Organizational Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organizational Security - Essay Example Some of the data is also available in the asset inventory. For instance, the number of failed network switches can be found in the section containing equipment meant for disposal. Risks the Institution Faces Absence of an IT Technician The IT technician is a very valuable member of staff. He is responsible for ensuring that all IT equipment function as expected. These include desktop machines, laptops, servers, projectors, switches, wireless access points, and LAN access ports. The technician is always on standby to respond to queries raised by users. In addition, the technician works with the system administrator, and IT manager, to install software, configure equipment, and implement any IT related project within the institution. The absence of the IT technician, perhaps due to sickness, death, resignation, or termination of employment, leaves a vacuum as far as his duties and responsibilities are concerned. As such, any tasks that require the technician’s input go unattende d to, hence, resulting in failures within the departments that rely on IT services. In order to protect the institution from the risk of lacking an IT technician, the IT department should make sure that there are at least two technicians on duty at any one time (Azari, 2003). If the department does this, then it will be highly unlikely that it loses the services of both technicians. Even if one is unwell, fired, or is away attending to other business, the other technician will be there to handle the queries. The Failure of the Software Development Process The IT department is tasked with the duty of providing applications for the institution. These applications are used to manage some of the activities in the institution; they include student registration and release of exam results. The department can either choose to develop the software or buy it off the shelf. The processes involved in development and purchase of software are complex and can fail if not handled carefully. Some o f the reasons that may cause failure are: i. The finances allocated for acquiring the software may not be sufficient. This happens when the department chooses to develop the software. There are instances where the department runs out of money and has to wait, for the next financial year, to receive additional funding. This creates delays or even leads to the termination of projects. ii. There is a high risk that software purchased from commercial vendors may fail to meet requirements. iii. Failure to adhere to recommended software development procedures. iv. Lack of cooperation from those targeted to use a software system. The university can carry out the following activities to ensure that it acquires quality software: i. Ascertain that designers get the precise requirements of the desired software, before making a decision on the appropriate option to take. ii. All the stakeholders should be included in the improvement process. This will inculcate a sense of ownership in them.