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DBB2202

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ASSIGNMENT

Name: PACHBHAI VINOD NAGOBAJI


Roll No: 2214500748
Program: BBA
Semester : IV
Course Name and Code : DBB2202 – MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
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Assignment Set 1

1) Explain how MIS controls the Information in an organization?


What is a Management Information System?
Management information systems (MIS) are an organized method of collecting information from various sources,
compiling it, and presenting it in a readable format. It helps business leaders and managers make strategic
management decisions.
Today’s management information systems rely heavily on technology to compile and present data.
Functions of MIS
The primary function of MIS is to report on business operations to support decision-making and ensure that the
organization is managed more efficiently. This will help the company reach its full potential and thus gain a
competitive advantage. Listed below are some of the crucial functions of MIS.
Provide Easy Access to the Information
MIS allows teams convenient access to marketing, financial or operational information. MIS reports strategically
storing large amounts of information about the business in a central location that managers can easily access over
a network.
Data Collection
Data from the company’s day-to-day operations are collected and combined with data from outside sources. This
allows a healthy and functional relationship between distributors, points of sale, and any other supply chain
member.
Performance Tracking
As production and sales numbers are recorded and stored in a central database, MIS plays a crucial role in keeping
track of the performance of the employees. This information helps detect issues early and make the right decisions
quickly using the latest information.
Foster Collaboration in the Workplace
In any large company, many situations require the involvement of multiple people or departments in decision-
making.
MIS is an effective communication channel for the teams to collaborate and ensure that the decision-making
group can access all the data required for effective decision-making, even if they are working from different
locations.
Company Projections
These management information systems come with trend analysis features that will allow you to project how a
business will perform in its current configuration and how it will be affected once you have implemented the
changes you are considering.
Even the ones without the trend analysis function will still offer sufficient information to carry out the analysis
accurately using external tools.
Track the Implementation of Decisions
MIS systems help project expectations for a particular decision. If they decide to implement the changes, it will
be necessary to continue monitoring performance to see if the teams are on track to achieve the desired results.
Improve Company Reporting
One reason large companies prefer management information systems is the effectiveness of the reporting
functions. MIS reports contain information in an easy-to-understand format, allowing management to make
timely decisions.
The system's accessibility to people from different parts of the organization makes it an effective communication
and reporting tool. The results, along with all the necessary supplementary data, can be shared among colleagues.
It is also possible to create short executive summaries that explain the entire situation for company executives to
review in situations that require their approval.
Features of MIS
MIS have several vital features, including:
• Data integration: MIS integrates data from various departments and functions, giving decision-makers a
comprehensive view of the organization’s data.
• Data storage: MIS stores vast data in databases, making it accessible and retrievable when needed.
• Data processing: MIS processes data to generate meaningful information. It can perform calculations,
comparisons, and other data transformations to produce reports and insights.
• User-friendly interface: MIS systems typically have user-friendly interfaces that allow non-technical users
to easily access and interact with data.
• Customization: MIS systems can be customized to meet an organization’s needs. Users can define the type
of information they want to access and how it is presented.
• Real-time information: Many MIS systems offer real-time or near-real-time data updates, ensuring decision-
makers can access the most current information to make timely decisions.
• Report generation: MIS generates various reports, including standard reports, ad-hoc reports, and exception
reports. These reports help managers monitor performance and make informed decisions.
• Security: Access to sensitive information is restricted, and measures are in place to protect data from
unauthorized access or breaches.
• Accessibility: MIS can be accessed remotely, allowing decision-makers to retrieve information from various
locations.
• Integration with other systems: MIS systems can integrate with other software and systems of the
organization, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, Customer relationship management
(CRM) systems, Human capital management (HCM) systems, etc.
• Mobile compatibility: Many modern MIS systems are compatible with mobile devices, allowing users to
access critical information on the go.
• Data analytics: Advanced MIS systems may incorporate data analytics and business intelligence tools to
provide deeper insights and support predictive analytics.

