Best Procedures To Secure Windows Applications

Best Procedures To Secure Windows Applications

Part of implementing Ken 7 Windows Limited's new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is ensuring all workstations and servers run secure applications. Since the ERP software is new, Ken 7 Windows Limited needs a new policy to set security requirements for the software. This policy will guide administrators in developing procedures to ensure all client and server software is as secure as possible. The goal is to minimize exposure to threats to any part of the new ERP software or resources related to it.

Using the format below, describe the goals that define a secure application.

Specifically, you will write two policies to ensure Web browsers and Web servers are secure. All procedures and guidelines will be designed to fulfill the policies you create. Answer the following questions for Web browser and Web server software: 1. What functions should this software application provide? 2. What functions should this software application prohibit? 3. What controls are necessary to ensure this application's software operates as intended? 4. What steps are necessary to validate that the software operates as intended?

Once you have answered the questions above, fill in the following details to develop your policies to secure application software. Remember, you are writing policies, not procedures. Focus on the high-level tasks, not the individual steps. • Type of application software • Description of functions this software should allow • Description of functions this software should prohibit • Known vulnerabilities associated with software • Controls necessary to ensure compliance with desired functionality • Method to assess security control effectiveness

You will write two policies—one for Web server software and one for Web browser software.

Paper For Above instruction

Ensuring the security of application software is paramount in safeguarding organizational assets, especially when deploying critical systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This paper develops high-level policies for securing two vital types of software applications—Web browsers and Web servers—by addressing their essential functions, prohibitions, controls, vulnerabilities, and validation steps.

Web Browser Security Policy

The goal of this policy is to define the security requirements for web browsers used in the organization. Web browsers should provide features such as automatic updates, secure cookie management, and robust security settings to prevent unauthorized access and malicious activities. They should prohibit storing passwords without encryption, clicking on suspicious links, or enabling third-party cookies, which pose significant security risks.

Necessary controls include enabling automatic updates, disabling third-party cookies, setting strong password policies, and restricting the storage of passwords locally. Regular audits and compliance checks should verify the correct configuration of these controls. Validation can be performed through automated security scans, configuration audits, and testing for known vulnerabilities like insecure cookie handling or outdated browser versions.

Web Server Security Policy

The security policy for web servers mandates that the server software includes security features such as regular patching, application scanning, and the use of antivirus protections. These features help prevent exploitation of server vulnerabilities and malware infiltration. Web servers should prohibit the use of unverified scripts, unused applications, and unpatched software, which increase attack surfaces.

Controls to ensure compliance involve timely installation of security patches, regularly uninstalling unused software, and conducting routine vulnerability assessments. Effectiveness is assessed through penetration testing, vulnerability scans, and monitoring of server logs for suspicious activity. The policy emphasizes that only necessary applications should be active and up-to-date to minimize vulnerabilities.

Vulnerabilities and Risk Management

Common vulnerabilities associated with application software include software bugs, weak password policies, unverified downloads, and unpatched systems. Storing passwords insecurely and enabling cookies from third-party sites can also lead to data breaches. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires implementing strict security controls, regular updates, user training, and continuous monitoring.

Implementation and Compliance Monitoring

To verify adherence to these policies, organizations should implement a combination of automated tools, manual audits, and compliance checks. Automated vulnerability scanners can detect configuration issues and outdated components. Regular review of security policies, user activity logs, and incident reports ensures ongoing compliance and highlights areas needing improvement.

In conclusion, establishing clear, high-level security policies for web browsers and web servers provides a foundation for resilient application security. These policies, supported by appropriate controls and validation procedures, reduce the risk of cyber threats and ensure the integrity of organizational applications.

References

• Chen, T. M., & Lin, T. T. (2019). Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures for Web Applications. Journal of Information Security, 10(3), 150-165.
• Kumar, D., & Singh, P. (2020). Best Practices for Securing Web Servers and Browsers. International Journal of Cybersecurity, 8(2), 92-105.
• Microsoft. (2023). Securing Web Browsers: Policies and Best Practices. Microsoft Docs. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2022). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST Cybersecurity Framework. https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
• O’Neill, M. (2021). Implementing Effective Security Controls for Web Applications. Cybersecurity Journal, 15(1), 45-60.
• Shah, R., & Patel, S. (2021). Vulnerability Management for Web Servers. Journal of Network Security, 17(4), 200-215.
• Sullivan, J. (2018). Enhancing Browser Security with Group Policies. Security IT Journal, 22(3), 33-40.
• Thompson, L. (2020). Web Application Security: Principles and Practices. Academic Press.
• Wang, Y., & Zhao, H. (2019). Analyzing Vulnerabilities in Web Software. IEEE Security & Privacy, 17(5), 50-58.
• Zhang, X. (2022). Continuous Monitoring and Validation of Application Security Controls. Journal of Cyber Defense, 12(2), 78-89.