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 for the company in implementing information security should be to identify assets, threat vectors, and control gaps. This foundational assessment is crucial for understanding what needs protection and the potential risks involved.
A) Identify assets, threat vectors, and control gaps
This option is correct as it emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment. By identifying what assets need protection, understanding potential threats, and recognizing existing control gaps, the company can effectively prioritize its security efforts and allocate resources appropriately.
B) Create a complete backup of all system programs and data
While creating backups is an important component of information security, it should not be the first step. Backups alone do not address the broader context of security threats and vulnerabilities. Without a proper assessment of assets and risks, backups may not adequately protect the most critical information.
C) Begin using public key encryption for data transfer
Implementing public key encryption is a step towards securing data in transit, but it is premature without first understanding the assets and threats. Encryption is just one aspect of a comprehensive security strategy and should be informed by a prior assessment of vulnerabilities.
D) Implement administrative controls
Although administrative controls are vital for managing security policies and procedures, they should be based on a clear understanding of the organization's specific security needs. Implementing these controls without first identifying assets and threats may lead to ineffective or misaligned security measures.
Conclusion
Identifying assets, threat vectors, and control gaps is the critical first step for the company to establish a solid foundation for information security. All other options fail to address the necessity of understanding the security landscape before implementing specific measures, thereby risking inadequate protection against threats.