66. An expanding company is implementing significant upgrades to several information systems. The company has little experience with information security practices. Which step should this company take first to implement information security?
Answer: A
Identify assets, threat vectors, and control gaps
The first step the company should take to implement information security is to identify assets, threat vectors, and control gaps. This foundational assessment allows the company to understand what needs protection, the potential threats it faces, and where existing controls may be insufficient.
A) Identify assets, threat vectors, and control gaps
This option is correct because understanding the organization's assets and the threats they face is crucial for establishing a robust information security posture. By identifying what needs protection and where vulnerabilities exist, the company can prioritize security measures effectively.
B) Create a complete backup of all system programs and data
While creating backups is an important aspect of information security, it is not the first step. Without first identifying the critical assets and potential threats, the company may back up irrelevant data or fail to protect vital information adequately.
C) Begin using public key encryption for data transfer
Implementing encryption is a valuable security measure, but it should occur after assessing assets and threats. This option assumes that the company already knows what data needs protection, which is not the case here due to their lack of experience with information security practices.
D) Implement administrative controls
Implementing administrative controls is necessary for information security but should follow the initial identification of assets and threats. Without first understanding the specific risks and gaps, the company may not implement the most effective administrative controls for their unique situation.
Conclusion
Identifying assets, threat vectors, and control gaps is the essential first step in establishing information security, especially for a company with limited experience in this area. All other options involve actions that are valuable but cannot be effectively executed without first understanding the organization’s unique security landscape. Thus, option A is the most appropriate starting point for the company's information security strategy.