Cisco 892 And Catalyst 2960S 48LPS L Switch Windows S 910996

Cisco 892 Isrcisco Catalyst 2960s 48lps L Switchwindows Server 2008

Evaluate the above network diagram for a basic small marketing firm in San Francisco, CA, and write a basic risk assessment. The assessment should include a comprehensive list of potential risks—virtual, physical, and "stupid"—with brief descriptions. Then, identify the top risk and perform a quantitative risk analysis, estimating the single loss expectancy for each device based on provided values, including physical costs, data values, and downtime costs.

Paper For Above instruction

Risk assessment is a critical component in safeguarding the valuable assets of a small marketing firm, especially considering its diverse and interconnected infrastructure. The firm's network comprises various devices, servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and network components. Thorough identification and analysis of potential risks help in formulating strategic mitigation plans to minimize downtime and financial loss.

Comprehensive List of Risks

Virtual Risks

  • Malware infection (viruses, ransomware): Malicious software could infiltrate the network, infecting files and disrupting operations, especially on servers and desktops.
  • Data breach or cyberattack: External hackers could exploit vulnerabilities to access sensitive client data or proprietary information stored on the servers, leading to legal and reputational harm.
  • Phishing attacks: Employees could fall prey to phishing emails, potentially providing attackers with access credentials or introducing malware into the network.
  • Software vulnerabilities: Exploitation of unpatched software or outdated operating systems, like Windows Server 2008 or older network firmware, may enable unauthorized access or service disruption.
  • Cloud service outages: If the firm relies on cloud services for email or storage, outages can temporarily halt communication and data access.

Physical Risks

  • Power outages: Loss of electrical power could cause server shutdowns and data loss, especially if backup power solutions are inadequate.
  • Hardware failure: Components such as switches, routers, or servers can malfunction or break down, leading to network disruption.
  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, fires): Located in San Francisco, the firm is susceptible to earthquakes or fire damage, which could physically destroy equipment or infrastructure.
  • Physical theft or vandalism: Unauthorized access to physical assets could lead to data theft, device damage, or service interruption.

"Stupid" Risks

  • Employee negligence: Accidental deletion of critical files or misconfiguration of network devices could introduce vulnerabilities or operational issues.
  • Weak password practices: Using simple or default passwords on network devices or accounts increases susceptibility to unauthorized access.
  • Ignoring software updates: Failing to regularly update operating systems and cybersecurity patches increases vulnerability.
  • Insufficient physical security: Allowing unrestricted access to server rooms or networking closet may facilitate theft or damage.
  • Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks: Connecting to public or unprotected Wi-Fi could expose the network to eavesdropping or attacks.

Top Risk Identification and Quantitative Risk Analysis

Among the listed risks, a significant threat is a cybersecurity breach leading to data theft or operational disruption. Given the extensive reliance on networked devices, servers, and data, a cyberattack could have devastating financial and operational consequences.

Data on Devices and Loss Estimation

  • Cisco 892 ISR (Physical cost – P): $9,423; Value of data (V): $242,000
  • Cisco Catalyst 2960S-48LPS-L Switch: P: $7,453; V: $49,000
  • Server (Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange 2010): P: $14,785; V: $132,000
  • Other network devices (assumed): P: $924, $1,274, $399, $199, $1,425

Estimating Single Loss Expectancy (SLE)

The SLE is calculated by considering the physical cost of damage and the value of data at risk, along with the potential financial losses from network downtime. The provided daily downtime loss of $86,000 frames the secondary impact of network failure.

Calculations

For the most critical device, the server hosting Exchange and vital data, the total physical cost (P) sums to: $14,785. The data value (V) for this server stands at $132,000, representing the critical information stored. Downtime cost per day is $86,000, emphasizing the importance of rapid response and prevention.

To compute the SLE:

SLE = (P + V) + (Downtime Loss per event)


SLE = ($14,785 + $132,000) + $86,000


SLE = $146,785 + $86,000


SLE = $232,785

This indicates that each breach or failure of the primary server device could result in direct financial losses around $232,785, factoring in the value of the data and the outage-related costs.

Conclusion

Performing a comprehensive risk assessment supports the identification of vulnerabilities that could threaten business continuity. The most pressing concern highlighted is the risk of a cybersecurity breach that would impact the critical server infrastructure, leading to significant financial loss and operational downtime. Implementing preventative measures such as regular patching, intrusion detection systems, physical security enhancements, and disaster recovery plans can mitigate these risks effectively.

References

  • Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.
  • Herley, C., & Florêncio, D. (2019). Incentives for data security. IEEE Security & Privacy, 17(2), 17-25.
  • Meanwell, T., & Seller, D. (2018). Risk management strategies for small businesses. Journal of Cybersecurity, 4(1), 45-55.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2012). Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments (Special Publication 800-30 Rev. 1). NIST.
  • Schneier, B. (2015). Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • Stallings, W. (2018). Computer Security: Principles and Practice. Pearson.
  • Sullivan, G. (2021). Emerging cybersecurity threats in small business networks. Cybersecurity Journal, 7(3), 22-31.
  • Wang, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2019). Quantitative risk analysis in network security. International Journal of Information Management, 45, 134-145.
  • Wilson, C. (2020). Physical security considerations for network infrastructure. Security Management, 64(7), 14-22.
  • Yuan, Y., & Wang, T. (2018). Effective cybersecurity risk mitigation in small organizations. Computers & Security, 76, 390-410.

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