Securing Information Systems
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

C H A P T E R

7

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter, you will be able to answer the following questions:
1.

Why are information systems vulnerable to destruction, error, and abuse? What is the business value of security and control? What are the components of an organizational framework for security and control? What are the most important tools and technologies for safeguarding information resources?

2. 3.

4.

ISBN 1-256-42913-9

232
Essentials of MIS, Ninth Edition, by Kenneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon. Published by Prentice Hall. Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.

C HAPTER O UTLINE
Chapter-Opening Case: Boston Celtics Score Big Points Against Spyware 7.1 System Vulnerability and Abuse 7.2 Business Value of Security and Control 7.3 Establishing a Framework for Security and Control 7.4 Technologies and Tools for Protecting Information Resources 7.5 Hands-on MIS Projects Business Problem-Solving Case: Are We Ready for Cyberwarfare?

BOSTON CELTICS SCORE BIG POINTS AGAINST SPYWARE

While the Boston Celtics were fighting for a spot in the playoffs several years ago, another fierce battle was being waged by its information systems. Jay Wessel, the team’s vice president of technology, was trying to score points against computer spyware. Wessel and his IT staff manage about 100 laptops issued to coaches and scouts, and sales, marketing, and finance employees, and these machines were being overwhelmed by malware (malicious software). Like any sports franchise, the Celtics are on the road a great deal of time during the playing season. Coaches, recruiters, and other staff members are at away games 40 or more times each season, using their mobile laptop computers to review plays and update the status of players. They continually sign onto the Internet and