Case 1: Network Design Abstract For The Company ✓ Solved
Case 1 Network Design Abstract The company in this case is a small consulting firm whose
Evaluate the existing security vulnerabilities of the company's network infrastructure and design a comprehensive, layered "Defense in Depth" strategy to enhance its security posture. Develop detailed recommendations for implementing Firewalls, stringent network filtering, secure routing, VPN configurations, and security policies to protect critical servers and internal resources from external threats.
Provide a thorough analysis of the current network architecture, identifying points of weakness, such as unsecured public servers, lack of hardware firewalls, insufficient traffic filtering, and vulnerabilities in server configurations. Also, outline a validation plan to test the effectiveness of the new security measures, including logging, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, small enterprises like consulting firms are increasingly targeted due to their often-limited security infrastructure. This paper evaluates the existing vulnerabilities in a small consulting firm’s network, which provides Microsoft Windows and Citrix-based solutions. The aim is to formulate a comprehensive security architecture that employs layered defenses to safeguard vital assets from external and internal threats.
Current Network Architecture and Its Vulnerabilities
The firm’s network comprises two Cisco routers connecting the internal network to the Internet, with minimal initial security controls in place. Notably, there are no firewalls, and external servers are directly accessible, increasing the risk of compromise. Internal servers, including the Help Desk, Mail, and Linux web servers, are connected in a manner that makes them susceptible to external attacks, especially given the direct links to both internal and external networks. The existing configuration’s limited filtering and absence of logging exacerbate vulnerabilities, making detection of attacks and anomalous activities difficult.
Identified Weaknesses in Network Security
- Lack of firewalls: The absence of a dedicated firewall site leaves the network exposed to unsolicited inbound and outbound traffic.
- Limited filtering: Routers perform only basic packet filtering, insufficient against sophisticated attacks.
- Direct server exposure: Key servers have public IP addresses and direct links to internal networks.
- Unmonitored traffic: No logs are maintained for network traffic, preventing detection of probing or attack attempts.
- Weak server configurations: Servers with outdated patches, minimal firewall enforcement, and inadequate security policies.
Proposed Security Enhancements
Deployment of Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
Implement a robust NGFW at the network perimeter to filter inbound and outbound traffic based on application, user, and content policies. It will provide features like intrusion prevention, application awareness, and malware detection, significantly reducing attack surface.
Network Segmentation and Access Controls
Introduce VLANs and subnetting to segregate the internal network from servers and guest networks. Critical servers should be isolated in secure zones with strict access controls, minimizing lateral movement in case of a breach.
Enhanced Router and Server Security
- Configure ACLs on routers for more granular filtering, blocking all unnecessary ports.
- Implement NAT policies and promote the usage of private IPs for internal hosts.
- Harden server configurations, ensuring all patches are current and unnecessary services are disabled.
VPN and Remote Access Security
Establish secure VPN tunnels with multi-factor authentication for remote access. Use strong encryption standards to ensure confidentiality and integrity of remote sessions.
Logging, Monitoring, and Intrusion Detection
Enable detailed logging on all network devices and servers. Deploy Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) to monitor traffic for suspicious activities, enabling early threat detection.
Implementation Strategy
The security upgrade should follow a phased approach:
- Assess the current environment and define security policies.
- Procure and deploy new firewall hardware/software and network segmentation equipment.
- Configure secure VPNs and access controls.
- Harden server configurations and ensure adherence to security best practices.
- Establish logging and monitoring routines, with regular review cycles.
- Perform comprehensive penetration testing to validate the security posture.
Validation and Testing
After deployment, conduct simulated attack scenarios and vulnerability assessments to ensure controls are effective. Maintain an ongoing log review and update security policies regularly based on emerging threats.
Conclusion
Protecting small enterprise networks requires a layered and proactive approach. By implementing advanced firewalls, network segmentation, secure communication channels, and continuous monitoring, the company can significantly diminish its vulnerability to external attacks. Regular audits and updates are essential to adapt to the dynamic threat landscape and safeguard critical business operations.
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