Information System & Security in the Work Environment
Secereal Bernard
BIS/221
August 24, 2015
Steven Goldstein

MEMORANDUM
TO: All Employees
FROM: Corporate Office
DATE: August 24, 2015
SUBJECT: Information Systems & Security
CC: Board of Directors

Information Systems and information security are two of the most important issues that are in the work environment. To be able to understand the importance of a feature, first you must understand what it is. As you read along, you will have a better understanding of the importance of information systems and security in a work environment.
Information Systems Information systems can be defined as a collection of data, people, processes, communications, and technology that work together to support and help improve the everyday functions of running a business. Information systems has advanced in its development over the past years. Whereas in the early 80s Information Systems way of collecting data and communication was so unprivileged. Most companies use far advance systems that hold, send and distribute information. Advanced systems have changed most company’s position in their respective market place.
Communication

Information system has changed the way companies are able to conduct their business in various ways over time. Companies are able to reach out to their management team as well as clients. Part of management is being able to gather and distribute information efficiently to other employees and or clients in a timely manner. Email is the most common way of communication but employees are also able to store information in folders that can be retrieved at each individual convenience. Information systems has provided a way that companies can transact business with clients anywhere in the world without having any form of physical contact. This way of business can be very beneficial to the company in many ways which are listed below: * Cost effective * Save time * Minimize the possibility of accidents in transporting of documents * Gain comparative advantage
One famous phrase in the corporate world is “Time is money, and money is time”.
Operations

Once the company has received the accurate information needed by employees/clients, they are able to prepare the proper plan of operation. This will allow you to operate your company more efficiently and effectively. One major part of any company success or failure is customer service. Data can be collected and the company can provide their customers with products that are high in demand. Also, having accurate information allows the customer service representative to be able to assist the client with the best service. It also helps to manage problem solving and decision making. Decision making involves choosing a plan of action by gathering information from alternatives and completing the task. Once all the information is gathered, you can determine which alternative will give you the most beneficial result. Information Systems can provide accurate up to date information so that a decision can be made with confidence and with the best interest of the company and clients.
Information Security

Information security is considered to be a valuable asset within any company. Information security is designed to protect information from a large range of threats so that the value of the company can be preserved. There are two characteristics of information that determine its value to a company. 1. Scarcity/shortage of information outside the company 2. Share ability of information within the company
Once a company information has been threaten, they tend be more cautious with who they share information with whether it is internal or external. A company must take the most of preparing precautions to protect their image and credibility. If information is threatened and any act is fulfilled, this can cost the company millions of dollars which can jeopardize their reputation as well as the success of the company. With those reasons being stated, let’s further discuss the importance of security and how to manage the security.
Management

Due to the amount of information that is being gathered and shared with a company, technology had to continue to upgrade software and programming in order to support the capacity of the information. Because of the information being gathered, companies have learn to depend more and more on information systems, This causes the clients and employees to be more concerned about the proper use and protection of the personal information that is provided to the company. It seems that there is an all-time high of hackers trying to steal information from companies now than it has been in the past. One example of this is Target. Not long ago, hackers were able to break past the firewalls and security software of Target. They were able to steal the information of thousands of customers. In this case, this can caused a big issue for the company as well as the customer. The company reputation was shot down and many customer had to close bank account or contact their financial institute. Information security is a vital area for a company to be worried about due to the value of the business weighs heavily on the protection on vital information.
As you can see both information systems and information security play a very important part of operating a successful company. Each sector should be carefully discussed and thought out to be able to determine the best features and software to be able to perform the needed functions that will be the most beneficial for the company.