Components of MIS
There are five major components of a Management Information System.
People: People prepare and analyze MIS to achieve organizational goals.
Data: Day-to-day business transactions of an organization.
Hardware: Input and output devices like keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, etc., help in data input and display
information.
Software and Business Processes: MIS depends on software and business processes such as MS Office, Banking
Software, ERP systems, CRM systems, etc.

Characteristics of MIS
The general characteristics of an MIS are:
• Use a variety of internal data sources.
• Provide reports on the routine operations of an organization.
• Allow users to develop custom reports, such as detailed reports.
• Provide a variety of different reports, both scheduled and on demand.
• Must be accurate and avoid including estimates or probable expenses.
• Provide reports in various formats, including hard copies and electronic copies.
• The information must be relevant for making a strategic decision.
Typically, an MIS is organized along the functional areas of an organization. So, the finance department will
have a financial MIS, the HR department will have a human resources MIS, etc.
Benefits of MIS
• Allows company management access to a single database to manage all transactions and planning processes.

• It saves time and increases work effectiveness considerably.


• Ensures improved data analysis and decision-making.
• Maintains an accurate record of the system’s inputs and outputs and tracks employee performance.
• Critically analyze a company’s and its employee’s strengths and weaknesses.
• The CEOs or executives can take greater company financial and operational control.
Limitations of MIS
Even though MIS has many benefits, it also has its limitations, which are discussed below:
• While MIS may solve some acute problems, it is not a solution to all problems of an organization.
• Involves maintenance and employee training costs.
• It cannot meet everyone's particular demands.
• If misdesigned , MIS does not serve the management and is irrelevant.
• The MIS is only good if the primary data is updated.
• The MIS provides most information in quantitive form. Hence, it ignores qualitative information, such as an
employee's behaviour.

2. Explain the steps in the decision-making process in detail?


What is the decision making process?
The decision making process is the method of gathering information, assessing alternatives, and, ultimately,
making a final choice.
The following seven step process is intended for challenging decisions that involve multiple stakeholders,
but this process can be used for something as simple as what cereal to pour into your breakfast bowl in the
morning.
The steps of the decision making process
Step 1: Identify the decision that needs to be made
When you're identifying the decision, ask yourself a few questions:
• What is the problem that needs to be solved?
• What is the goal you plan to achieve by implementing this decision?
• How will you measure success?
These questions are all common goal setting techniques that will ultimately help you come up with possible
solutions. When the problem is clearly defined, you then have more information to come up with the best
decision to solve the problem.

Step 2: Gather relevant information


Gathering information related to the decision being made is an important step to making an informed
decision. Does your team have any historical data as it relates to this issue? Has anybody attempted to solve
this problem before?
It's also important to look for information outside of your team or company. Effective decision making
requires information from many different sources. Find external resources, whether it’s doing market
research, working with a consultant, or talking with colleagues at a different company who have relevant
experience. Gathering information helps your team identify different solutions to your problem.

Step 3: Identify alternative solutions


This step requires you to look for many different solutions for the problem at hand. Finding more than one
possible alternative is important when it comes to business decision-making, because different stakeholders
may have different needs depending on their role. For example, if a company is looking for a work
management tool, the design team may have different needs than a development team. Choosing only one
solution right off the bat might not be the right course of action.

Step 4: Weigh the evidence


This is when you take all of the different solutions you’ve come up with and analyze how they would address
your initial problem. Your team begins identifying the pros and cons of each option, and eliminating
alternatives from those choices.
There are a few common ways your team can analyze and weigh the evidence of options:
• Pros and cons list
• SWOT analysis
• Decision matrix

Step 5: Choose among the alternatives


The next step is to make your final decision. Consider all of the information you've collected and how this
decision may affect each stakeholder.
Sometimes the right decision is not one of the alternatives, but a blend of a few different alternatives.
Effective decision-making involves creative problem solving and thinking out of the box, so don't limit you
or your teams to clear-cut options.
One of the key values at Asana is to reject false tradeoffs. Choosing just one decision can mean losing
benefits in others. If you can, try and find options that go beyond just the alternatives presented.

