information Technology Security Policy Framework is critical in the development of a comprehensive security program. Additionally, there are many security frameworks that organizations commonly reference when developing their security programs. Review the security frameworks provided by NIST (SP 800-53), ISO / IEC 27000 series, and COBIT. Assume that you have been hired as a consultant by a medium-sized insurance organization and have been asked to draft an IT Security Policy Framework. You may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you: Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Click to view the grading rubric for this assignment. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it

IT Security Policy Frameworks are essential components of a comprehensive security program within organizations. Various security frameworks are commonly used as references for developing these frameworks, including those provided by NIST (SP 800-53), ISO/IEC 27000 series, and COBIT. In this assignment, we will assume the role of a consultant hired by a medium-sized insurance organization and will be tasked with drafting an IT Security Policy Framework.

To begin with, it is important to understand the purpose of an IT Security Policy Framework. The primary objective of such a framework is to provide a structured approach to managing and safeguarding an organization’s information assets. It outlines the set of policies, procedures, and guidelines that need to be followed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s information and IT resources. Additionally, an effective framework also addresses compliance requirements, risk management, incident response, and employee awareness and training.

When developing an IT Security Policy Framework, it is recommended to consider the security frameworks provided by NIST (SP 800-53), ISO/IEC 27000 series, and COBIT. These frameworks offer a wealth of knowledge and best practices that can be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the insurance organization.

NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-53 is a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems. It provides a set of controls that can be implemented to mitigate risks and protect information assets. The ISO/IEC 27000 series, on the other hand, offers a collection of international standards and guidelines for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing the security of information assets. COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is another widely adopted framework that provides comprehensive guidance and control objectives for IT governance and management.

To draft the IT Security Policy Framework for the insurance organization, we will need to consider various aspects. Firstly, we will need to conduct a thorough assessment of the organization’s current security posture, including its assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and existing security controls. This assessment will help identify the areas that need improvement and prioritize the security goals.

Next, we will define a set of policies that outline the organization’s goals, objectives, and principles for information security. These policies should align with the organization’s business objectives and legal/regulatory requirements. They should cover areas such as access control, data classification and handling, incident response, and employee awareness.

In addition to policies, we will also develop a set of procedures and guidelines that provide detailed instructions on how to implement and enforce the policies. These procedures should cover areas such as user access management, system configuration, patch management, and incident handling. They should be documented and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

To ensure the effectiveness of the IT Security Policy Framework, it is crucial to establish a governance structure and assign roles and responsibilities. This includes designating personnel responsible for policy implementation and monitoring, conducting regular risk assessments and audits, and establishing a mechanism for continuous improvement.

In conclusion, the development of an effective IT Security Policy Framework is vital for ensuring the protection of an organization’s information assets. By referencing frameworks such as NIST (SP 800-53), ISO/IEC 27000 series, and COBIT, we can create a comprehensive framework that aligns with the insurance organization’s needs and requirements. The framework should consist of well-defined policies, procedures, and guidelines and should be regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging threats and changing business needs.