INTRODUCTION TO SECURITY AND PERSONNEL

When implementing information security, there are several human resource issues that should be addressed. They are

•    Positioning and naming
•    Staffing
•    By valuating impact of information security across the role in IT function
•    By integrating solid information security concepts into persons practices

Employees feel threatened when organization is creating or enhancing overall information security program.

 Positioning and Staffing the Security Function

Security function can be placed within the following:

- IT function
- Administrative services function
- Insurance and risk management function
-Physical security function
- Legal department

Organizations balance requirements of enforcement with the requirement for education, training, awareness, and customer service.

Staffing the Information Security Function

Selecting personnel is based on several criteria, including supply and demand. Many professionals enter security market by gaining experience, skills, and credentials. Presently information security industry is in period of high demand.


 Credentials of Information Security Professionals

Many organizations seek recognizable certifications where most of the existing certifications are new and not fully understood by hiring organizations. Certifications include: TICSA; Security+; CISSP and SSCP; CISA and CISM; GIAC; SCP; IISFA’s Certified Information Forensics Investigator.

Cost of Being Certified

Better certifications can be much expensive even experienced professionals find it difficult to take an exam without preparation. Many candidates teach themselves through trade press books; others prefer structure of formal training.

Advice for Information Security Professionals

Always keep in mind that business before technology. Technology offers elegant solutions for some problems, but increases difficulties for others. Never lose the sight of target: protection. Be heard and not seen. Be more skillful than you let on; know more than you say. Speak to users, not at them. Know that is education can never be completed.


 Separation of Duties and Collusion

Separation of duties --control used to reduce the chance of individual violating information security; stipulates completion of significant task requires at least two people. Figure given below depicts how to prevent collusion.

Collusion – dishonest workers conspiring to commit unauthorized task.

Two-man control – The two individuals review and approve work of each other before the task is categorized as finished.

Job rotation – Employees know each others’ job skills.