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Identify and analyze the core assignment task, stripping away any instructions unrelated to the main content. The primary focus is on conducting a risk assessment following the methodology outlined in NIST SP 800-30 for Company A, which is preparing for system integration with Company B. The assessment involves identifying vulnerabilities, understanding risk likelihood, evaluating data sensitivity, and cataloging system components. The goal is to determine potential risks to organizational assets based on system vulnerabilities and data classifications, and to understand the implications of these risks for Company A.

Paper For Above instruction

Risk assessment is a critical element in securing organizational systems, especially during system integration phases where vulnerabilities can be exploited, leading to severe consequences. In the context of Company A preparing to integrate with Company B, conducting a comprehensive risk assessment aligned with NIST SP 800-30 provides valuable insights into potential security weaknesses and their impacts. This process encompasses identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating risk likelihood, understanding data sensitivity, and cataloging system components to develop a comprehensive security posture that can effectively mitigate risks during system integration.

Introduction

In today's interconnected digital landscape, organizations like Company A must diligently assess and bolster their cybersecurity defenses before engaging in system integration with external partners such as Company B. The process involves systematic identification of vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure, data sensitivity evaluation, and understanding potential risks associated with various components. Utilizing the NIST 800-30 methodology ensures a structured approach to risk management, allowing organizations to prioritize vulnerabilities, implement appropriate controls, and safeguard organizational assets and data integrity.

Risk Identification and Vulnerability Analysis

Company A’s system inventory reveals a diverse architecture comprising multiple servers, workstations, network devices, and security controls. Among the identified vulnerabilities, open ports 88–93 on workstations present a significant concern due to their high likelihood of being exploited, given their exposure. Furthermore, user accounts that are no longer required, if not removed, pose a moderate risk for unauthorized access. The granting of full access privileges to all employees, aside from specific exceptions like payroll, and the absence of enforced regular password changes, heighten the risk of insider threats and credential compromise. The Cisco PIX 515E firewall, classified as moderate risk, could be a point of vulnerability if not properly configured or maintained.

Each vulnerability carries a risk likelihood that must be carefully considered. For instance, the open ports, being highly accessible, are at high risk of exploitation, especially if they are not adequately secured or monitored. User accounts with outdated access permissions, while moderate, can become entry points if not regularly audited. The firewall’s moderate risk level underscores the need for regular configuration reviews and updates to prevent unauthorized access through network perimeter defenses. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could lead to unauthorized data access, service disruptions, or data breaches.

Data Sensitivity and Impact Analysis

Organizational data types vary in sensitivity, affecting their potential impact if compromised. Customer Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is classified as highly sensitive in both confidentiality and integrity, with a moderate impact on availability, indicating that any breach could severely affect customers and the organization’s reputation. Insurance underwriting information also bears high sensitivity, requiring stringent controls to prevent privacy violations and financial fraud. Employee PII, similarly classified as high sensitivity, demands robust safeguards to protect individual privacy rights.

Intellectual property, a critical organizational asset, is rated high in confidentiality and integrity, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding proprietary information. Marketing and advertising data are of moderate sensitivity, posing a lower risk profile but still necessitating security measures to maintain competitive advantage. The impact of compromising these data types ranges from financial losses and legal liabilities to reputational damage and operational disruptions.

System Components and Security Controls

The compiled system inventory highlights crucial components including servers running Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008, hosting web, exchange, application, and data storage roles. The presence of a DMZ with an FTP server, along with multiple workstations and network devices such as switches and firewalls, illustrates a layered architecture intended for segregation and security.

Effective security controls should be implemented across all components. For example, the web and data servers should employ robust patch management, intrusion detection systems, and secure configuration standards. Network devices like Cisco switches and routers must be monitored continuously for anomalies, and firewalls should be configured with strict access rules, network segmentation, and regular rule audits. Workstations require endpoint protection, user access controls, and compliance with password policies. The interconnection through the cable plant and remote desktop configurations also demand secure VLANs and encrypted connections.

Mitigation Strategies

Addressing the identified vulnerabilities necessitates deploying a comprehensive set of mitigation strategies. The open ports on workstations should be closed or restricted using firewall rules and network access controls, with continuous monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. User account management must include removing unused accounts and implementing strict policies for password complexity and rotation. Privilege management should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring employees only have access necessary for their roles.

Firewall configurations require regular reviews and updates based on evolving threat intelligence, while intrusion detection and prevention systems should be deployed to identify malicious activity. Segmentation of the network into secure zones, especially separating the DMZ from internal networks, minimizes the lateral movement of potential attackers. Conducting regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing helps identify emerging threats and validate the effectiveness of existing controls.

Conclusion

The risk assessment conducted for Company A, guided by the NIST 800-30 methodology, underscores the importance of continuous security improvement in the context of system integration. By understanding vulnerabilities, data sensitivities, and system component risks, the organization can prioritize mitigation efforts, enhance security controls, and minimize potential adverse impacts. Successful risk management ensures not only the protection of organizational assets and customer data but also the successful and secure integration with Company B.

References

1. NIST Special Publication 800-30. (2012). Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
2. ISO/IEC 27001. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
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