MIS Issues
Question 1: Explain the importance of data backup to MIS.
Answer 1: Any MIS security plan should include data backup. Because MIS contains such a large amount of company information, especially if the company uses a data warehouse, the loss of this data could constitute a severe blow to the company’s ability to remain in business.There are many ways to back up information. The most effective way is to back data up to a location that can be stored off-site or that is off-site to begin with. Remote servers, either owned by the company or by a data backup service, provide a reliable off-site location to back up a company’s data. In case of a catastrophic event at the company site, such as a fire or massive server failure, the data will then be safe. Backup can be scheduled to occur automatically, making even extensive backup a simple process.
There are lots of good resources about MIS that you can find available.
Question 2: Define UPS and how it helps prevent data loss.
Answer 2: UPS stands for uninterrupted power supply. The UPS is basically a battery that is kept connected to the electrical supply in order to maintain a constant charge. Computers and computer equipment are plugged into the UPS. In cases of power outage, the computers remain powered up through the UPS, preventing catastrophic data loss due to abrupt shutdown. The UPS typically provides sufficient power to keep a computer running through a short-term power loss, and enough time to shut the computer down properly during a longer loss of power.
Question 3: Define security audits and how they help protect MIS.
Answer 3: Security audits help determine who has access to what data, what kind of computer activity has taken place, and how consistently employees adhere to security guidelines throughout the company. Periodic security audits can protect management information systems by ensuring that proprietary data is protected by current security measures. Actions can be taken if security has been breached, such as changes in personnel or changes to security guidelines and procedures.Audits tend to be time-consuming and expensive, so an individual company must determine whether the likely benefits outweigh the possible cost and inevitable disruption to everyday company operations.
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