The best course of action for an information security manager when a threat intelligence report indicates a large number of ransomware attacks targeting the industry is to assess the risk to the organization. This means evaluating the likelihood and impact of a potential ransomware attack on the organization’s assets, operations, and reputation, based on the current threat landscape, the organization’s security posture, and the effectiveness of the existing security controls. A risk assessment can help the information security manager prioritize the most critical assets and processes, identify the gaps and weaknesses in the security architecture, and determine the appropriate risk response strategies, such as avoidance, mitigation, transfer, or acceptance. A risk assessment can also provide a business case for requesting additional resources or support from senior management to improve the organization’s security resilience and readiness. The other options are not the best course of action because they are either too reactive or too narrow in scope. Increasing the frequency of system backups (A) is a good practice to ensure data availability and recovery in case of a ransomware attack, but it does not address the prevention or detection of the attack, nor does it consider the potential data breach or extortion that may accompany the attack. Reviewing the mitigating security controls (B) is a part of the risk assessment process, but it is not sufficient by itself. The information security manager should also consider the threat sources, the vulnerabilities, the impact, and the risk appetite of the organization. Notifying staff members of the threat © is a useful awareness and education measure, but it should be done after the risk assessment and in conjunction with other security policies and procedures. Staff members should be informed of the potential risks, the indicators of compromise, the reporting mechanisms, and the best practices to avoid or respond to a ransomware attack. References = CISM Review Manual 2022, pages 77-78, 81-82, 316; CISM Item Development Guide 2022, page 9; #StopRansomware Guide | CISA; [The Human Consequences of Ransomware Attacks - ISACA]; [Ransomware Response, Safeguards and Countermeasures - ISACA]
