Security Management Chapter 5 Information Security Management - Personnel

by Dr. Norafida Ithnin

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

Entry into the Security Profession

Many information security professionals enter the field through one of two career paths:
ex-law enforcement and military personnel technical professionals working on security applications and processes

Today, students are selecting and tailoring degree programs to prepare for work in security Organizations can foster greater professionalism in the information security discipline through clearly defined expectations and position descriptions

Information Security Positions

The use of standard job descriptions can increase the degree of professionalism in the information security field as well as improve the consistency of roles and responsibilities between organizations Organizations that are revising the roles and responsibilities of InfoSec staff can consult references

Figure 11-2

InfoSec Staffing Help Wanted

Definers provide the policies, guidelines, and standards Builders are the real techies, who create and install security solutions Operators run and administer the security tools, perform security monitoring, and continuously improve processes

Chief Information Security Officer

The top information security position in the organization, not usually an executive and frequently reports to the Chief Information Officer The CISO performs the following functions:
Manages the overall InfoSec program Drafts or approves information security policies Works with the CIO on strategic plans, develops tactical plans, and works with security managers on operational plans Develops InfoSec budgets based on funding Sets priorities for InfoSec projects & technology Makes decisions in recruiting, hiring, and firing of security staff Acts as the spokesperson for the security team

Security Manager
Accountable for the day-to-day operation of the information security program Accomplishes objectives as identified by the CISO Qualifications and position requirements:
It is not uncommon to have a CISSP Traditionally, managers earned the CISSP while technical professionals earned the Global Information Assurance Certification Must have the ability to draft middle- and lower-level policies as well as standards and guidelines They must have experience in budgeting, project management, and hiring and firing They must also be able to manage technicians, both in the assignment of tasks and the monitoring of activities

Security Technician

Technically qualified individuals tasked to configure security hardware and software Tend to be specialized, focusing on one major security technology and further specializing in one software or hardware solution Qualifications and position requirements:
Organizations prefer the expert, certified, proficient technician Job descriptions cover some level of experience with a particular hardware and software package Sometimes familiarity with a technology secures an applicant an interview; however, experience in using the technology is usually required

Internal Security Consultant

Typically an expert in some aspect of information security Usually preferable to involve a formal security services company, it is not unusual to find a qualified individual consultant Must be highly proficient in the managerial aspects of security Information security consultants usually enter the field after working as experts in the discipline and often have experience as a security manager or CISO

Credentials of Information Security Professionals

Many organizations seek recognizable certifications Most existing certifications are relatively new Certifications:
CISSP and SSCP Global Information Assurance Certification Security Certified Professional T.I.C.S.A. and T.I.C.S.E. Security+ Certified Information Systems Auditor Certified Information Systems Forensics Investigator

Advice for Information Security Professionals

As a future information security professional, you can benefit from suggestions on entering the information security job market:
Always remember: business first, technology last Its all about the information Be heard and not seen Know more than you say, be more skillful than you let on Speak to users, not at them Your education is never complete

Staffing the Security Function

Selecting personnel is based on many criteria, including supply and demand Many professionals enter the security market by gaining skills, experience, and credentials At the present time the information security industry is in a period of high demand

Qualifications and Requirements

Organizations typically look for a technically qualified information security generalist In the information security discipline, over-specialization is often a risk and it is important to balance technical skills with general information security knowledge

Interaction of Security Components

Alarms & Hardware

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Security Personnel
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Protective (Security) Components

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Employee Support

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Security Policy & Procedures

Personnel Security Procedure

The organization develops, disseminates, and periodically reviews and updates: 1. A formal, documented, personnel security policy 2. Formal, documented procedures to facilitate the implementation of the personnel security policy and associated personnel security controls. 3. Formal procedure to review and document list of approved personnel with access to information systems.

Personnel Security Procedure

PERSONNEL SECURITY POLICY addresses:

The purpose of the security programme as it relates to protecting the organizations personnel and assets. The scope of the security programme as it applies to all the organizational staff and third-party contractors. The roles, responsibilities, and management accountability structure of the security programme to ensure compliance with the organizations security policy and other regulatory commitments.

Personnel Security

Involves those measures taken to safeguard a companys employees and those coming to a place of business either for business reasons or as a guests Probably the most recent concerns classified under personnel security are executive protection and back- ground investigations.

Personnel

Customers Visitors Employees Executives Contractors & Consultants Unauthorized persons

Customers and Visitors

Due diligence is the rule of thumb when it comes to protecting people who come to your premises. History of security incidents where people have been the target. Efforts to provide adequate security can prevent or reduce liability. Workplace violence prevention plan.

Employees

Human factors, probably the greatest single source of risk, including both human error and failure. An organizations employees are now considered a corporate resource and asset, requiring constant care and management.

