Sharing passwords or access credentials is a critical violation of fundamental information security principles, as it breaks the chain of individual accountability and can lead to unauthorized access and significant data breaches. According to information security management frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001, organizations must establish a formal disciplinary process for security policy violations. While sanctions can vary, the "worst possible action" for a severe breach, such as intentional password sharing that leads to compromise, is termination of employment. This ultimate sanction serves as a powerful deterrent and underscores the seriousness with which the organization treats its information security obligations.

A. Being removed from a project is a serious consequence but is less severe than losing one's employment entirely.

B. A low performance rating is a negative administrative action but does not carry the immediate impact of suspension or termination.

C. Suspension is a temporary punitive measure, whereas termination is a permanent and final action, making it a more severe outcome.

1. ISO/IEC 27002:2022 - Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection — Information security controls.

Reference: Control 6.3 (Disciplinary process).

Details: This control states, "A disciplinary process should be defined and communicated to take actions against persons and other relevant interested parties who have committed an information security policy violation." The implementation guidance notes that the process should be graduated, allowing for actions up to and including termination for severe violations.

2. Herath, T., & Rao, H. R. (2009). Protection motivation and deterrence: a framework for security policy compliance in organisations. European Journal of Information Systems, 18(2), 106–125.

Reference: Page 110, Section on "Sanction Severity".

Details: This peer-reviewed article discusses how the perceived severity of sanctions influences policy compliance. It implicitly supports that severe sanctions, such as job termination, are a component of an organization's deterrence strategy for security violations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/ejis.2009.6

3. Stanford University. (n.d.). Information Security Policy (Admin Guide Memo 6.2.1).

Reference: Section 4, "Policy Violations".

Details: As an example of reputable university documentation, this policy states: "Violations of information security policies may result in a temporary or permanent revocation of access privileges, and/or other disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or relationship with the University." This confirms termination as a possible sanction for policy violations.