Managing Risk in Information Systems, 3rd Edition

System Functions: Manual and Automated

Services are usually provided by combining multiple functions. These functions can be manual, automated, or a mixture of the two. When identifying system assets, understanding the difference between manual and automated is important.

An automated spam appliance used to filter spam is an example of a system function. The spam appliance could also be considered one of many functions used to provide email service. Other functions for email could include the ability to scan for malware and to sign and encrypt messages.

Manual Methods

Some systems use manual instead of technical methods. For example, for a hotel using manual methods, employees can track everything from the initial reservation to checkout ...