CMGT430 V8 System Connection Table Page 2 Of 2

Cmgt430 V8it System Connection Tablecmgt430 V8page 2 Of 2it System C

Cmgt430 V8it System Connection Tablecmgt430 V8page 2 Of 2it System C

When securing the modern enterprise, consider that IT systems do not operate alone. Securing them involves securing their interfaces with other systems as well. It is important to know the different interconnections each system may have. Fill out the table below for four IT systems. Include the following: · Note two enterprise systems they connect with and their connection type. · Note two security vulnerabilities the connection may have and 2 to 4 ways each vulnerability could be potentially exploited.

Consider the following as you build your table: · Two example rows have been entered into the table. · Keep in mind that enterprise systems cover a certain task in the enterprise (HR, CRM, identity management, etc.). They are not the components of a system (such as servers). · Connections can often be a direct connection/pipe, a file, a common database or something else. · The vulnerability is what would make the connection vulnerable to an attack. · The related risk is an attack that could target the weakness.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective security in modern enterprises necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections among various IT systems. Each system interfaces with others in ways that, if not properly secured, can open vulnerabilities exploitable by malicious actors. This paper explores four key enterprise systems—Human Resources (HR), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Identity Management, and Financial Systems—detailing their connection types, vulnerabilities, and potential exploits to emphasize the importance of safeguarding interconnected enterprise environments.

1. Human Resources (HR) System

The HR system typically connects with the organization's payroll management system and the applicant tracking system. The connection types are primarily secure file transfers and database integrations, which ensure efficient data sharing for payroll processing and recruitment management.

Security vulnerabilities include:

  • Unencrypted File Transfers: Data sent via unencrypted files can be intercepted or altered during transit.
  • Insufficient Access Controls: Improper permissions may allow unauthorized users to access or modify sensitive employee data.

Potential exploits include:

  • Intercepting unencrypted files to steal personal employee information, leading to identity theft.
  • Malicious insiders exploiting weak access controls to modify payroll data or access confidential personnel information.
  • Exploiting vulnerabilities in legacy systems to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges.
  • Manipulating data during transfer through man-in-the-middle attacks, resulting in false records or compromised data integrity.

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System

The CRM connects with the marketing automation platform and sales database via web-based APIs and shared cloud databases. These connection methods enable real-time updates of customer interactions and sales data.

Security vulnerabilities include:

  • Web Communication Channels (HTTPS): The transmission could be targeted for TCP/IP-based denial-of-service attacks or session hijacking.
  • Cross-site Scripting (XSS): Malicious scripts embedded in data input fields could execute in a user's browser.

Potential exploits include:

  • Overloading the system with excessive network traffic to deny service (DDoS attack).
  • Injecting malicious scripts via input fields to steal user credentials or manipulate webpage content.
  • Intercepting session tokens, enabling impersonation of legitimate users.
  • Exploiting poor validation to insert malicious code into the CRM database.
  • Using cross-site scripting to perform phishing attacks or steal sensitive customer data.
  • Content spoofing through manipulated data to mislead users or produce misinformation.

3. Identity Management System

This system interfaces with various authentication databases and directory services through LDAP or REST API connections. These links are crucial for verifying user identities across enterprise applications.

Security vulnerabilities include:

  • Weak Authentication Protocols: Vulnerable protocols can be intercepted or bypassed, leading to unauthorized access.
  • API Security Flaws: Insufficient API security measures can allow malicious actors to impersonate legitimate identity providers.

Potential exploits include:

  • Intercepting authentication tokens to hijack user sessions.
  • Exploiting API vulnerabilities to create fake user identities or manipulate access rights.
  • Brute-force attacks on authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
  • Using man-in-the-middle techniques to capture credentials during transmission.

4. Financial Systems

Financial systems often connect with external banking interfaces and internal accounting modules through secure APIs and dedicated channels. These connections are vital for transaction processing and financial reporting.

Security vulnerabilities include:

  • API Security Flaws: Insecure APIs can expose transaction data or enable unauthorized transactions.
  • Transaction Interception: Unsecured communication channels increase vulnerability to eavesdropping.

Potential exploits include:

  • Hijacking API sessions to initiate fraudulent transactions.
  • Intercepting data packets to steal sensitive financial information.
  • Exploiting API vulnerabilities to inject false transaction data.
  • Manipulating communication channels to delay, redirect, or block legitimate financial transactions.

Conclusion

Securing enterprise IT systems requires detailed knowledge of their interconnections and potential vulnerabilities. By understanding the types of connections and their associated risks, organizations can implement targeted security measures such as encryption, access controls, regular vulnerability assessments, and robust authentication protocols. These steps are essential to defend against threats like data theft, service disruption, and impersonation attacks, ultimately protecting organizational integrity and stakeholder trust.

References

  • Almulla, M., et al. (2022). "Securing Enterprise Systems: Strategies and Challenges." Journal of Cybersecurity, 8(3), 45-64.
  • Chapple, M., & Seidl, D. (2019). CISSP (8th ed.). Syngress.
  • Fernandes, E., et al. (2020). "Security in Cloud-based CRM Systems." International Journal of Cloud Computing, 9(4), 234-251.
  • Hassan, M. (2021). "Threats and Vulnerabilities in Identity Management Systems." Cybersecurity Journal, 5(2), 89-103.
  • Kim, D., & Lee, S. (2018). "API Security Best Practices." IEEE Security & Privacy, 16(4), 34-45.
  • MITRE Corporation. (2023). CVE Details for Web Application Vulnerabilities. https://cve.mitre.org
  • Singh, P. & Kumar, R. (2020). "Analysis of Data Security in Enterprise File Transfers." Journal of Information Security, 12(1), 102-118.
  • Yang, L., et al. (2021). "Preventing DDoS Attacks on Network Infrastructure." Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Reports.
  • Zhou, H., & Luo, X. (2019). "Vulnerabilities in Cloud-Based Security Systems." IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing, 7(2), 562-574.
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Security Management Systems Standard. International Organization for Standardization.

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