Step 6: Take action


Once the final decision maker gives the green light, it's time to put the solution into act ion. Take the time
to create an implementation plan so that your team is on the same page for next steps. Then it’s time to put
your plan into action and monitor progress to determine whether or not this decision was a good one.

Step 7: Review your decision and its impact (both good and bad)
Once you’ve made a decision, you can monitor the success metrics you outlined in step 1. This is how you
determine whether or not this solution meets your team's criteria of success.
Here are a few questions to consider when reviewing your decision:
• Did it solve the problem your team identified in step 1?
• Did this decision impact your team in a positive or negative way?
• Which stakeholders benefited from this decision? Which stakeholders were impacted negatively?
If this solution was not the best alternative, your team might benefit from using an iterative form of project
management. This enables your team to quickly adapt to changes, and make the best decisions with the
resources they have.
3. Explain what is meant by BPR. What is its significance?
What is Business Process Re-engineering (BPR)?
Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) is a dynamic approach that aims to revolutionize and enhance business
processes, leading to significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. At its core,
BPR encourages organisations to examine their existing processes critically, challenge conventional thinking,
and introduce innovative solutions. By adopting a customer-centric mindset, fostering cross-functional
collaboration, and leveraging technology, BPR empowers organisations to optimize workflow, make informed
decisions, and deliver exceptional value to customers. Moreover, BPR recognizes the importance of change
management, ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged and prepared for the transformative journey. Through
continuous improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence, BPR enables organisations to streamline
operations, boost productivity, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) encompasses several distinctive features that make it a potent approach
for driving transformative change within organisations. These are some of the key features:

Features of Business Process Re-engineering(BPR)


1. Radical Redesign: BPR goes beyond incremental adjustments by advocating a
radical overhaul of existing processes. It encourages organisations to challenge conventional thinking, question
established norms, and envision entirely new ways of performing tasks. This innovative mindset paves the way
for substantial improvements and breakthrough outcomes.
2. Process Focus: BPR adopts a holistic view, considering organisations as interconnected processes rather
than isolated departments or functions. It places emphasis on analyzing end-to-end processes, identifying
inefficiencies, and finding opportunities for optimization. By understanding the interdependencies and
interactions between various processes, organisations can achieve enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Simplification and Elimination: BPR advocates for simplifying processes by eliminating unnecessary
steps, reducing complexities, and removing redundant activities. By streamlining workflows and eliminating
non-value-added tasks, organizations can enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and expedite the completion of
activities.
4. Technology Enablement: BPR recognizes the transformative potential of technology in optimizing
processes. It encourages organizations to leverage innovative technologies, automation, and digital solutions
to streamline operations, enhance data analysis capabilities, and facilitate real-time decision-making. By
harnessing technology, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency and gain a competitive advantage.
5. Performance Measurement: BPR stresses the importance of establishing robust performance metrics and
measurement systems to assess the effectiveness of process improvements. By defining clear indicators and
tracking progress, organizations can monitor the impact of changes, identify areas for further enhancement,
and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
6. Change Management: BPR acknowledges the significance of effective change management in successfully
implementing process changes. It entails managing resistance to change, engaging stakeholders at all levels,
providing training and support, and fostering a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
By proactively addressing change-related challenges, organizations can navigate the transition smoothly and
ensure long-term success.
Conditions for Success in Business Process Re-engineering
To maximize the chances of success in Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) initiatives, organisations
should meet specific conditions and adopt effective approaches. By considering the following factors,
organisations can significantly increase their likelihood of achieving successful outcomes in BPR:

