High-Level Overview Presentation Scenario Look Back At The T

High Level Overview Presentationscenariolook Back At The Three Previou

Present a high-level overview of the procedures implemented to improve Network Access Control and the newly mapped access controls at LOTR, reflecting on the work done by the IT Security team in previous assignments. Create a security checklist for annual access control audits and recommend three security websites with RSS feeds to stay informed on future security issues and exploits. Explain the rationale for each recommended website.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective access control management is fundamental to safeguarding organizational assets in today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape. Over the course of our prior assignments for LOTR, the focus was placed on identifying vulnerabilities, implementing control mechanisms, and establishing strategic approaches to access management. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the actions taken, the justification for these measures, and offers tools for ongoing security maintenance and threat awareness.

Review of Implemented Access Controls at LOTR

The initial phase involved reviewing existing network access controls to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. Our team implemented multi-layered access controls, including role-based access control (RBAC) mechanisms, authentication enhancements via two-factor authentication (2FA), and network segmentation strategies. These measures were chosen for their proven effectiveness in limiting unauthorized access and minimizing the attack surface.

Particularly, the deployment of network segmentation segregated sensitive financial and customer data from less critical operational systems, reducing the risk of lateral movement by malicious actors. The access controls were also mapped to organizational roles, ensuring that employees only access information necessary for their functions, thus adhering to the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP).

Rationale for Implemented Controls

The controls were selected based on their ability to provide layered security, anticipate common attack vectors, and facilitate compliance with industry standards such as ISO/IEC 27001. Two-factor authentication was introduced to mitigate risks resulting from compromised passwords, while network segmentation aimed to contain incidents and limit damage during a breach. Role-based access control ensured clarity in permissions and accountability, vital for audit and compliance purposes.

Security Checklist for Annual Access Control Audits

To maintain a high security standard, a comprehensive security checklist was developed for annual audits. This checklist includes:

  • Verification of user account permissions against current roles and employment status
  • Review and update of access rights for dormant accounts
  • Confirmation of implementation of multi-factor authentication on all critical systems
  • Assessment of network segmentation and firewall configurations
  • Audit of access logs for suspicious activities
  • Review of user activity policies and compliance adherence
  • Verification of physical access controls integrating with digital identities
  • Documentation of any access violations or policy breaches
  • Testing of disaster recovery and incident response procedures related to access control breaches
  • Updating of security policies based on recent vulnerabilities and threats

Recommended Security Websites for Future Threat Awareness

With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, it is imperative that LOTR stays updated through reliable security intelligence sources. The following three websites are recommended for their credibility, timely updates, and capability to set up RSS feeds:

  1. Krebs on Security (https://krebsonsecurity.com): This site by Brian Krebs offers in-depth analysis of current security threats, breach incidents, and cybersecurity trends, making it invaluable for proactive defense planning.
  2. ThreatPost (https://threatpost.com): Recognized for reporting on emerging vulnerabilities, malware, and exploits, ThreatPost provides real-time updates suitable for security teams aiming to prototype rapid responses.
  3. US-CERT (https://us-cert.cisa.gov): Managed by the Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT issues alerts and advisories that are critical for understanding national cybersecurity posture and current threats.

These sites were chosen for their authoritative content, frequent updates, and the ability to incorporate RSS feeds into organizational monitoring tools. They contribute significantly to the continuous awareness necessary for robust security posture management.

Conclusion

The security landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating proactive measures and regular audits. The controls implemented at LOTR, supported by a comprehensive audit checklist and vigilant monitoring through reputable security sites, provide a resilient framework to mitigate threats and adapt to emerging risks. Continual review and enhancement of access controls are essential to uphold the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of organizational assets.

References

  • Andress, J., & Winterfeld, S. (2013). Cyber Warfare: Techniques, Tactics and Tools. Academic Press.
  • Gordon, L. A., & Loeb, M. P. (2002). The Economics of Information Security Investment. ACM Transactions on Information and System Security, 5(4), 438-457.
  • ISO/IEC 27001 Standards. (2013). Information Security Management Systems. International Organization for Standardization.
  • Mitnick, K. D., & Simon, W. L. (2002). The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security. Wiley.
  • NIST Special Publication 800-53. (2017). Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  • Rose, J., & McGraw, G. (2008). Building Secure Software: How to Avoid Security Problems the Right Way. IEEE Software, 25(4), 38-47.
  • SANS Institute. (2020). Critical Security Controls. https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/
  • Stallings, W. (2017). Effective Security Strategies: A Risk Management Approach. Pearson.
  • US-CERT. (2023). Cybersecurity Alerts and Advisories. https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas
  • Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2018). Principles of Information Security. Cengage Learning.

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