Assume You Are A Network Administrator. You Keep The Interna

Assume You Are A Network Administrator You Keep The Internal Network

Assume you are a network administrator. You keep the internal network secure through a defense-in-depth strategy. Your company has many remote users, all of whom must adhere to a comprehensive VPN policy. The policy states that only company-owned devices may connect to the internal network over a VPN connection. However, the company president, who is a former tech consultant, set up VPN access from her personal laptop for convenience. How do you enforce the VPN policy for the company president? Provide rationale for your answer.

Paper For Above instruction

As a network administrator committed to maintaining the security and integrity of the internal network, enforcing VPN policy compliance is essential, especially when exceptions are made at high levels of management. The VPN policy that restricts access to company-owned devices aims to mitigate security risks such as malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches. The challenge lies in enforcing this policy for the company president, who has established VPN access from her personal device, potentially bypassing security controls.

The first step in enforcing the VPN policy involves establishing clear communication and policies. It is crucial to articulate the reasons behind the policy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure environment. Education and transparency foster understanding and compliance, even from top executives who might otherwise feel exempt from standard procedures. In this case, the company should provide explicit guidelines that all devices connecting via VPN must meet security standards, including the use of approved antivirus software, encryption, and device compliance checks.

Technically, enforcing this policy can be achieved through policy enforcement mechanisms such as Network Access Control (NAC) solutions. NAC systems enforce compliance by verifying device health, operating system updates, and security software before allowing access. For the president’s personal device, the NAC could evaluate whether the device adheres to established security policies. If it does not, access can be denied or limited, ensuring that only compliant devices can connect.

Implementing a dedicated Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment offers another robust solution. By providing the president with a virtual desktop that is fully controlled by the company’s security policies, she can access resources without compromising her personal device. This approach isolates sensitive internal resources from potentially insecure personal devices, ensuring compliance with the VPN policy while accommodating convenience.

Another aspect involves establishing administrative policies and agreements. The company should have formal agreements with executives, including stipulations that they must adhere to security policies and use authorized devices. Non-compliance could lead to revocation of VPN access or internal disciplinary actions. These contractual assurances reinforce the importance of policy compliance and underline management accountability.

Furthermore, user activity monitoring and logging are vital. Continuous monitoring of VPN access logs can help identify anomalies or unauthorized devices attempting access. If the president’s personal device attempts to connect without approval, prompt intervention can be initiated, such as contacting her to rectify the situation or suspending access until compliance is achieved.

In addition to technical and procedural measures, fostering a culture of security awareness among senior management encourages compliance from the top. When leadership understands the potential risks associated with non-compliance, they are more likely to adhere to policies voluntarily. Regular training and updates on security best practices demonstrate the importance of maintaining a defense-in-depth strategy.

Given the circumstances, the optimal solution involves a combination of enforceable technical controls and clear organizational policies. Implementing NAC to verify device compliance, employing a VDI for executive access, and establishing formal agreements paired with ongoing monitoring ensures comprehensive enforcement of the VPN policy. This approach balances security with the convenience desired by the company president, safeguarding the internal network while respecting executive needs.

In conclusion, enforcing VPN policy for the company president entails technical enforcement through NAC, organizational policies, user agreements, and cultivating a security-conscious culture among leadership. These measures collectively ensure the integrity of the internal network and uphold the company's defense-in-depth strategy.

References

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• Cisco Systems. (2021). Network Access Control (NAC) Solutions and Best Practices. Cisco White Paper.
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• Microsoft. (2023). Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Best Practices. Microsoft Docs.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Security Management Systems. International Organization for Standardization.
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