CSEC 630 Final Exam Fall Points Deadline: 11:59 PM EST

3 CSEC 630 FINAL Exam Fall points Deadline: 11:59 PM EST

Describe your technical recommendation for addressing the security requirements in the overall technical design of the ABC Healthcare network. This should include both internal and external (untrusted and trusted) aspects. Untrusted would include user connectivity to the Internet. The “trusted” network has the main purpose of supporting the business functions of known entities (i.e., partners, suppliers, etc.) which have a business relationship with the company. Note that you are to concentrate on the physical and logical level, including the type of hardware and software, however, you are not expected to provide specific low level details in terms of equipment suppliers or model numbers, etc., for your recommended design.

Discuss the way you will address requirements for system monitoring, logging, auditing, including complying with any legal regulations.

Describe how the system will identify and authenticate all the users who attempt to access ABC Healthcare information resources.

Discuss how the system shall recover from attacks, failures, and accidents.

Discuss how the system will address User Account Management and related security improvements.

Complete the Cyber Security Action Plan template.

Paper For Above instruction

In designing a comprehensive cybersecurity architecture for ABC Healthcare, it is essential to develop a layered security approach that addresses both internal and external threats while supporting business operations efficiently. The network design must incorporate robust physical and logical controls, enforce strict access management, and ensure system resilience against attacks, failures, and errors. This paper outlines a technical recommendation tailored to ABC Healthcare’s unique environment, emphasizing security best practices aligned with regulatory compliance and operational needs.

Overall Technical Design: Internal and External Aspects

The security design for ABC Healthcare must segment the network into trusted and untrusted zones to minimize risk exposure. The external boundary, connecting to the Internet, should be protected with perimeter security devices such as next-generation firewalls (NGFW), intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and secure Web gateways. These hardware and software solutions will monitor and block malicious traffic attempting to enter or leave the network, including viruses, worms, and other malware.

Within the perimeter, a demilitarized zone (DMZ) should be established to host publicly accessible resources, such as patient portals or provider login pages, separated from the core internal network. Internally, a multi-tiered network architecture must be implemented, employing Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for segmentation of clinical, administrative, and operational systems to limit lateral movement of threats.

From a hardware perspective, deploying redundant firewalls, load balancers, and secure wireless access points ensures availability and fault tolerance. Software considerations include deploying endpoint security solutions, data encryption both at rest and in transit, and network access controls to enforce least privilege. Logical controls encompass implementing network access control (NAC), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encrypted VPN tunnels for remote access, ensuring secure and controlled connectivity.

Supporting Business Functions with Security

A key element is the deployment of a robust Virtual Private Network (VPN) infrastructure with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote users, including healthcare providers and external partners. User devices connecting via VPN should be subject to endpoint security policies, reducing the risk of compromised endpoints. Furthermore, segmenting trusted networks with strict access controls ensures that sensitive health information and financial data are protected against unauthorized access.

Physical and Logical Hardware and Software Components

Physically, the topology should include redundant data centers, secure server rooms with controlled access, and backup power supplies to maintain availability. On the software side, deploying an enterprise security information and event management (SIEM) system will facilitate real-time monitoring and centralized logging. Antivirus and anti-malware software, coupled with regular patch management, will help keep the environment resilient against emerging threats.

Network Security Policies and Controls

Establishing firm network policies, such as strict port and protocol filtering, and regularly updating security rule sets, helps prevent unauthorized access. Implementation of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supports secure communications, authentication, and digital signatures. Digital certificates should be issued to all authorized devices and personnel, enabling secure device and user authentication.

Summary

In conclusion, the proposed technical design for ABC Healthcare emphasizes strong perimeter defenses, internal segmentation, secure remote access, and continuous monitoring. The integration of hardware and software solutions tailored to healthcare data security standards will help safeguard patient information, comply with HIPAA and SOX regulations, and support the organization’s operational objectives.

Monitoring, Logging, and Auditing

Effective system monitoring and logging are critical for detecting and responding to security incidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining audit readiness. ABC Healthcare must deploy a comprehensive Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to aggregate logs from various sources, including firewalls, servers, and network devices. This centralized logging facilitates real-time analysis and swift incident response.

Logs should include user login activities, privileged access attempts, configuration changes, and access to sensitive data. Regular audits should be scheduled to review system logs for anomalies or suspicious activity, with automated alerts configured for critical events. Regulations such as HIPAA mandate detailed audit trails, including timestamps, user identifiers, and activity types, which are integral to demonstrating compliance.

User Identification and Authentication

User authentication must be rigorous and multi-layered. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) ensures that access is granted only to verified individuals. All users, including staff, contractors, and external partners, should be issued unique credentials managed through a centralized identity management system. Role-based access control (RBAC) should be employed to assign permissions matching job responsibilities, reducing unnecessary privileges.

For remote or mobile users, VPN with MFA adds an extra security layer, enforcing that access attempts are validated through multiple factors, such as passwords, hardware tokens, or biometrics. Digital certificates issued via a PKI further strengthen user and device authentication, ensuring secure communications.

Recovery from Attacks, Failures, and Accidents

Disaster recovery and incident response plans are paramount in healthcare environments. This involves maintaining up-to-date backups stored securely offsite, along with regular testing of restoration procedures. In case of cyberattacks like ransomware or data breaches, rapid isolation of affected systems prevents further damage, followed by systematic recovery procedures that restore services with minimal disruption.

Implementation of redundant hardware, load balancing, and failover clusters ensures high availability. Developing a comprehensive incident response team, coordinated with law enforcement and regulatory bodies, is essential for effective handling of security breaches. Automated alerts and predefined escalation procedures enable prompt action, minimizing downtime and data loss.

User Account Management and Security Enhancements

A strict user account management policy is vital. This includes the principle of least privilege, regular review of user access rights, and prompt removal of accounts when personnel leave or change roles. Password policies should enforce complexity, expiration, and lockout after repeated failed login attempts. Periodic security awareness training ensures users understand their role in maintaining security.

Implementing privileged account management and separating duties further mitigate insider threats. Multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts adds another layer of security. Automated monitoring of account activities can detect suspicious behavior, prompting timely investigations. These practices collectively improve the robustness of user account security.

Cyber Security Action Plan

The Cyber Security Action Plan involves several key elements, beginning with establishing a governance framework that defines policies, procedures, and roles. A risk assessment must be conducted to identify critical assets and vulnerabilities. Based on assessment outcomes, security controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and encryption are prioritized and implemented.

Next, a comprehensive monitoring system, such as SIEM, should be deployed for continuous visibility. User authentication mechanisms are to be reinforced with MFA, PKI, and strict access controls. Regular training programs are essential for staff awareness. An incident response team and recovery procedures need to be established, tested periodically to ensure effectiveness. Finally, ongoing audits and compliance checks should be integrated into routine management activities.

Conclusion

Designing a secure, resilient, and compliant healthcare network for ABC Healthcare requires a multi-faceted approach that aligns technological solutions with regulatory requirements and organizational goals. By implementing layered defenses, continuous monitoring, robust identity management, and well-prepared recovery plans, ABC Healthcare can safeguard its critical data assets, ensure uninterrupted service delivery, and meet legal obligations effectively.

References

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