[FINAL]
management. For highly privileged access it might be appropriate to include approaches
such as two-factor or hardware authentication.
Unauthorised individuals should be prevented from accessing data or services at all points
within the system. This includes system users without the appropriate permissions,
unauthorised individuals attempting to interact with any online service presentation or
individuals with unauthorised access to user devices (for example if a user device were
lost or stolen).
Data Security: The protection in place for data that supports the delivery of essential
services must be matched to the risks associated with that data. As a minimum,
unauthorised access to sensitive information should be prevented (protecting data
confidentiality). This may mean, for example, protecting data stored on mobile devices
which could be lost or stolen. Data protection may also need to include measures such as
the sanitisation of data storage devices and/or media before sending for maintenance or
disposal.
Protect data in accordance with the risks to essential services posed by compromises of
data integrity and/or availability. In addition to effective data access control measures,
other relevant security measures might include maintaining up-to-date back-up copies of
data, combined with the ability to detect data integrity failures where necessary. Software
and/or hardware used to access critical data may also require protection.
It is important to ensure that data supporting the delivery of essential services is protected
in transit. This could be by physically protecting the network infrastructure, or using
cryptographic means to ensure data is not inappropriately viewed or interfered with.
Duplicating network infrastructure to prevent data flows being easily blocked provides data
availability.
Some types of information managed by an OES would, if acquired by an attacker,
significantly assist in the planning and execution of a disruptive attack. Such information
could be, for example, detailed network and system designs, security measures, or certain
staff details. These should be identified and appropriately protected.
(Note: data supporting the delivery of essential services must be identified in accordance
with Principle A3 Asset Management).
System Security: There is a range of protective security measures that an organisation
can use to minimise the opportunities for an attacker to compromise the security of
networks and information systems supporting the delivery of essential services. Not all
such measures will necessarily be applicable in all circumstances – each organisation
should determine and implement the protective security measures that are most effective
in limiting those opportunities for attackers associated with the greatest risks to essential
services.
Opportunities for attackers to compromise networks and information systems, also known
as vulnerabilities, arise through flaws, features and user error. Organisations should
ensure that all three types of vulnerability are considered when selecting and
implementing protective security measures.
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