The Training Deficiency in Corporate America: Training Security Professionals to Protect Sensitive Information

The Training Deficiency in Corporate America: Training Security Professionals to Protect Sensitive Information by Kenneth T. Johnson MS, Trident University International, 2011 MS, Trident University International, 2009 BS, Trident University International, 2008 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2017 Abstract Increased internal and external training approaches are elements senior leaders need to know before creating a training plan for security professionals to protect sensitive information. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore training strategies telecommunication industry leaders use to ensure security professionals can protect sensitive information. The population consisted of 3 senior leaders in a large telecommunication company located in Dallas, Texas that has a large footprint of securing sensitive information. The conceptual framework on which this study was based was the security risk planning model. Semistructured interviews and document reviews helped to support the findings of this study. Using the thematic approach, 3 major themes emerged. The 3 themes included security training is required for all professionals, different approaches to training are beneficial, and using internal and external training’s to complement each other. The findings revealed senior leaders used different variations of training programs to train security professionals on how to protect sensitive information. The senior leaders’ highest priority was the ability to ensure all personnel accessing the network received the proper training. The findings may contribute to social change by enhancing area schools’ technology programs with evolving cyber securityIncreased internal and external training approaches are elements senior leaders need to know before creating a training plan for security professionals to protect sensitive information. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore training strategies telecommunication industry leaders use to ensure security professionals can protect sensitive information. The population consisted of 3 senior leaders in a large telecommunication company located in Dallas, Texas that has a large footprint of securing sensitive information. The conceptual framework on which this study was based was the security risk planning model. Semistructured interviews and document reviews helped to support the findings of this study. Using the thematic approach, 3 major themes emerged. The 3 themes included security training is required for all professionals, different approaches to training are beneficial, and using internal and external training’s to complement each other. The findings revealed senior leaders used different variations of training programs to train security professionals on how to protect sensitive information. The senior leaders’ highest priority was the ability to ensure all personnel accessing the network received the proper training. The findings may contribute to social change by enhancing area schools’ technology programs with evolving cyber security technology, helping kids detect and eradicate threats before any loss of sensitive information occurs. The Training Deficiency in Corporate America: Training Security Professionals to Protect Sensitive Information by Kenneth T. Johnson MS, Trident University International, 2011 MS, Trident University International, 2009 BS, Trident University International, 2008 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2017 Dedication To the greatest man I have ever known, my father! Thank you for challenging me to be a better man. I love you and miss you very much. To my mother who taught me how to write a book report and started me on this journey. You are amazing and I thank you for being a fabulous mother. To my wife and kids, you guys are supportive of my goals and now we can relax for a while and enjoy what is ahead of us. To all of my military men and women who I served with, thank you for your encouragement when my road was tough. To God, I appreciate your patience and understanding while I learned my way! Acknowledgments What a journey this has been! I started my education journey in 2006 when I was in the military not knowing what I wanted to accomplish. At the time, I was a single father and knew if I did not have my education, my kids would not have had a role model to look up too. Fast forward 11 years and I am at the pinnacle of my profession. I cannot help, but think back on the long nights of writing papers, searching for the right reference, and making sure it was in APA format! To the people who have helped me along the way, I thank you more than words can express! To my chair, Dr. Lazo, what an amazing person you are! Thank you for taking the time to help me achieve a dream I never thought to be possible. To Dr. Roussas and Dr. Anthony, thank you for challenging me to perform at a high level. Lastly, I would like to thank some individuals who are here in spirit and those who had no idea of their contribution to my success. Haywood Johnson Sr., my father. Although, you may not be here to witness me walk the stage, know that your legacy lives on and thank you for every lesson. To my mom, thank you for teaching me how to write a book report. To my kids, you are the reason I wake up and the reason I work so hard, I love you both! Special thanks to my friends Calvin Thomas, Linda McIntosh, and Tina Hampton for being supportive and encouraging during this journey. Finally, my wife, Tina, for the last four and half years you had to put up with me, and you never complained. You supported me when I thought I was going to lose my mind pursuing this degree. I want to thank you because without you none of this is possible as you have been my rock! I love you!