Designing Compliance Within The LAN To WAN Domain 874579

Designing Compliance Within The Lan To Wan Domainnotere

Assignment 4: Designing Compliance within the LAN-to-WAN Domain Note: Review the page requirements and formatting instructions for this assignment closely. Graphically depicted solutions, as well as the standardized formatting requirements, do NOT count toward the overall page length. Imagine you are an Information Systems Security Officer for a medium-sized financial services firm that has operations in four (4) states (Virginia, Florida, Arizona, and California). Due to the highly sensitive data created, stored, and transported by your organization, the CIO is concerned with implementing proper security controls for the LAN-to-WAN domain. Specifically, the CIO is concerned with the following areas: Protecting data privacy across the WAN, filtering undesirable network traffic from the Internet, filtering the traffic to the Internet that does not adhere to the organizational acceptable use policy (AUP) for the Web, having a zone that allows access for anonymous users but aggressively controls information exchange with internal resources, having an area designed to trap attackers in order to monitor attacker activities, allowing a means to monitor network traffic in real time as a means to identify and block unusual activity, hiding internal IP addresses, and allowing operating system and application patch management. The CIO has tasked you with proposing a series of hardware and software controls designed to provide security for the LAN-to-WAN domain.

The CIO anticipates receiving both a written report and diagram(s) to support your recommendations. Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you: Use MS Visio or an open source equivalent to graphically depict a solution for the provided scenario that will: filter undesirable network traffic from the Internet, filter Web traffic to the Internet that does not adhere to the organizational AUP for the Web, allow for a zone for anonymous users but aggressively control information exchange with internal resources, allow for an area designed to trap attackers in order to monitor attacker activities, offer a means to monitor network traffic in real time as a means to identify and block unusual activity, hide internal IP addresses, identify the fundamentals of public key infrastructure (PKI), describe the manner in which your solution will protect the privacy of data transmitted across the WAN, analyze the requirements necessary to allow for proper operating system and application patch management and describe a solution that would be effective. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. Include charts or diagrams created in Visio or an equivalent such as Dia or OpenOffice. The completed diagrams / charts must be imported into the Word document before the paper is submitted. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Analyze information security systems compliance requirements within the Workstation and LAN Domains. Use technology and information resources to research issues in security strategy and policy formation. Write clearly and concisely about topics related to information technology audit and control using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions. Click here to view the grading rubric.

Paper For Above instruction

In designing robust security measures for a medium-sized financial services enterprise operating across four states, it is paramount to establish a comprehensive and multi-layered LAN-to-WAN security domain. This implementation must address the organization's needs to protect data privacy, control network traffic, monitor malicious activities, and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of organizational data transmitted across the WAN. This paper discusses a strategic solution incorporating hardware and software controls, network design, and security protocols, supported by graphical representations, to meet these security requirements effectively.

Graphical Representation of Security Architecture

The proposed network architecture (illustrated in Figure 1) integrates multiple security devices and zones designed to segregate, filter, and monitor network activities. The core components include a perimeter firewall, Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS), Web Proxy Server, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Virtual Private Network (VPN) gateways, and secure internal networks. The architecture emphasizes segmentation, allowing for dedicated zones for anonymous users, trusted internal resources, and attacker trapping mechanisms, coupled with advanced monitoring tools for real-time traffic analysis.

Within the diagram, the perimeter firewall acts as the primary barrier filtering undesirable network traffic and enforcing organizational AUP policies. The Web proxy resides within the DMZ to filter web traffic, ensuring non-compliant data exchanges are blocked. An attacker honeypot zone is established to trap malicious actors, capturing their activities for analysis without risking internal assets. The internal network is shielded through IP address hiding, deploying network address translation (NAT) and segregated subnets, with real-time traffic monitoring facilitated by Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

Fundamentals of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

PKI forms the backbone of secure communication within the network, providing mechanisms for encryption, digital signatures, and user authentication. The core components include digital certificates issued by a trusted Certification Authority (CA), private and public key pairs, certificate revocation lists (CRLs), and secure key storage solutions. PKI facilitates data encryption during transmission, ensuring only authorized parties can access sensitive information, thus maintaining confidentiality and data integrity across the WAN.

For the proposed network, deploying PKI enables secure remote access via VPNs, supports email encryption, and authenticates users and devices, ensuring compliance with data privacy standards such as GDPR and FFIEC guidelines applicable to financial institutions.

