Create A Security Portfolio Based On The NIST Framework

Create a Security Portfolio Based on the NIST Framework for Vestige, Inc.

In the previous project, a security assessment was conducted for Vestige, Inc., an online software company that manages a database allowing customers to upload and pay for business ads in their parent company's magazine. The assessment focused on evaluating the security of the Vestige system, particularly its connection to the parent company's database. The goal was to identify vulnerabilities and recommend security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure secure integration between the systems. This security assessment provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive Security Portfolio aligned with the NIST framework, specifically focusing on selecting appropriate security products that address identified needs.

The next step involves creating a Security Portfolio that articulates the security needs derived from the assessment and maps them to suitable security products. This portfolio will serve as a strategic guide for Vestige, Inc., demonstrating how specific security solutions can effectively mitigate risks within a balanced and cost-effective security strategy. Importantly, this portfolio concentrates solely on security needs—methods or pathways to achieve security—without discussing business opportunities or expansion strategies.

The portfolio comprises three sections: a cover page, a background synopsis summarizing the security assessment, and detailed product selections for each identified security need. Each product will be justified based on its capability to fulfill the security requirement efficiently and responsibly, considering budget constraints and organizational context. This strategic alignment ensures that Vestige's security posture remains robust, compliant, and aligned with industry standards.

This approach aligns with the five-step NIST Cybersecurity Framework (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover), prioritizing the "Protect" phase where specific security controls and tools are selected to safeguard organizational assets. The selection process emphasizes balancing security efficacy with cost considerations, providing Vestige with a tailored, practical security roadmap.

In summary, this Security Portfolio encapsulates a targeted, needs-based selection of security products for Vestige, informed by the prior assessment and grounded in the NIST framework. The objective is to enhance the company's security infrastructure with appropriate tools that protect critical systems and data, support compliance, and optimize resource allocation, ensuring long-term resilience against evolving cybersecurity threats.

Paper For Above instruction

Background

The security assessment conducted for Vestige, Inc. revealed several vulnerabilities and areas requiring enhanced protection to secure its online database system. As an online software company managing sensitive customer data and financial transactions related to ad payments and placements, Vestige faces significant cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, unauthorized access, and data integrity issues. The assessment underscored the importance of implementing a strategic security posture that not only addresses immediate vulnerabilities but also anticipates future threats. Key findings emphasized the need for robust access control mechanisms, encrypted data transmission, continuous monitoring, and incident response capabilities. These identified needs set the foundation for constructing a comprehensive Security Portfolio aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ensuring a methodical approach to selecting security controls based on prioritized organizational risks.

Security Needs and Product Selections

Access Control and Authentication

Based on the assessment, one critical security need is to strengthen access control to prevent unauthorized access to the database system. This includes verifying identities and managing permissions effectively. To address this need, Vestige should consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions such as DUO Security or RSA SecurID, which add an extra layer of security beyond passwords (Raghavan et al., 2018). These products are cost-effective and compatible with existing infrastructure, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data, thereby reducing the risk of insider threats or credential compromises.

Data Encryption and Secure Communication

Ensuring data confidentiality in transit and at rest is vital. During the assessment, it was identified that data transmitted between Vestige and the parent company's database requires encryption to prevent interception or tampering. Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, such as TLS 1.3, are recommended, along with encryption solutions like Thales CipherTrust or McAfee Complete Data Protection. These products enable strong encryption mechanisms, safeguarding data against breaches during transfer and storage, thereby maintaining customer trust and regulatory compliance (Kshetri, 2017).

Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection

Detecting anomalies and monitoring system activities are critical for early breach detection. Tools such as Splunk or IBM QRadar provide real-time security information and event management (SIEM), enabling Vestige to analyze logs, monitor user activity, and identify suspicious actions promptly. These solutions support a proactive security posture, facilitating swift incident response and minimizing potential damage from cyber attacks (Chen et al., 2018).

Incident Response and Recovery

Although prevention is key, preparedness for incidents is equally important. Vestige should invest in incident response platforms like Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR or Adaptiva to streamline response plans, automate workflows, and facilitate rapid recovery. These products assist in orchestrating coordinated actions when breaches occur, minimizing downtime and data loss (Kumar et al., 2019). Incorporating these tools aligns with the NIST framework's "Respond" and "Recover" steps, ensuring organizational resilience.

Security Awareness and Training

Lastly, ongoing user education is essential. Since human error remains a leading cause of security breaches, Vestige should implement training platforms like KnowBe4 or Proofpoint Security Awareness Training. These platforms help employees recognize phishing attempts, enforce best practices, and foster a security-conscious culture, thereby reducing the likelihood of social engineering attacks (Ding et al., 2019).

Conclusion

This Security Portfolio systematically maps identified security needs within Vestige, Inc.'s infrastructure to practical security products. Each selected tool addresses specific vulnerabilities identified during the assessment, balanced with considerations of cost, ease of integration, and effectiveness. By adopting multi-factor authentication, encryption solutions, SIEM tools, incident response platforms, and security training, Vestige can significantly enhance its security posture aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Implementing these targeted security controls will help safeguard customer data, maintain system integrity, and ensure ongoing compliance with relevant regulations, establishing a resilient security environment capable of confronting evolving cyber threats.

References

• Chen, J., Liu, Y., & Zhao, J. (2018). A survey of security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Journal of Information Security, 9(3), 189-205.
• Ding, W., Huang, H., & Luo, X. (2019). Impact of security awareness training on cybersecurity behavior: A systematic review. Computers & Security, 85, 137-154.
• Kshetri, N. (2017). 1 Blockchain's roles in meeting key supply chain management objectives. International Journal of Information Management, 39, 80-89.
• Kumar, N., Patel, M., & Rajput, S. (2019). Incident response tools and techniques in cybersecurity. International Journal of Computer Applications, 182(4), 21-25.
• Raghavan, S., et al. (2018). Multi-factor authentication: An overview. IEEE Security & Privacy, 16(6), 31-39.