Risks and Threats
A critical organization policy is the security (or information security [Infosec) policy. Management needs to establish fundamental security objectives tied to business objectives and identify assets that need protection from identified risks. A good policy is contingent on a proper and thorough risk assessment One goal of the security policy is to emphasize to all stakeholders (employ- ees in particular) that information and data are assets that have a value, and are not just computer files. A security policy will remind employees of the importance and value of information they handle and the risks or exposures that exist. That is, it will help to make a corporate culture that is security conscious. SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network. Security) presents a good over- view of developing an effective InfoSec policy on their web site. Somewhat surprisingly, the greatest risk is from the organization's own employees. Disgruntled employees, recently terminated employees, embezzlers. former contractors or consultants, and others may be bent on revenge and be motivated to perpetrate an attack. In fact, a recent study found that vengeful employees are now the biggest security worry for 90 percent of executive managers. Gartner (experts in computer and technologies research) estimates that more than 70 percent of unauthorized access to information systems is committed by employees, as are more than 95 percent of intrusions that result in significant financial losses. All businesses must examine the risks associated with their own employees when developing an effective protective system against attacks