1. Clear Vision and Leadership Commitment: BPR initiatives thrive when there is a clear and compelling
vision for the future. Leadership commitment is crucial in driving the necessary changes, inspiring employees,
and providing the required resources and guidance for successful implementation.
2. Strong Change Management: Successful BPR relies on robust change management practices. This
involves cultivating a culture that embraces change, addressing employee concerns, and fostering open
communication channels. By actively managing the change process and offering support, organisations can
encourage employees to embrace the transformation and adapt to new processes.
3. Thorough Process Analysis: Comprehensive process analysis is a foundational element of successful BPR.
By thoroughly examining existing processes, identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for
improvement, organisations can gain deep insights into the current state and set the stage for effective re-
engineering.
4. Innovative Redesign and Best Practices: BPR encourages organisations to challenge the status quo and
adopt innovative approaches. By incorporating industry best practices, leveraging emerging technologies, and
promoting creative problem-solving, organisations can design processes that are efficient, effective, and
aligned with their strategic objectives.
5. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Involvement: BPR requires collaboration and involvement from
diverse stakeholders across different functions and levels of the organisation. By engaging employees who
possess direct process knowledge, organisations can tap into their expertise and insights, fostering ownership
and driving successful process re-design and implementation.
6. Continuous Improvement Mindset: BPR is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event. Organisations
should foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to continuously seek opportunities
to enhance processes even after the initial re-design. This involves establishing feedback loops, monitoring
performance metrics, and empowering employees to propose and implement optimization measures.
7. Effective Performance Measurement: Clear performance metrics and measurement systems are essential
for monitoring the impact of BPR initiatives. Organisations should define Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) aligned with the objectives of the BPR project. Regular tracking, analysis, and evaluation of these
metrics enable organisations to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven
decisions.
8. Training and Skill Development: BPR often requires employees to adapt to new roles, responsibilities, and
processes. Organisations should invest in comprehensive training and skill development programs to equip
employees with the necessary knowledge and capabilities for successful implementation. By providing the
right support, organisations empower employees to contribute effectively to the re-designed processes.
Objectives of Business Process Re-engineering(BPR)
The objectives of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) encompass a range of goals aimed at driving
significant advancements in organizational performance, efficiency, and effectiveness. Some of the key
objectives of BPR are:
1. Process Optimization: BPR strives to optimize business processes by identifying and eliminating
inefficiencies, redundancies, and bottlenecks. Through re-imagining and re-designing processes, organizations
seek to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
2. Cost Reduction: BPR targets the identification and elimination of non-value-added activities and wasteful
resource utilization within processes. By simplifying procedures, eliminating unnecessary steps, and
optimizing resource allocation, organizations can achieve cost reductions, improve financial performance, and
maximize resource utilization.
3. Customer Satisfaction: BPR places a strong focus on enhancing customer satisfaction by aligning
processes with customer needs and expectations. By eliminating pain points, improving responsiveness, and
delivering high-quality products or services, organizations can exceed customer expectations and foster long-
term customer loyalty.
4. Quality Improvement: BPR aims to drive continuous improvement in process quality by identifying and
eliminating errors, defects, and re-work. Through process re-design and the implementation of quality control
measures, organizations can enhance accuracy, consistency, and the overall quality of outputs.
5. Time-to-Market Reduction: BPR strives to minimize time-to-market for products or services. By
streamlining processes, reducing delays, and optimizing resource allocation, organizations can accelerate
product development cycles, respond swiftly to market demands, and seize opportunities ahead of competitors.
6. Employee Engagement and Empowerment: BPR recognizes the crucial role of engaged and empowered
employees in driving process improvement. By involving employees in the redesign process, providing training
and support, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, organisations can boost employee
morale, motivation, and productivity.
Assignment Set – 2

1. Explain the applications and systems used in e-communication.

Electronic communication systems have been a growing entity over the years. It evolved from generation to
generation from using pigeons to carry messages in the ancient period to using morse code in telegraph in the
mid-1900s to using 5G smartphones in the current generation.This article elaborates on the electronic
communication system and its types and terminologies used in the communication system.