Personnel Life Cycle

Hire

Terminate

Personnel Life Cycle

Place in Job

Transfer

Hiring Practices

Organizations must take special care during the interview to determine each candidates level of personal and professional integrity. The sensitive nature and value of the assets that employees will be handing require an in-depth screening process.

Hiring Practices (Cont.)

At a minimum, the screening process should include a series of comprehen- sive interviews that emphasize integrity as well as technical qualifications. References from former employers should be examined and verified. This includes former teachers, friends, coworkers, & supervisors.

Hiring Practices (Cont.)

Former employers are usually in the best position to rate the applicant accurately, providing a candid assessment of strengths and weaknesses, personal ethics, past earnings, etc. Unfortunately many employers have become increasing cautious about releasing necessitating release forms.

Hiring Practices (Cont.)

Use of a reference authorization and hold-harmless agreement oftentimes provides the necessary information. Be sure reference authorizations have: signature of applicant, releases former & prospective employers, and clearly specifies the type of information that may be reveal.

Hiring Criteria
When hiring infosec professionals, organizations frequently look for individuals who understand:
How an organization operates at all levels Information security is usually a management problem and is seldom an exclusively technical problem People and have strong communications and writing skills The roles of policy and education and training The threats and attacks facing an organization How to protect the organization from attacks How business solutions can be applied to solve specific information security problems Many of the most common mainstream IT technologies as generalists The terminology of IT and information security

Hiring Practices (Cont.)

What to Look For? A Straw person Perhaps?

Education Training Stable Work History Professional Certifications Clear Criminal Record Fiscal Responsibility Background Continuity Physical Fitness Experience

Employment Policies and Practices

The general management community of interest should integrate solid information security concepts into the organizations employment policies and practices If the organization can include security as a documented part of every employees job description, then perhaps information security will be taken more seriously

Figure 11-4

Job Descriptions

Inserting information security perspectives into the hiring process begins with reviewing and updating all job descriptions To prevent people from applying for positions based solely on access to sensitive information, the organization should avoid revealing access privileges to prospective employees when advertising positions

Interviews

An opening within Information Security opens up a unique opportunity for the security manager to educate HR on the certifications, experience, and qualifications of a good candidate Information security should advise HR to limit information provided to the candidate on the responsibilities and access rights the new hire would have For those organizations that include on-site visits as part of interviews, it is important to use caution when showing a candidate around the facility

Background Checks
A background check is an investigation into a candidates past There are regulations that govern such investigations Background checks differ in the level of detail and depth with which the candidate is examined:
Identity checks Education and credential checks Previous employment verification References checks Workers Compensation history Motor vehicle records Drug history Credit history Civil court history Criminal court history

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Federal regulations exist in the use of personal information in employment practices, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Background reports contain information on a job candidates credit history, employment history, and other personal data FCRA prohibits employers from obtaining these reports unless the candidate is informed

Employment Contracts

Once a candidate has accepted the job offer, the employment contract becomes an important security instrument Many security policies require an employee to agree in writing
If an existing employee refuses to sign these contracts, the security personnel are placed in a difficult situation

New employees, however may find policies classified as employment contingent upon agreement, whereby the employee is not offered the position unless he/she agrees to the binding organizational policies

Place in Job - New Hire Orientation

As new employees are introduced into the organizations culture and workflow, they should receive an extensive information security briefing on all major policies, procedures, and requirements for information security The levels of authorized access are outlined, and training provided on the secure use of information systems By the time employees are ready to report to their positions, they should be thoroughly briefed, and ready to perform their duties securely

On-the-Job Security Training

As part of the new hires ongoing job orientation, and as part of every employees security responsibilities, the organization should conduct periodic security awareness training Keeping security at the forefront of employees minds and minimizing employee mistakes is an important part of the information security awareness mission Formal external and informal internal seminars also increase the level of security awareness for all employees, especially security employees

Performance Evaluation

To heighten information security awareness and change workplace behavior, organizations should incorporate information security components into employee performance evaluations Employees pay close attention to job performance evaluations, and if the evaluations include information security tasks, employees are more motivated to perform these tasks at a satisfactory level

Personnel Transfer

The organization reviews logical and physical access permissions to information systems and facilities when individuals are reassigned or transferred to other positions within the organization and initiates appropriate actions. Complete execution of this control within certain period of time for employees or contractors who no longer need to access security systems resources.

Personnel Transfer Appropriate actions may include: 1. Returning old and issuing new keys, identification cards, and building passes 2. Closing old accounts and establishing new accounts 3. Changing system access privileges 4. Providing access to official records created or controlled by the employee at the former work location and in the former accounts.

