IFSM discussion

This week we will be discussion networks and e of the primary defenseses are firewalls they provide an important early defense for protecting the network and the organization.

This discussion topic asks you to evaluate expense of implementing vs. the probability of a penetration. This is a common occurrence in the real world since it is not always possible to implement every solution when budgets are tight. Risk management often calls for judgment backed up by analysis to determine the degree of security that should be implemented. For this discussion, you may need to drag out MS Excel and build a model to determine your recommendation. Supporting documentation and citations are suggested and should be included whenever possible.

Firewall Decision

You are the CEO of Inverness Investments, a medium- size venture capital firm that specializes in investing in high- tech companies. The company receives more than 30,000 email messages per year. On average, there are two viruses and three successful hackings against the company each year, which result in losses to the company of about $ 250,000. Currently, the company has antivirus software installed but does not have any firewalls.

Your CIO is suggesting implementing 10 firewalls for a total cost of $ 80,000. The estimated life of each firewall is about three years. The chances of hackers breaking into the system with the firewalls installed are about 3 percent. Annual maintenance costs on the firewalls are estimated around $ 15,000. Create an argument for or against supporting your CIO’s recommendation to purchase the firewalls.

References

Baltzan, P. (2014). Business driven information systems (Fourth ed., p. 243). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Questions

1.  What advantages does a firewall offer provide a network?

2.  What is the cost savings for the first year if the company purchases the 10 firewalls? What about the next five years?

3.  Are there any considerations in addition to finances?

4.  What would your recommendation be? Provide examples and citations to support your position.