Communication System in Electronics


Sending, receiving, and processing data among two devices are referred to as communication. A communication
system is a group of components (devices) that work together to establish a connection between both the sender
and recipient. Radio and television, satellite broadcasting, wireless telegraphy, mobile communication, and
computer communication are some examples of communication systems.
Principles of Electronic Communication Systems
Information is transmitted, processed, and received among two or more points using electronic circuits.
Transmitters, communication channels or channels, a receiver, and noise make up the fundamental parts of such
an electronic communication system. Analog or digital data is conveyed into the system, where it is first analysed
and decoded.
Types of Electronic Communication System
Electronic communication systems are classified into different categories. If we are classifying in the direction
of communication, we classify the systems as Simplex, Half duplex, and Full-duplex systems.
And when we are classifying based on the nature of the signal, we classify it as:
Digital Communication System
For communication between both the input and output in digital communication, digital signals are employed
rather than analogue ones. Instead of continuous values, the digital signal only contains discrete values.
Digital modulation system refers to a modulation technique or system in which the transmitted signal is
represented by digital pulses with constant amplitude, constant frequency, and constant phase.
Advantages and Disadvantages of digital communication system:
The transmitted signal is digital, therefore there aren’t many errors introduced by additive noise interference.
Digital communication is, therefore, more noise resistant.
The development of high-speed processors and electronic components has made digital communication easier
and less expensive than analogue communication.
The major disadvantage is that digital systems operate at high data rates. As a result, they need more channel
capacity than an analogue system.

Analog Communications Systems


Data is transmitted between the transmitter and receiver in analogue communication with the use of analogue
signals. Analog signals can transmit any kind of data. Any data must first be transformed into an electric form
before being transmitted across a communication channel. In analog communication, a continuous signal is used,
which changes over time in relation to a variable’s amplitude, phase, or another feature.
Analog modulation systems or techniques are those in which one of the features of the carrier varies
proportionally to the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of analog communication system:
The main advantage of analog systems is that the receivers and transmitters are simpler and the bandwidth
requirement is low. A major disadvantage is that it cannot separate noise and signal.
Based on the communication channel, we classify it as:
Wired Communication Systems
Any data transfer that takes place over a wired link is referred to as wired communications. Ethernet, fiber-optic
cable for phones and other applications, cable for tv and Internet systems, and most systems in automobiles are
examples of wired connections.
Wireless Communication System
Without the aid of wires, cables, or any other kind of electrical conductors, wireless communication entails the
communication of data across a large distance.
Using such a wireless signal to link and communicate with two or more users using wireless communication
methods and equipment falls under the broad category of wireless communication.
Block diagram of Electronic Communication System