Personnel Terminate
When an employee leaves an organization, there are a number of security-related issues The key is protection of all information to which the employee had access When an employee leaves, several tasks must be performed:
Access to the organizations systems disabled Removable media returned Hard drives secured File cabinet locks changed Office door lock changed Keycard access revoked Personal effects removed from the organizations premises

Once cleared, they should be escorted from the premises In addition many organizations use an exit interview

Hostile Departure

Hostile departure (nonvoluntary)- termination, downsizing, lay off, or quitting:

Before the employee is aware all logical and keycard access is terminated As soon as the employee reports for work, he is escorted into his supervisors office Upon receiving notice, he is escorted to his area, and allowed to collect personal belongings Employee asked to surrender all keys, keycards, and other company property They are then escorted out of the building

Friendly Departure

Friendly departure (voluntary) for retirement, promotion, or relocation:

employee may have tendered notice well in advance of the actual departure date actually makes it more difficult for security to maintain positive control over the employees access and information usage employee access is usually allowed to continue with a new expiration date employees come and go at will and collect their own belongings, and leave on their own They are asked to drop off all organizational property on their way out the door

Termination

In all circumstance, the offices and information used by the employee must be inventoried, their files stored or destroyed, and all property returned to organizational stores It is possible that the employees foresee departure well in advance, and begin collecting organizational information or anything that could be valuable in their future employment Only by scrutinizing systems logs after the employee has departed, and sorting out authorized actions from systems misuse or information theft can the organization determine if there has been a breach of policy or a loss of information In the event that information is illegally copied or stolen, the action should be declared an incident and the appropriate policy followed

Security Considerations For Non-employees

A number of individuals who are not subject to rigorous screening, contractual obligations, and eventual secured termination often have access to sensitive organizational information Relationships with individuals in this category should be carefully managed to prevent a possible information leak or theft

Temporary Employees
Temporary employees are hired by the organization to serve in a temporary position or to supplement the existing workforce As they are not employed by the host organization, they are often not subject to the contractual obligations or general policies and if these individuals breach a policy or cause a problem actions are limited From a security standpoint, access to information for these individuals should be limited to that necessary to perform their duties Ensure that the temps supervisor restricts the information to which they have access

Contract Employees
Contract employees are typically hired to perform specific services for the organization The host company often makes a contract with a parent organization rather than with an individual for a particular task In a secure facility, all contract employees are escorted from room to room, as well as into and out of the facility There is also the need for certain restrictions or requirements to be negotiated into the contract agreements when they are activated

Consultants
Consultants should be handled like contract employees, with special requirements for information or facility access requirements integrated into the contract before these individual are allowed outside the conference room Security and technology consultants especially must be prescreened, escorted, and subjected to nondisclosure agreements to protect the organization Just because you pay a security consultant, doesnt make the protection of your information his or her number one priority

Business Partners
Businesses find themselves in strategic alliances with other organizations, desiring to exchange information, integrate systems, or simply to discuss operations for mutual advantage There must be a meticulous, deliberate process of determining what information is to be exchanged, in what format, and to whom Nondisclosure agreements and the level of security of both systems must be examined before any physical integration takes place, as system connection means that the vulnerability of one system is the vulnerability of all

Separation of Duties and Collusion

The completion of a significant task that involves sensitive information should require two people using the check and balance method to avoid collusion A similar concept is that of two-man control, when two individuals review and approve each others work before the task is categorized as finished Another control used is job rotation where employees know each others job skills A mandatory vacation, of at least one week, provides the ability to audit the work Need-to-know and least privilege ensures that no unnecessary access to data occurs, and that only those individuals who must access the data do so

Figure 11-6

Privacy and the Security of Personnel Data

Organizations are required by law to protect employee information that is sensitive or personal This includes employee addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, medical conditions, and even names and addresses of family and relatives This responsibility also extends to customers, patients, and business relationships

Hiring and Termination Issues

From an information security perspective, the hiring of employees is a responsibility concerned with potential security pitfalls The CISO and information security manager should establish a dialogue with the Human Resources department to provide an information security viewpoint for hiring personnel

What about contractors/thirdparty/vendors?

Hire

Terminate

Personnel Life Cycle

Place in Job

Transfer

Third-Party/Vendors

Third-party providers may include: service bureaus contractors other organizations providing:
control system operation and maintenance IT services, development, outsourced applications network and security management

Third-Party/Vendors

The organization must explicitly include personnel security requirements in acquisition-related contract and agreement documents.

Contracting and Outsourcing Required provisions Security roles and responsibilities of employees, contractors and 3rd party users should be defined and documented in accordance with the organizations information security policy. Implement and act in accordance with the organizations information security policies

Contracting and Outsourcing

Required provisions Protect assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference Execute particular security processes or activities Ensure responsibility is assigned to the individual for actions taken Report security events or potential events or other security risks to the organization.

Summary

PERSONNEL SECURITY and INFORMATION SECURITY management should cooperate to identify:

Specific job positions/roles/contracts which may need additional screening/training Information Security common and special training requirements System access and termination procedures Adequate disciplinary measures

Summary

Insider threat and other human issues are the leading causes of information security breaches:
Take your personnel security issues seriously!