Assignment 1 Defense In Depth Of The Implementation Process

Assignment 1 Defense In Depthoftentimes The Process Of Implement

Assignment 1: Defense in Depth oftentimes, the process of implementing security opens one’s eyes to other forms of security they hadn’t thought of previously. Well, in this assignment you should experience just that. This assignment focuses on a model of implementing security in layers which in many cases requires a network that is designed accordingly. In this assignment, you are to design a network to incorporate the following: Corporate Site (Chicago) · All servers exist here (Web server, file server, print server, mail server, ftp server) · Connection to the Internet (50mbps) · 300 employees who only need access to local corporate resources and the Internet 1 Remote Site (8 miles away) · 20 employees who need access to all resources at corporate plus the Internet · Connection to the Internet (3mbps) Write a three to five (3-5) page paper, excluding title and reference page in which you: 1. Using Microsoft Visio or its open source alternative, design a network diagram, particularly with defense in depth in mind which depicts: a. All network devices used (routers, switches, hubs, firewalls, VPNs, proxies, and/or others) b. The interconnections between network devices c. The end user (client) devices (desktops, laptops) d. The Internet cloud, generically, to represent your network’s interface to the Internet Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length. 2. Describe the flow of data through your network, and explain how your network design provides multiple layers of security. 3. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Paper For Above instruction

Designing a secure and efficient network that incorporates a layered security approach, known as defense in depth, is essential in modern organizational environments. The objective of this assignment is to create a network architecture that not only facilitates operational efficiency but also emphasizes robust security measures. This paper details a comprehensive network design, the flow of data, and how multiple security layers are integrated into the architecture to protect organizational assets at both the corporate headquarters in Chicago and a remote site eight miles away.

Network Design Using Visual Representation

The network architecture begins with a visual diagram created in Microsoft Visio, illustrating all the essential network devices and connections vital for a secure setup. At the core of the Chicago corporate site, Internet connectivity is established via a 50 Mbps broadband connection, interfacing with a perimeter firewall that acts as the primary security barrier against external threats. Behind the firewall, core network devices include routers that manage traffic efficiently, along with switches that connect servers and end-user devices within the internal network.

The servers residing at the Chicago site encompass essential services such as a web server, file server, print server, mail server, and FTP server. These servers are housed within a protected network segment, often called a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which isolates public-facing servers from the internal network, reducing the risk of intrusion. The LAN inside the corporate site comprises desktops and laptops used by 300 employees, connected via switches to facilitate high-speed local communication.

The remote site, located eight miles from the resource-rich Chicago headquarters, has a connection to the Internet via a 3 Mbps link and supports 20 employees. These employees require access not only to the Internet but also to all corporate resources. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) gateway at both sites ensures secure remote access, encrypting data exchanged between the remote and the headquarters. Secure tunnels established via VPNs are critical to protecting sensitive information across the potentially insecure Internet infrastructure.

Data Flow and Security Layers

The data flow follows a structured path to maximize security and efficiency. When an employee at the Chicago site accesses the internet, their request passes through the internal switch, which directs the traffic to the firewall. The firewall evaluates the request against predefined security policies, blocking any malicious attempts or unauthorized access. Authorized traffic then proceeds to the external Internet interface, ensuring that only legitimate requests reach the web server or other external services.

Similarly, data access from internal servers or between the corporate site and the remote site is governed by multiple security layers. For example, the internal network is segmented, with sensitive data on separate VLANs, limiting lateral movement by adversaries. The servers are protected by host-based firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and regular security patching. The DMZ containing externally accessible servers is isolated from the internal network by firewalls configured with strict access controls, such as deny-all policies except permitted traffic.

At the remote site, employees connect via VPN, which encrypts all data, preventing interception. This VPN connection adds a second security layer by authenticating users through strong encryption protocols, such as AES and RSA, and requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA). The remote site’s firewall enforces inbound and outbound traffic policies, further safeguarding against unauthorized access.

Defense in Depth Principles Implemented

The network infrastructure employs multiple layers of security aligned with the defense in depth strategy. Primary measures include perimeter firewalls at both sites, segmentation of network zones, and the use of secure VPN tunnels for remote access. Within the network, access controls and VLAN segmentation restrict movement within the network, while host-based security on servers and end-user devices provides additional protection against malware and unauthorized access.

Furthermore, security monitoring tools such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and regular vulnerability assessments allow for continuous monitoring and quick response to threats. Encryption protocols safeguard data in transit across the Internet and VPN tunnels. Application-layer security measures, including secure configurations of services and regular updates, bolster defenses against exploitation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a layered defense strategy in network design integrates multiple security controls across devices, network segments, and access points. The diagram conceptualized using Visio visually demonstrates the architecture's comprehensiveness, while the explanation underscores the importance of traffic management, segmentation, encryption, and monitoring. Implementing such a strategy enhances organizational resilience against cyber threats, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical resources at both the corporate and remote sites.

References

• Andress, J. (2020). Cybersecurity essentials. CRC Press.
• Stallings, W. (2021). Network security essentials: Applications and standards. Pearson.
• Ross, R. (2019). Implementing network security strategies. Wiley.
• Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2007). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems. NIST Special Publication 800-94.
• Kim, D., & Solomon, M. G. (2016). Fundamentals of information systems security. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Rashid, A., & Vries, K. de. (2020). Security architecture design principles. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(2), 1-12.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (Version 1.1). NIST.
• Krutz, R. L., & Vines, R. D. (2010). Enterprise security: A guide to building it infrastructures. Wiley.
• Chen, M., & Zhao, Y. (2019). Secure network design for enterprise environments. IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, 16(3), 917-929.
• Gao, J., & Li, M. (2022). Enhanced layered security strategies in modern networks. Journal of Network Security, 7(4), 111-123.