The above block diagram clearly represents the signal input and how it flows from the source to the destination.
The source message is the input which is needed to transmit from source to destination and the transducer helps
to convert the input signal to electrical signal and this transmitted signal is amplified and modulated and it is sent
to the receiver, where the opposite process of the first half of the block happens. The detailed process and
terminology is discussed below.
Also, learn Difference between Transducer and Sensor
Basic Terminology Used in Electronic Communication System
The basic terminologies used in electronic communication system are:
Transducer:
Transducer is used in changing one energy form to another form. We frequently encounter gadgets within
electronic communication systems that have electrical inputs or outputs. A device that transforms a physical
variable (such as pressure, displacement, force, or temperature) into equivalent fluctuations in an electronic signal
at its output is known as an electrical transducer.
Signal:
A signal is a piece of information that has been electrically transformed into a form that can be transmitted.
Analog or digital signals are both acceptable. Continuous voltage or current variations are analogue signals. They
are essentially time functions with a single value. A basic analogue signal is a sine wave. The sine wave
components of all other analogue signals can be used to completely comprehend them.
Noise:
Undesired signals that tend to interfere with the processing and transmission of information about importance in
a communication system are referred to as noise. The noise’s source could be either inside the system or outside.
Transmitter:
In order to prepare the receiving signal for broadcast across a channel and eventual receipt, a transmitter processes
it.
Receiver:At the channel output, a receiver separates the required message signals from received signals.
Attenuation: Attenuation is the reduction of signal power as it travels across a medium.
Amplification:
It involves employing an electronic circuit known as the amplifier to increase a signal’s amplitude (and therefore
its intensity). In communication systems, amplification is required to make up for signal attenuation.
Range
It is the greatest separation between such a source and a target at which the signal can be reliably received.
Bandwidth
The frequency range that a piece of equipment may work over or the area of the spectrum that the signal occupies
are both referred to as bandwidth.
Modulation and Demodulation
Long-distance transmission of the initial low frequency message or information signal is not possible. As a result,
at the transmitter, data from the low-frequency message signal is overlaid on a high-frequency wave that serves
as the data’s carrier. Modulation is the term for this action.
Demodulation refers to the procedure at the receiver when information is retrieved from the carrier wave. This is
modulation done backwards.
Repeater
A transmitter and a receiver are combined to form a repeater. The transmitter’s signals are picked up, amplified,
and then retransmitted by a repeater. It is simultaneously receiving and broadcasting at the same time. The main
purpose of repeaters is to increase an electronic communication system’s range.
2. Explain different types of Decision Support Systems.
A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program application used to improve a company's decision-
making capabilities. It analyzes large amounts of data and presents an organization with the best possible options
available.
Decision support systems bring together data and knowledge from different areas and sources to provide users
with information beyond the usual reports and summaries. This is intended to help people make informed
decisions.
A decision support system is an informational application as opposed to an operational application. Informational
applications provide users with relevant information based on a variety of data sources to support better-informed
decision-making. Operational applications, by contrast, record the details of business transactions, including the
data required for the decision-support needs of a business

Decision support systems can be broken down into categories, each based on their primary sources of information.

Data-driven DSS
A data-driven DSS is a computer program that makes decisions based on data from internal databases or external
databases. Typically, a data-driven DSS uses data mining techniques to discern trends and patterns, enabling it to
predict future events. Businesses often use data-driven DSSes to help make decisions about inventory, sales and
other business processes. Some are used to help make decisions in the public sector, such as predicting the
likelihood of future criminal behavior.

Model-driven DSS
Built on an underlying decision model, model-driven decision support systems are customized according to a
predefined set of user requirements to help analyze different scenarios that meet these requirements. For example,
a model-driven DSS may assist with scheduling or developing financial statements.

Communication-driven and group DSS


A communication-driven and group decision support system uses a variety of communication tools -- such as
email, instant messaging or voice chat -- to allow more than one person to work on the same task. The goal behind
this type of DSS is to increase collaboration between the users and the system and to improve the overall
efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Knowledge-driven DSS
In this type of decision support system, the data that drives the system resides in a knowledge base that is
continuously updated and maintained by a knowledge management system. A knowledge-driven DSS provides
information to users that is consistent with a company's business processes and knowledge.

Document-driven DSS
A document-driven DSS is a type of information management system that uses documents to retrieve data.
Document-driven DSSes enable users to search webpages or databases, or find specific search terms. Examples
of documents accessed by a document-driven DSS include policies and procedures, meeting minutes and
corporate records.

