Posted: November 21st, 2015

Acquisition & Procurement Risk in the Cyber security Industry

Industry Profile Part 1: Acquisition & Procurement Risk in the Cyber security Industry

For this paper, you will investigate and then summarize key aspects of risk and risk management for acquisitions or procurements of cyber security products and services. The specific questions that your industry profile will address are:
1.    What types of risks or vulnerabilities could be transferred from a supplier and/or imposed upon a purchaser of cyber security related products and/or services?
2.    Are suppliers liable for harm or loss incurred by purchasers of cyber security products and services? (That is, does the risk transfer from seller to buyer?)
3.    How can governance frameworks be used by both suppliers and purchasers of cyber security related products and services to mitigate risks?

First, you will research how operational risk during the manufacturing, development, or service delivery processes can affect the security posture (integrity) of products and services. You will then explore the problem of product liability and/or risk transference from supplier to purchaser as products or services are delivered, installed, and used. You will then examine the role that IT governance frameworks and standards can play in helping purchasers develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to compensate for potential risk transfer by suppliers. Once you have completed your research and analysis, you will summarize your research in a risk profile.

Research

1.    Research risks and/or vulnerabilities which could be introduced into a buyer’s organization and/or IT operations through acquisition or purchase of cyber security products or services. Some suggested resources are:
a.    Hardware Security:
i.    http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2011/5/hardware-cybersecurity/05_hardware_cybersecurity.pdf
ii.    http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/hardware-attacks-backdoors-and-electronic-component-qualification/
b.    Software Security
i.    https://buildsecurityin.us-cert.gov/
ii.    https://www.bsimm.com/
c.    Data Center Security
i.    http://www.datacenterjournal.com/managing-data-center-security/
d.    Telecommunications Systems
i.    https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/communications/publications/communications-review/assets/cyber-telecom-security.pdf
2.    Identify five or more specific sources of operational risks, in a supplier’s organization, which could adversely affect the security of cyber security products or services. In addition to using information you found under #1, consult the Software Engineering Institute’s publication A Taxonomy of Operational Cyber Security Risks http://resources.sei.cmu.edu/asset_files/TechnicalNote/2010_004_001_15200.pdf
3.    Research the issue of product liability with respect to cyber security products and services. What is the current legal environment? Some suggested sources are:
a.    http://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities—threats/security-product-liability-protections-emerge/d/d-id/1320274
b.    http://victorsheymov.com/2015/04/product-liability-the-unique-position-of-the-cybersecurity-industry/
c.    https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/protect-your-business/product-services-liability/product-liability-prevention.aspx
4.    Research the role of IT Governance standards in helping organizations identify and manage risks arising from the purchase of IT related products and services. Begin by looking at the following:
a.    COBIT®: AI5 Procure IT Resources
b.    ITIL® Supplier Management SD 4
c.    ISO/IEC 27002 Section 15: Supplier Relationship Management
i.    15.1 Establish security agreements with suppliers
ii.    15.2 Manage supplier security and service delivery

Write

1.    An introduction section which provides a brief overview of the cyber security industry as a whole. Why does this industry exist? (Hint: buyers want to procure or acquire cyber security related products and services). How does this industry benefit society? Address the sources of demand for cyber security products and services.  (You may reuse resources and/or narrative from your Case Study #3 assignment.)
2.    An operational risks overview section in which you provide an overview of sources of operational risks which could affect suppliers of cyber security related products and services and, potentially, compromise the security of those products or services. Discuss the potential impact of such compromises upon buyers and the security of their organizations (risk transfer).
3.    A product liability section in which you provide a summary of the current legal environment as it pertains to product liability in the cyber security industry. Discuss the potential impact upon buyers who suffer harm or loss as a result of purchasing, installing, and/or using cyber security products or services.
4.    A governance frameworks & standards section in which you discuss the role that standards and governance processes should play in ensuring that acquisitions or purchases of cyber security products and services meet the buyer’s organization’s security requirements (risk mitigation).
5.    A summary and conclusions section in which you present a summary of your findings including the reasons why product liability (risk transfer) is a problem that must be addressed by both suppliers and purchasers of cyber security related products and services.

Your five to eight page paper is to be prepared using basic APA formatting (including title page and reference list) and submitted as an MS Word attachment to the Industry Profile Part 1: Acquisition & Procurement Risk entry in your assignments folder. See the sample paper and paper template provided in Course Resources > APA Resources for formatting examples. Consult the grading rubric for specific content and formatting requirements for this assignment.

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