Department of Veterans Affairs



Abstract

The paper sets out to analyze some of the points that were mentioned in the Cyber Security Legislation Proposal of 2011. I have discussed three points along with my reason for their selection. Further I have also analyzed these points in relation to the information security program implemented at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Impact of the Legislation on Department of Veterans Affairs Information Security Program2

Access Management2

Information Sharing2

Incident Response2

Conclusion2

References4

Department of Veterans Affairs

Introduction

Information security strengthens the profitability and commercial viability of all the organizations of any size and enhances the effectiveness of public sector organizations. It's a logical question to ask that why information security is so important? I will start by first explaining what information security is. Information security is the collection of management practices, policies, standards and technologies that are applied to protect and secure the information. Information security is important because a business's value is focused on the value of information it has. Information after all is the basis of competitive advantage. They way I have described information in context of a business or organization thus makes information a valuable asset. Therefore to protect this information organizations implement wide range of information security programs that are designed to protect information from various threats so that its value is preserved for an organization (Open Learn, n.d, p.1).

The organization that I have chosen is United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It is the second largest department after the Department of Defense. Department of Veterans Affairs is a government run military veteran benefit system. This department nearly employs 280,000 people and they are scattered at hundreds of Veterans Affairs clinics, benefit offices and medical facilities. This department is responsible for administering programs related to veterans benefit for them, their families and the survivors. Department of Veterans Affairs has a considerably well managed information security program it place and it has made progress in developing effective policies and procedures but there are still challenges that the department faces. In view of this the laws proposed in the Cyber Security Legislative Proposal will further make demands on the existing department's information security program.

Discussion

In this section I will discuss in detail the points that I have chosen from the Cyber Security Legislative Proposal and will also state my reasons for their selection. Also I will mention how these points of analysis impact's the information security program of Department of Veterans Affairs.

Points of Analysis from the Legislation

The Cyber Security Legislative Proposal is aimed at improving cyber security for American people. Therefore the first point is 'National Data Breach Reporting' that I have selected from the legislative proposal. This point related to identity theft. Identity theft is a rising problem in today's technologically advanced world. And while most of the time it is for monetary purposes it however is not limited to it. Identity thieves can use a person's information to apply for loans, use one's credit card, and use your information on cards but with their ...