You are the Information Security Director for a medium-sized company. You recently experienced a ransomware attack that cost the company $500,000.00. After the attack, your CEO held a meeting and informed you and the other IT professionals that it “WILL” not happen again. Write a Directive to the company's employees summarizing the requirement for all personnel to adopt the new 2-factor authentication for IT equipment access. Include a 30-day timeline to adopt the new policy and the consequences of not adhering to it.
Information Security Director for a medium-sized company
Full Answer Section
Implementation Timeline:
We are implementing 2FA in a phased approach to minimize disruption. Please adhere to the following schedule:
- Days 1-7:
- Distribution of detailed instructions on how to set up 2FA on your company-issued devices and accounts.
- IT department available for assistance and troubleshooting.
- Informational sessions held to answer questions.
- Days 8-21:
- Employees are expected to activate 2FA on all relevant accounts.
- Regular reminders and support provided by the IT department.
- Check in meetings with department heads to address any roadblocks.
- Days 22-30:
- Final verification of 2FA implementation across all employee accounts.
- Any remaining issues resolved with direct IT support.
- After day 30, all accounts not utilizing 2FA will be locked.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Failure to implement 2FA within the 30-day timeframe will result in the following:
- Account Lockout: Your company accounts will be temporarily locked, preventing access to email, applications, and other essential resources.
- Disciplinary Action: Repeated non-compliance may lead to further disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment.
- Liability: Employees who knowingly disregard security protocols may be held personally liable for any resulting security breaches.
Our Commitment to You:
We understand that implementing new security measures can require adjustments. The IT department is fully committed to providing comprehensive support throughout this process. We will offer:
- Clear and concise instructions.
- Prompt and efficient technical assistance.
- Informational sessions and training materials.
We appreciate your cooperation in strengthening our company's security posture. Together, we can ensure that our systems and data remain protected.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IT department at [IT department contact information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name] Information Security Director
Sample Answer
Company Directive: Enhanced Security Through Two-Factor Authentication
To: All Employees From: [Your Name], Information Security Director Date: [Current Date] Subject: Mandatory Implementation of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
As you are aware, our company recently experienced a significant ransomware attack, resulting in substantial financial losses and disruption to our operations. Our CEO has made it unequivocally clear that such an incident will not be repeated. To ensure the security and integrity of our systems and data, we are implementing mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all IT equipment access.
2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of verification before granting access to company resources. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.