I Need This Assignment By Microsoft Word, 23 Pages, APA Form

I Need This Assignment By Microsoft Word 23 Pages Apa Format Exclud

I need this assignment by Microsoft Word 2–3 pages, APA format (excludes APA cover page and abstract; include reference page as applicable) GiGi’s has now grown into an east-coast chain with hundreds of locations. Each location has one Windows Server 2012 R2 and many Windows 8.1 Point-of-Sale (POS) desktop computers. It is your job to instruct management on the following areas that they are concerned with: • GiGi’s IT department wants to upgrade Office 2007 to Office 2013 at each location as efficiently as possible. à˜ Create a tutorial on how to do this using group policy objects. • For the benefit of management, explain the advantages and disadvantages of 3 group policies that would increase security for GiGi’s. • How far should management go to increase security using group policy?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

GiGi’s, a rapidly expanding east-coast retail chain, faces numerous challenges related to managing and upgrading its IT infrastructure across hundreds of locations. With each site operating on Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 POS systems, it is crucial to implement efficient and secure methods for software deployment and security management. This paper provides a detailed tutorial on how to upgrade Microsoft Office from 2007 to 2013 using Group Policy Objects (GPOs), discusses the advantages and disadvantages of three specific security-related GPOs, and offers recommendations on the extent of security measures management should pursue.

Updating Office Using Group Policy Objects

The process of deploying Office 2013 across multiple locations can be streamlined through the use of Group Policy Objects. GPOs facilitate centralized management, making it easier to automate software installations and updates without manual intervention at each site. The first step involves preparing the Office 2013 installation files and creating a shared network folder accessible to all targeted computers. Next, an administrative template for Office 2013 should be imported into the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).

Creating a new GPO dedicated to Office upgrade involves right-clicking the Group Policy Management node and selecting “Create a GPO in this domain, and link it here.” The GPO is then named appropriately (e.g., "Upgrade Office 2007 to 2013"). Under the GPO settings, navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software Installation. Right-click and choose “New” > “Package,” then specify the UNC path to the Office 2013 installation files stored on the network. Configure the deployment method as “Assigned” to ensure installation occurs during system startup.

It is essential to verify the targeting of the GPO by adding security filtering or WMI filters to ensure only relevant computers receive the upgrade. Once configured, the GPO can be enforced and updated on client machines via the command line (“gpupdate /force”) or through system reboots, facilitating a seamless and uniform upgrade process.

Security Policies: Advantages and Disadvantages

Implementing security policies via GPOs enhances the organization's ability to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. Three notable policies that could increase security are:

1. Password Policy Enforcement: Enforcing strong password policies (minimum length, complexity requirements, password expiration periods) significantly reduces the risk of compromised accounts. The advantage is the creation of a more secure authentication environment; however, a disadvantage includes potential user frustration and increased support requests due to password resets.
2. User Account Control (UAC) Settings: UAC ensures that users are notified and must approve elevated privileges for installing software or making system changes. The benefit is minimized accidental system modifications and enhanced security. Conversely, overly restrictive UAC settings can impede productivity and frustrate users, leading to potential workarounds that lessen security.
3. Firewall Configuration Policies: Configuring and enforcing Windows Firewall rules restricts unauthorized network access, protecting endpoints from external threats. Benefits include reduced attack surface; disadvantages might involve inadvertent blocking of essential legitimate traffic, potentially disrupting business operations if not carefully managed.

Extent of Security Enhancements

Management should seek a balanced approach that maximizes security without overly compromising usability. Overly aggressive security policies can hinder productivity and create resistance among users. Strategic implementation involves prioritizing policies that mitigate the highest risks—such as malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches—while ensuring that daily business functions are minimally disrupted. Regular audits, employee training, and adaptive policies are vital for maintaining this balance.

Conclusion

Efficiently managing IT upgrades and security policies across multiple retail locations requires a combination of centralized management tools like Group Policy Objects and strategic policy deployment. Automating Office upgrades reduces manual efforts and minimizes downtime, while carefully selected security policies enhance defenses without compromising operational efficiency. Management’s goal should be to implement security measures proportionate to the risk profile and operational needs, ensuring a secure, productive, and scalable IT environment for GiGi’s continued growth.

References

• Microsoft Corporation. (2014). Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) Overview. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/ Group Policy /overview
• Gonçalves, N. (2016). Implementing Security Policies in Windows Environments. Journal of Security Studies, 22(3), 45-59.
• Stallings, W., & Brown, L. (2018). Computer Security: Principles and Practice. Pearson.
• McGraw, G. (2014). Software Deployment and Management with Group Policy. Journal of Information Technology Management, 25(4), 28-35.
• Harris, S. (2019). CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Microsoft Docs. (2020). Deploying Office with Group Policy. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/deploy-office-with-group-policy
• Schultz, D. (2017). Effective Security Policies for Organizations. Cybersecurity Journal, 15, 78-85.
• Gordon, L. (2019). IT Governance and Security: Strategies for Effective Management. Routledge.
• Thomas, P. (2015). Managing Windows Security Policies for Corporate Networks. IT Professional, 17(2), 12-19.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Guide to Security for Windows Systems. NIST Special Publication 800-123.