Contextual Risk Assessment and Policy to Address Information Security within Supplier Agreements
This assignment focuses on the development of a contextual risk assessment and an information security policy addressing security requirements within supplier agreements for Heathrow Airport Holdings (LHR). The assessment is an individual postgraduate task worth 60% of the module and requires students to apply information security risk assessment methods, security standards and policy development techniques to a realistic organisational scenario. The assignment is based on a cyber-attack affecting Heathrow and other European airports in September 2025, where disruption to a third-party cloud-based check-in and baggage system affected airport and airline operations. The scenario highlights the security risks associated with interconnected systems, third-party suppliers and dependence on critical digital services. Students are required to assume the role of a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Heathrow Airport Holdings and investigate the organisation, its environment and the relevant threat landscape. The task requires the development of a clear organisational context, including appropriate assumptions, followed by an asset-based information security risk assessment. The risk assessment should identify and prioritise relevant risks and support the selection of controls needed to manage residual information security risks. The main policy component requires students to develop an “Information Security within Supplier Agreements” policy aligned with the ISO 27000 family. The policy should establish clear security responsibilities between LHR and its suppliers and address the protection of information assets, legal and regulatory requirements, and supplier-related security obligations. Particular attention is required for confidentiality, integrity and availability, together with ISO 27002 controls relating to information security policies and supplier agreements. The assignment also requires consideration of acceptable use of information and other assets, information classification and information labelling. The final submission consists of a cover page, context establishment, an asset-based risk assessment, the supplier information security policy, references and supporting appendices. The context establishment is limited to a maximum of two pages or 1,000 words, while the policy is limited to three pages or 1,500 words. The risk assessment is completed using the supplied template. Students are also required to provide evidence and commentary concerning the development and tailoring of the policy when using an approved AI tool, together with a self-written evaluation addressing strengths, weaknesses, privacy, GDPR and ethical considerations. The assessment is marked across context establishment, asset-based risk assessment, the information security within supplier agreements policy, and presentation, design and references. At least 20 authentic references, including standards and papers accessed through the University library, are required.
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