If a human resources portal changes its password policy unexpectedly, what should the risk practitioner do first?

The first step a risk practitioner should take in response to an unexpected change in the password policy of a human resources portal is to investigate the cause of the unauthorized change. Understanding the context and reasons behind the alteration is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, it is important to determine whether the change was made by an authorized entity or if it was the result of a security breach. Such an investigation could reveal potential vulnerabilities in the system and help identify whether there is malicious activity at play, which could have serious ramifications for the organization.

Secondly, uncovering the root cause of the change helps in assessing the potential impact on the organization's security posture and compliance with relevant regulations or standards. This information is essential for making informed decisions on next steps, such as whether to adjust existing security policies, enhance monitoring capabilities, or develop a response plan.

Once the investigation is complete and the implications of the change are understood, other actions, such as reverting the change, strengthening requirements, or notifying employees, can be taken based on factual findings rather than assumptions.