For This Assignment, You Will Take On The Role Of A Newly Hi

For This Assignment You Will Take On The Role Of A Newly Hired It Dire

For this assignment you will take on the role of a newly hired IT Director of a company that has been a victim of multiple cyber attacks in the last few months. You need to create new security plans, policies, and procedures to eliminate these attacks. These elements will serve as the basis of a manual to follow, filled with best and latest IT practices. Part of this documentation will be sections on best maintenance practices for your network, including the tools to deploy to defend against outside threats, and what to do in the event a network is faulty or down due to a malfunction or an outside breach. Research a minimum of two professional sources on this topic. (Access the MISM Credible Resource Guide for assistance with finding appropriate credible professional resources.) For this assignment, evaluate the telecommunication and network processes currently in place and explain how the company plans to protect its network and assets from both internal and external threats using best practices moving forward.

Apply technical knowledge to the security issues and explain the tools that will be deployed to reach the new level of security. Create an outline of the procedures that will guide the organization in the event of a security breach, and then provide an explanation of each element in the procedure. Explain the troubleshooting tactics that will be employed when the network is down. Support your statements with evidence from at least two additional professional sources in addition to the required resources.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of a newly appointed IT Director in enhancing organizational cybersecurity

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks necessitate a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity management within organizations. As a newly hired IT Director in a company that has recently experienced multiple security breaches, it is imperative to formulate robust security policies, deploy advanced tools, and establish clear procedures to safeguard organizational assets. This paper delineates strategies to enhance network security, outlines procedures for addressing breaches, and discusses troubleshooting tactics for network outages, supported by current professional standards and best practices.

Evaluating Current Telecommunication and Network Processes

An initial assessment of the company's telecommunication infrastructure reveals vulnerabilities stemming from outdated hardware, inconsistent security protocols, and inadequate monitoring systems. The current network operates with minimal segmentation, exposing sensitive data to external threats, while internal threats are exacerbated by insufficient access controls and user awareness. These issues are compounded by the absence of an incident response plan, leaving the organization ill-prepared for security events.

To modernize the security posture, it is vital to adopt a layered defense strategy, integrating both technical and administrative controls. Regular audits, vulnerability assessments, and updates to hardware and software are essential to minimize attack surfaces. Additionally, deploying encryption protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), and comprehensive security information and event management (SIEM) solutions will significantly bolster defenses.

Strategies for Protecting Network Assets

A proactive security framework begins with establishing rigorous access controls based on the principle of least privilege, ensuring employees only have access to necessary data and functions. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) further enhances security by reducing credential theft risks. Network segmentation, particularly isolating critical systems, limits the lateral movement of attackers within the network.

Implementing regular patch management protocols ensures that all software vulnerabilities are promptly addressed. The deployment of advanced firewall solutions, such as next-generation firewalls (NGFW), combined with real-time threat intelligence feeds, facilitates detection and prevention of external threats. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are configured to automatically block malicious traffic, while endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms monitor devices for suspicious activities.

Tools and Technologies for Enhanced Security

Tools such as SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, IBM QRadar) aggregate and analyze security logs to identify anomalous activities. Antivirus and anti-malware solutions are continuously updated to defend against known threats. Additionally, data encryption tools protect sensitive information at rest and in transit.

The use of Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) technologies accelerates response times during incidents by automating repetitive tasks, thus allowing security teams to focus on strategic activities. Regular penetration testing and vulnerability scanning identify potential weaknesses before threat actors exploit them.

Procedures for Security Breach Response

The organization’s incident response plan comprises stages: Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned. In the Identification phase, security alerts from SIEM or IDS notify administrators of potential breaches. Containment involves isolating affected systems to prevent the spread, followed by eradication of malicious elements through malware removal and patching vulnerabilities.

Recovery focuses on restoring normal operations using clean backups and verifying system integrity. Post-incident analysis includes documenting the breach, evaluating response effectiveness, and updating policies and defenses accordingly.

Troubleshooting Network Downtime

When the network is down, systematic troubleshooting begins with verifying physical connections, power supplies, and hardware status indicators. Network diagnostics, such as ping tests and traceroutes, assist in pinpointing connectivity issues. Firewall and router configurations are audited to detect misconfigurations or outages. In cases of suspected cyberattacks causing downtime, immediate isolation of affected segments and review of security logs are critical.

Employing redundant systems, such as backup internet connections and load balancers, ensures continuous availability even during failures. Cloud-based monitoring tools can provide real-time alerts and automated diagnostics, expediting resolution efforts. Ultimately, maintaining comprehensive documentation and conducting regular drills improve response efficiency and minimize downtime.

Conclusion

By evaluating current processes, deploying advanced protective tools, establishing clear breach response procedures, and employing systematic troubleshooting tactics, organizations can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture. Continuous improvement, guided by evolving threats and best practices, is essential to protect vital data and maintain organizational resilience in the digital age.

References

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• Finnegan, P. (2020). Practical Cybersecurity. Springer.
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• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
• Kim, D., & Solomon, M. G. (2016). Fundamentals of Information Systems Security. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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• Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2007). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). NIST Special Publication 800-94.
• Shostack, A. (2014). Threat Modeling: Designing for Security. Wiley.
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• Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2018). Principles of Information Security. Cengage Learning.