Your boss mentions that recently a number of employees have …

Your boss mentions that recently a number of employees have received calls from individuals who didn’t identify themselves and asked a lot of questions about the company and its computer infrastructure. At first, he thought this was just a computer vendor who was trying to sell your company some new product, but no vendor has approached the company. He also says several strange e-mails requesting personal information have been sent to employees, and quite a few people have been seen searching your company’s trash dumpsters for recyclable containers. Your boss asks what you think about all of these strange incidents. Respond and be sure to provide recommendations on what should be done about the various incidents. Purchase the answer to view it

Title: Analyzing Strange Incidents and Recommending Measures to Address Potential Security Threats

Introduction:
The recent incidents involving unidentified phone calls, suspicious emails, and individuals searching through company trash dumpsters are potential red flags indicating a possible threat to the security of our company’s computer infrastructure. In this response, I will analyze these incidents and provide recommendations on how to address these security concerns effectively.

Analysis of Strange Incidents:
1. Unidentified phone calls:
The fact that employees have received calls from individuals who did not identify themselves raises concerns about the possibility of social engineering or phishing attempts. These tactics involve attempting to gather sensitive information by posing as trustworthy individuals or companies. Such calls could be a reconnaissance technique to gain insights into our computer infrastructure or exploit vulnerabilities.

2. Strange emails requesting personal information:
The occurrence of suspicious emails requesting personal information is indicative of phishing attempts. Phishing attacks involve sending fraudulent emails to deceive recipients into revealing confidential information, such as passwords or login credentials. These incidents highlight the importance of monitoring email filters and educating employees about detecting and reporting suspicious emails.

3. Individuals searching through company trash dumpsters:
The presence of individuals searching for recyclable containers in our company’s trash dumpsters may be an indication of information gathering or dumpster diving. Dumpster diving involves retrieving discarded documents containing sensitive information. This method can provide attackers with access to valuable data, such as passwords, financial records, or customer information.

Recommendations:
1. Employee Awareness and Training:
To address these incidents, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive training programs that educate employees about the various tactics attackers use to exploit vulnerabilities. This training should include guidance on identifying and reporting suspicious phone calls, emails, and individuals searching through trash dumpsters. Employees should be encouraged to verify the identity of callers and avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone.

2. Strengthen Communication Security:
Implementing additional security measures for email communication is necessary to combat phishing attempts. This includes configuring and enhancing email filters to detect and block suspicious emails effectively. Implementing security protocols such as digital signatures and two-factor authentication can also help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive company information.

3. Secure Document Disposal:
To minimize the risk associated with dumpster diving, it is essential to establish strict document disposal policies. These should include shredding or securely disposing of documents containing sensitive information. Equipping trash dumpsters with locks or placing them in secure areas can also deter unauthorized access.

4. Incident Response Plan:
Developing an incident response plan is crucial to effectively address security incidents. The plan should outline protocols for reporting incidents, assessing risks, and initiating appropriate actions. This integrated approach will enable swift responses, minimize damage, and ensure effective communication during incidents.

Conclusion:
The identified incidents indicate potential threats to our company’s computer infrastructure. Through employee awareness and training, strengthened communication security, secure document disposal, and a well-defined incident response plan, we can mitigate these threats effectively. Implementing these recommendations will enhance the overall security of our company’s computer infrastructure and protect against future security incidents.