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Using Network Policy Servers to Increase Network Security" Please respond to the following: You are a network administrator for a company whose business is improving with more and more customers using their own computers to access your network. You have been tasked with taking steps to reduce the added security risk imposed by non-company computers. From the e-Activity, determine two (2) potential network access areas in which customers may pose additional threats and which area is most likely affected if many customers are logging in from wireless sites at coffee shops and libraries. Provide support for your response. Imagine you work for a company that uses Windows Server 2012 servers, and your network supervisor wants to know whether the servers are capable of reducing security risks from customer PCs. Compare the ease of use and effectiveness of two (2) features of Network Policy Server that will accomplish your network supervisor’s goal. Classify which of the two (2) will most likely help resolve possible security issues. Justify your response.

Paper For Above instruction

In the context of expanding network access to external customers, safeguarding the network from potential security threats becomes paramount. The proliferation of customer-owned devices accessing corporate networks, particularly via wireless environments such as coffee shops and libraries, presents unique risks that require strategic control measures. This paper examines two potential network access areas vulnerable to threats posed by external customers and evaluates the effectiveness of specific Network Policy Server (NPS) features within Windows Server 2012 as a means to mitigate these risks.

Firstly, one critical area vulnerable to security threats is the wireless access points (WAPs) deployed in public settings. Wireless networks are inherently susceptible to eavesdropping and unauthorized access because their signals propagate beyond controlled environments, increasing the chances of malicious interception (Shin et al., 2016). When customers connect to the corporate network via public wireless hotspots, attackers can exploit weaker security protocols or perform man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept sensitive information or gain unauthorized access. Therefore, wireless access points, especially in open or unsecured configurations, constitute a significant vulnerability point where threats are prevalent (Chen, 2017).

Secondly, network entry points that authenticate and authorize user credentials also pose risks. In scenarios where many customers log in from varied locations, credential theft or reuse becomes a potential threat vector. Users connecting through public networks might be less cautious, increasing the chance of credential compromise—either via phishing attacks or network sniffing (Anderson & Agarwal, 2015). As such, the process of user authentication itself, if not properly secured through robust protocols, can be exploited to grant unauthorized access or enable credential theft, thus representing a crucial point of vulnerability.

In cases where numerous customers connect through wireless sites like coffee shops and libraries, the most affected area is the wireless network infrastructure itself. Public Wi-Fi hotspots, often lacking enterprise-grade security, serve as easy entry points for attackers. These environments typically use open or WEP/WPA protocols that can be cracked or exploited, making the wireless access network the primary vector for security breaches (Fahmy & Naggar, 2019). Consequently, securing these wireless interfaces and implementing strict authentication policies is essential to protect the corporate network from malicious access attempts originating from such locations.

Regarding the use of Windows Server 2012, the capabilities of Network Policy Server (NPS) can significantly aid in reducing security risks stemming from customer PCs. NPS serves as a RADIUS server, enabling centralized management of network access policies. Two features of NPS particularly useful are: 1) Centralized Authentication and Authorization, and 2) Enforcement of Connection Policies.

Firstly, the Centralized Authentication and Authorization feature simplifies the management of access credentials by verifying user identities against a central database. This process enforces strict authentication protocols such as 802.1X/EAP, which require users to provide valid credentials before gaining network access (Microsoft, 2012). This feature improves security by preventing unauthorized users from accessing network resources, especially when combined with strong encryption protocols.

Secondly, NPS's policy enforcement allows administrators to define detailed connection and network access policies based on user roles, authentication methods, and device health. This ensures that only compliant devices and authorized users connect to the network, reducing vulnerabilities introduced by incompatible or compromised devices (Shin et al., 2016). Policy enforcement also includes accounting features, enabling audit trails for access attempts, thereby enhancing security monitoring.

In terms of ease of use and effectiveness, the Centralized Authentication and Authorization feature is straightforward to deploy with existing Windows Server infrastructure and is highly effective at controlling unauthorized access. It integrates seamlessly with existing Active Directory environments and supports various authentication protocols. Conversely, policy enforcement, while offering granular control, requires detailed policy design and ongoing management, which may be complex in large or dynamic networks.

Between these two features, the Centralized Authentication and Authorization most likely offers the most immediate benefit in resolving potential security issues posed by customer PCs. Its simplicity in deployment combined with its robust authentication capabilities makes it a vital security layer. Ensuring that only authenticated users, verified through secure channels, gain network access significantly mitigates risks associated with credential theft and unauthorized intrusion (Microsoft, 2012).

In conclusion, the primary vulnerabilities posed by customer access—especially via wireless hotspots—are centered around insecure wireless infrastructure and weak authentication protocols. Utilizing Windows Server 2012's NPS with features such as centralized authentication and policy enforcement provides a robust approach to managing these risks. Prioritizing strong authentication mechanisms and strict access policies ensures that even in the presence of external threats, the integrity and security of the corporate network are maintained.

References

• Anderson, R., & Agarwal, R. (2015). Security risks of wireless networks and mitigation strategies. Journal of Information Security, 12(3), 123–137.
• Chen, L. (2017). Securing public Wi-Fi networks: Challenges and solutions. Cybersecurity Review, 20(4), 45-52.
• Fahmy, N., & Naggar, M. (2019). Vulnerabilities in public wireless networks and enhancement methods. International Journal of Network Security, 21(2), 211–223.
• Microsoft. (2012). Network Policy Server (NPS) Deployment Guide. Microsoft TechNet.
• Shin, K., Kim, H., & Park, S. (2016). Analysis of RADIUS-based network security in enterprise environments. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 66, 154–163.