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week1.docxRunning Head ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
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ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
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Introduction
In light of the new technologies, most companies are trying to adjust to new technology. Some companies may prefer to outsource the activities of the company rather than station all of them in one location, there are both pros and cons to this, one of the cons of outsourcing for instance Human Resource System, financial system, manufacturing systems or even salaries systems is that there is a risk of spreading the confidential information, also, one should quality improvement of the product, core-competence among others before considering outsourcing. Another alternative is centralizing the information system, that is all the information are uploaded in a network and only authorized individuals can be able to access it. These systems are built to enhance telecommunication technologies within the business units, additionally it is a good market for e-business, enhances data gathering and facts finding from outside which can be helpful in the company (Delone & Mclean, 2004). This and papers aims at describing Networks as one of the major information systems used in organizations and its functionalities. The paper also discusses some of the ways in which network among other systems fail and fall prey of hackers and the ways which companies should embrace in order to protect their systems. The paper ends with a conclusion that bridges and ties the paper together.
Network systems
Network is a system where all computers are linked to a centralized computer known as the server and authorized persons only can store and access the files at will. A network can be effective and efficient in the sense that authorized persons can be able to share information both horizontally and vertically and ultimately enhances communication all-round the organization. Exchange and sharing of ideas is encouraged to help the business units survive in the business world (Ahlswede at al., 2000). Moreover, this system helps to relay information in record time. Similary, when a company decides to outsource its facilities, the network will act as a connector to the main business as well as the business units in the company. E- business is enhanced through inventions and innovations and improvements in technology skills of a company, meaning the relationship between I.T and organizational Information system is very strong.
Potential result or failure of storing information in network
There are both pros and cons to storing information in a network, one of the pros is that you can access the files from wherever as long as you can log into your computer via a specific code given to only authorized persons and also when you have internet connection. However, the information needs to be backed up in case there is a breach or the machines break down, in this way; one is guaranteed of the data being stored for a long time.
Some of the pros of storing information in network includes; network acts as a complete and platform to administrators to store for the storage of file and documents; it is faster, that is large amount of data is stored within a short period of time; it is easy since communication with other devices like computers and printers is fast, therefore, reduces the workload and time for the employees; healthy outcome in the efforts of the employees since due to large capacity storage, it prevents missing files and unexpected errors and it is easy retrieval of old files due to multiple partitions in the storage system. On the other hand storing information in network has some cons that include; Since the network runs on Linux, when there is a power shortage or machine failure, one will need professional data recovery software to recover documents from the system; One cannot back up data directly, they will need to do it through installed operating systems only. As discussed above, it is evidently clear that pros of network outweighs the cons therefore, one can use the storage device whether home or in the office.
Inadequate security and reasons to protect the system
Most companies store their confidential data on a network so that it can be accessible easily to the authorized persons, however, these networks are in one way or another connected to the internet and this is risky since the information can land in the hands of a wrong person who can use the information to their own advantage for example identity theft so that they can access credit card information of an innocent individual to make bizarre purchases. Notably, most small companies however, have the problem of Breach of Security as compared to big companies since they do not invest much in Internet security as opposed to their counterparts in big companies and institutions which have a whole department dedicated to protecting security of their confidential information therefore they are prepared for any eventualities (Oz, 2006).
There are two ways in which I.T departments can be organized, it can be either Centralized meaning that they report to a central organization or decentralized which basically means the employees report to business units or specific departments. It has been observed that big enterprises choose to go the centralized way since its cost saving through standardization, provides great career opportunities as well as reduces procurement costs.
Most people try to reap where they did not sow by hacking systems of companies making their very easy. Hackers only need to exploit one weakness in the system and this would be enough to bring a big company to its knees, with the ever changing internet daily, security seems so far-fetched, therefore, there is need to be flexible to change since as companies invent more ways of protecting their confidential information, hackers are also working around the clock to figure out a way of breaching the security.
Ways of protecting security
Organizations should be aware of advancement in security technology and as such, they should not be comfortable with their current security since there is always a hacker out there trying to outsmart their technology wise. Use of firewall to control information accessibility of the internet and company’s computers is one of the great ways of outsmarting systems hackers. This can be done in two ways, that is, what is not prohibited is allowed and what is not allowed is prohibited. However, this does not mean that the security is air tight since firewall protects information from outside only meaning the company is susceptible to attacks from within the company.
Secondly, use of virus protection programs which would scan files for viruses and thereafter counter them. Additionally, use of encryption that is the science of writing secrets therefore persons not authorized cannot understand what they are reading since they don’t know the code being used in writing. There is a catch however, they key needs to be protected more than the information, if the key lands in the wrong hands, then the information can be accessible to unauthorized person but ultimately, the key is easier to protect than the information itself. Another reason why companies prefer use of encryption is that the computer will be able to resist the digital attack, that is to say, when a computer is broken into, the encryption will be able to hide certain vital information. To bring hacking to an end, stiff penalties should be imposed on anyone found culpable of hacking; penalties need to outweigh the benefit s of hacking. Also, organization’s I.T departments should take time to upgrade their software and operating systems regularly. Moreover, company personnel should avoid emailing confidential information; ensure stern measures are taken before visiting web sites also been careful of files received through emails from people they do not know. There is no information system that is completely secure however, with the continual growth in terms of security of information and technology; we will get there someday (Laudon, 2000).
Conclusion
References
Ahlswede, R., Cai, N., Li, S. Y. R., & Yeung, R. W. (2000). Network information
flow. Information Theory, IEEE Transactions on, 46(4), 1204-1216.
Delone, W. H., & Mclean, E. R. (2004). Measuring e-commerce success: Applying the DeLone
& McLean information systems success model.International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 9(1), 31-47.
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2000). Management information systems(Vol. 6). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Oz, E. (2001). Organizational commitment and ethical behavior: An empirical study of
information system professionals. Journal of Business Ethics,34(2), 137-142.
