In Week 1, You Discussed GIG Inc's Benefits And Concerns ✓ Solved

In Week 1, you discussed GIG, Inc.'s benefits and concerns wi

In Week 1, you discussed GIG, Inc.'s benefits and concerns with moving to the cloud. In Week 2, you created a high-level diagram of a system using built-in AWS that provided reliability, availability, and continuity across the migrated environment. Last week, you chose a database and created a diagram that visualized the chosen system and implementation steps. This week, you will create a Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet and provide a summary for the critical IAM structure. This will be used for all systems and ensure all users have only the privileges needed for their job.

The company has three levels of access: Customer (Minimal-web only), Administrative (Implementation-access to Cloud environment at a programmatic level and operational level), and System (The requirement(s) for system to system access). The company security compliance controls need to ensure that each level of access is only allowed to authorized users/systems. Create a Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet matrix listing all applicable information for each level of access, and ensure you include this information: AWS that provide access control (network access control list, domain name service, security groups, etc.), types of restrictions (port, protocols, etc.), the specific implementation matrix for each level (security groups will only allow port 22 to this level), and a basic set of IAM users, groups, and roles. Write a 1-page summary in Microsoft® Word about the structures and security benefits. Submit your spreadsheet and summary.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the modern technological landscape, organizations are continuously shifting to cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency and leverage advanced capabilities. GIG, Inc. is no exception, having identified both benefits and concerns associated with this transition. A pivotal element of cloud security is implementing an effective Identity and Access Management (IAM) structure that supports appropriate access levels based on user roles. As organizations adopt cloud services, it is imperative they ensure users have the least privilege necessary for their job functions. This paper provides a detailed analysis of GIG, Inc.'s proposed IAM structure across three defined access levels: Customer, Administrative, and System.

Access Levels

GIG, Inc. has outlined three distinct access levels, each tailored to specific user needs:

• Customer Access: This is the most limited level, providing minimal web-only access. Users at this level can interact with the cloud services through a web interface, ensuring basic functionality while maintaining security.
• Administrative Access: This level permits significant control over the cloud environment both programmatically and operationally. Administrators possess privileges to implement changes, manage resources, and monitor activity within the cloud.
• System Access: This access level fosters interaction between different systems, allowing for effective integration and communication between applications and services in the cloud.

Security Compliance Controls

In a cloud environment, compliance with security standards is vital. GIG, Inc.'s security compliance controls ensure that access is granted based on user roles and responsibilities. This mitigates risks associated with unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Each access level is crucial, as follows:

• Controls for Customer Access will prioritize user data protection and limit interactions to web-based activities only, reducing exposure to unnecessary risks.
• For Administrative Access, stricter controls are enforced to manage who can log into the system and what permissions they possess, ensuring that only qualified personnel can manipulate sensitive cloud resources.
• System Access will operate under a robust framework that allows secure communication channels between systems, reinforcing integrity while managing data flow effectively.

Access Control Measures

To implement the defined access levels, GIG, Inc. employs multiple AWS services and constructs compliance measures:

• Network Access Control Lists (NACLs): These provide an additional layer of security by controlling traffic to and from subnets within the VPC (Virtual Private Cloud).
• Security Groups: Configured to allow or deny specific ports and protocols for each access level, e.g., only permitting port 22 for administrative access, ensuring secure SSH connections.
• Domain Name Service (DNS): Essential for managing access to services and ensuring users reach the correct resources securely.

Implementation Matrix

The implementation matrix establishes the specific permissions associated with each access level:

IAM Users, Groups, and Roles

Establishing a basic set of IAM users, groups, and roles is the cornerstone of GIG, Inc.'s cloud security strategy. Each group is tailored to match the access levels defined earlier, with specific policies governing their capabilities. For example:

• Customer Group: Assigned read-only permissions to relevant web services.
• Administrator Group: Granted advanced privileges such as resource manipulation and monitoring capabilities.
• System Group: Given permissions necessary to facilitate inter-system communications and shared data access.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the establishment of a structured IAM framework is crucial for GIG, Inc. as it transitions to the cloud. The defined levels of access, coupled with robust security controls and implementation strategies, will support a secure operational environment. By prioritizing the least privilege principle, GIG, Inc. can mitigate risks associated with inadequate access management, ultimately enhancing security and ensuring compliance with required standards.

References

• AWS. (2023). Identity and Access Management (IAM). Amazon Web Services. Retrieved from https://aws.amazon.com/iam/
• Cloud Security Alliance. (2019). Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing. Retrieved from https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/research/guidance/
• Ranjan, R. (2022). Understanding Cloud Security. Journal of Cloud Computing, 11(1), 23-45.
• Jones, M. (2021). The Importance of Cloud Security in Business. Cybersecurity Review, 4(8), 15-28.
• IBM. (2023). Cloud Identity and Access Management. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/cloud/cloud-identity-access-management
• Cisco. (2023). Understanding Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB). Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/cloud-access-security-broker/
• Microsoft. (2023). Microsoft Cloud Security Best Practices. Retrieved from https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security/
• Zhang, L., & Maxwell, A. (2022). Role-based Access Control in Cloud Systems: Security and Performance. Journal of Information Security, 12(3), 56-77.
• Sharma, P. (2021). A Study on Security Risks in Cloud Computing. International Journal of Information Technology, 13(2), 1439-1445.