Protection of Data Privacy across the WAN

To ensure data privacy during transmission, the network employs end-to-end encryption protocols, primarily utilizing IP Security (IPsec) VPN tunnels and Transport Layer Security (TLS) for web communications. IPsec encrypts all transmitted data, preventing interception and eavesdropping by malicious actors. TLS secures web sessions, safeguarding sensitive data such as financial transactions and client information being exchanged over the Internet.

Additionally, the deployment of robust authentication mechanisms leveraging PKI certificates ensures that only verified users and devices can access network resources. Regular key rotation and encryption policy enforcement further bolster privacy measures, aligning with regulatory requirements for financial organizations.

Operating System and Application Patch Management

Effective patch management is critical to address vulnerabilities exploited by attackers. The solution involves automated patch deployment tools such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) or open-source alternatives like WSUS, coupled with comprehensive patch management policies. These policies include scheduled updates, testing procedures in staging environments, and real-time vulnerability scanning using tools such as Nessus or Qualys.

The organization should implement a centralized patch management system that maintains up-to-date software across all OS and applications, with strict compliance monitoring to prevent lapse in vulnerability patches. Regular audits and integration with broader incident response plans ensure that patches are effective and vulnerabilities are promptly mitigated.

Controlling and Monitoring Network Traffic

The network employs advanced filtering tools, including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), to enforce policies against undesirable web traffic and non-compliant web activity. Traffic inspection includes deep packet analysis, URL filtering, and application-layer filtering to block harmful or non-approved content.

Real-time monitoring is facilitated through SIEM systems that aggregate logs, analyze traffic patterns, and flag anomalies indicating potential security breaches. Automated alerts enable rapid response, allowing staff to block suspicious activities immediately. Traffic anonymization techniques and NAT help hide internal IP addresses, further obscuring network topology from external threats.

Incorporating PKI for Secure Communications

Implementing PKI allows the organization to establish secure channels for data exchange, critical for maintaining privacy and trustworthiness. Digital certificates authenticate parties involved in communications and enable encryption of transmitted data. The infrastructure involves deploying a private CA for issuing and managing certificates, enabling secure VPN access, digital signing, and encryption of emails, ensuring confidentiality.

This PKI framework enhances security by reducing reliance on less secure authentication methods and provides a scalable way to extend security protections to remote and mobile workforce members.

Ensuring Data Privacy in Transit

The combination of IPsec VPN tunnels, TLS encryption for web browsing, and PKI authentication collectively ensure that data transmitted across the WAN remains confidential and integral. IPsec encrypts the IP packets, preventing third parties from deciphering sensitive information. TLS encrypts web-based transactions, ensuring secure browsing sessions. Certificated-based authentication verifies identities, thwarting impersonation attacks.

Regular audits of encryption protocols and key management, combined with strict access controls, provide additional layers of data privacy and compliance with relevant regulations.

Patch Management: Requirements and Effective Solutions

A robust patch management program necessitates automation, policy enforcement, testing, and auditing. Tools such as SCCM, WSUS, or open-source platforms help automate deployment, minimizing manual errors. Patch management policies must specify timelines for patch deployment, roles, and responsibilities, and include procedures for emergency patches for zero-day vulnerabilities.

Continuous vulnerability scanning aids in identifying systems due for updates. Effective solutions deploy centralized control points for patch distribution and monitoring, which are integrated with incident response systems. Regular review and compliance reporting ensure that all systems remain protected against emergent threats.

Conclusion

The proposed network security architecture integrates multiple tools and protocols tailored for a sensitive financial environment. By emphasizing layered defenses—firewalls, IDS/IPS, PKI, encryption protocols, and monitoring systems—the organization can significantly mitigate risks associated with external threats and data breaches. Incorporating these controls, alongside effective patch management strategies, aligns organizational security posture with regulatory requirements and best practices, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring operational resilience.

References

• Kim, D., & Solomon, M. G. (2016). Fundamentals of Information Systems Security. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2007). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). NIST Special Publication 800-94.
• Stallings, W. (2017). Computer Security: Principles and Practice (4th ed.). Pearson.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Security Management Systems — Requirements.
• Chapple, M., & Seidl, D. (2019). CISSP (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide. Sybex.
• H Meyers, M. (2018). Implementing IPsec Virtual Private Networks. Cisco Press.
• Rothman, E. (2020). PKI Best Practices for Secure Communications. SANS Institute.
• Rouse, M. (2022). Network Security Monitoring and Intrusion Detection Systems. TechTarget.
• Verizon. (2023). Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon.
• Owen, T., & Chang, V. (2020). Exploitation of Vulnerabilities and Patch Management. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(2), 45-59.