Decision support system examples


Organizations use decision support systems in several different contexts, including the following:
• GPS routing. GPS route planning is an example of a typical DSS. It compares different routes, taking into
account factors such as distance, driving time and cost. The GPS navigating system also enables users to
choose alternative routes, displaying them on a map and providing step-by-step instructions.
• ERP dashboards. ERP (enterprise resource planning) dashboards can use a decision support system to
visualize changes in production and business processes, monitor current business performance against set
goals and identify areas for improvement. ERP dashboards let business owners see a snapshot of their
company's most important numbers and metrics.
Clinical decision support system. A clinical decision support system (CDSS) is a software program that uses
advanced decision-making algorithms to help physicians make the best medical decisions. Healthcare
professionals often use these to interpret patient records and test results, and to calculate the best treatment plan.
CDSS in healthcare can help providers identify abnormalities during specific tests, as well as monitor patients
after certain procedures to determine if they are having any adverse reactions.

3. Explain the various security hazards faced by an information system.

When large amounts of data are stored in electronic form, they are vulnerable to many more kinds of threats than
when they existed in manual form. Information systems in different locations are connected through
communications networks. Thus the potential for unauthorized access, abuse, or fraud is not limited to a single
location but can occur at any access point in the network. They can stem from technical, organizational, and
environmental factors compounded by poor management decisions. The architecture of a Web-based application
typically includes a Web client, a server, and corporate information systems linked to databases. Each of these
components presents security challenges and vulnerabilities. Floods, fires, power failures, and other electrical
problems can cause disruptions at any point in the network

Modern technology and society’s constant connection to the internet allows more creativity in business than ever
before – including the black market. Cybercriminals are carefully discovering new ways to tap the most sensitive
networks in the world. Protecting business data is a growing challenge, but awareness is the first step. Here are
the top 10 threats to information security today:

1. Technology with Weak Security


New technology is being released every day. More times than not, new gadgets have internet access but no plan
for security. This presents a severe risk—each unsecured connection means vulnerability. The rapid development
of technology is a testament to innovators, however, security lags severely.
2. Social Media Attacks
Cybercriminals constantly find new ways to take advantage of social media users and their private information.
One malicious way they do this is by using emojis and emoticons to engineer users into letting their guard down.1
3. Mobile Malware
Security experts have seen risks in mobile device security since the early stages of their connectivity to the
internet. The minimal mobile foul play among the long list of recent attacks has users far less concerned than
they should be. Considering our culture’s unbreakable reliance on cell phones and how little cybercriminals have
targeted them, it creates a catastrophic threat.
4. Third-party Entry
Cybercriminals prefer the path of least resistance. The Microsoft Exchange Server was victim to a massive
cyberattack in March 2021. The attack disrupted nine government agencies and 60,000 private companies.2
5. Neglecting Proper Configuration
Big data tools come with the ability to be customized to fit an organization’s needs. Companies continue to
neglect the importance of adequately configuring security settings. Fifth Third Bank fell victim to one of the most
significant data breaches of 2020 due to a former employee retaining access.3
6. Outdated Security Software
Updating security software is a basic technology management practice and a mandatory step to protecting big
data. Software is developed to defend against known threats. That means any new malicious code that hits an
outdated version of security software will go undetected.
7. Social Engineering
Cybercriminals know intrusion techniques have a shelf life. They have turned to reliable non-technical methods
like social engineering, which rely on social interaction and psychological manipulation to gain access to
confidential data. This form of intrusion is unpredictable and effective.
8. Lack of Encryption
Protecting sensitive business data in transit and at rest is a measure few industries have yet to embrace, despite
its effectiveness. The healthcare industry handles extremely sensitive data and understands the gravity of losing
it – which is why HIPAA compliance requires every computer to be encrypted.
9. Corporate Data on Personal Devices
Whether an organization distributes corporate phones or not, confidential data is still being accessed on personal
devices. Mobile management tools limit functionality, but securing the loopholes has not made it to the priority
list for many organizations.
10. Inadequate Security Technology
Investing in software that monitors the security of a network has become a growing trend in the enterprise space
after 2014’s painful rip of data breaches. The software is designed to send alerts when intrusion attempts occur,
however, the alerts are only valuable if someone is available to address them. Companies rely too heavily on
technology to fully protect against attack when it is meant to be a managed tool.

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