Most Beneficial New Features Of Active Directory From A Secu

most Beneficial New Features Of Active Directory From A Security St

1. "Most Beneficial New Features of Active Directory from a Security Standpoint" Please respond to the following: e-Activity: A) From the e-Activity, recommend two (2) new features of Windows Server 2012 Active Directory that you believe to be most beneficial to users from a network security standpoint. Provide one (1) example for each feature that demonstrates a security problem that could occur if a user does not implement that feature. B) From the e-Activity, compare and contrast two (2) improved features of Windows Server 2012 Active Directory to the previous version of each feature. Examine your chosen features with a focus on the ability of each improved version to increase network efficiency and / or cost effectiveness compared to their previous versions. Provide support for your response. 2. Security is a major concern among all vendors in and out of the networking world. Despite this being a global issue, the network is still to blame. Discuss the various different VPN solutions and the protocols they use to secure data end-to-end. 3. "Resource Allocation and Failures" Please respond to the following: A) Imagine that you have been contracted as a network consultant for a mid-sized company. You have observed a router that is slow to respond to commands issued on the console; in addition, it is not sending routing protocol packets to other routers. Analyze the potential causes of these symptoms and suggest one (1) way in which you would troubleshoot the router in order to restore baseline operations. B) Discuss the most common causes for router memory failure and recommend both preventative strategies and early actions that your organization can take in order to prevent router memory failure from occurring. Provide a rationale to support your response.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of Active Directory (AD) in Windows Server 2012 introduced significant enhancements from a security perspective, addressing some of the vulnerabilities present in earlier versions and providing administrators with more robust tools for safeguarding network resources. Two of the most beneficial new features are the Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS) integration and the implementation of Dynamic Access Control (DAC).

Firstly, AD RMS integration in Windows Server 2012 allows organizations to enforce information rights management policies across their network, thereby protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and dissemination. Without this feature, a security problem that might arise is the accidental or malicious sharing of confidential documents with unauthorized users. For example, if a user inadvertently shares a restricted financial report without proper rights management, sensitive data could be exposed, leading to potential data breaches or compliance violations. The integration of AD RMS helps prevent this by ensuring access control policies are applied consistently, thereby reducing the risk of data leaks.

Secondly, Dynamic Access Control (DAC) enhances security by providing data classification and centralized policy management. DAC allows the creation of detailed access policies based on user attributes, device health, and data classification, which dynamically control access to resources. An example security issue that could occur without DAC is granting inappropriate access to sensitive files because of static or overly broad permissions. For instance, an employee might gain access to confidential HR documents because the permissions were not sufficiently granular or adaptive, increasing the risk of insider threats. DAC addresses this by enabling more precise control tailored to specific user attributes and context, thereby strengthening data security.

Comparing improvements in features from previous AD versions, Windows Server 2008 R2 had basic group policies and limited access control mechanisms. The enhancements in Windows Server 2012, especially the integration of DAC, significantly improve network efficiency and cost-effectiveness. DAC reduces administrative overhead by automating policy enforcement based on attributes rather than static permissions, leading to fewer policy violations and reducing the need for manual intervention. Additionally, the ability to classify data and automate access controls streamlines security management and reduces operational costs associated with data breaches and compliance violations.

From a broader security standpoint, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are essential tools to create secure, encrypted tunnels over public networks, ensuring end-to-end data protection. VPN solutions encompass various protocols, each with specific purposes and security features. Common VPN protocols include Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS).

PPTP, one of the earliest protocols, offers basic encryption but is considered less secure due to vulnerabilities discovered over time. L2TP often pairs with IPsec to provide more robust security through encryption and authentication, making it suitable for site-to-site VPNs. IPsec is widely used in enterprise settings for securing IP communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet, providing comprehensive security features. SSL/TLS-based VPNs, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) over SSL, are favored for remote user access because of their ease of use and compatibility with web browsers, although they may have limitations in encryption scope compared to IPsec.

Addressing resource allocation and potential router failures, a slow-responding router with issues transmitting routing protocol packets could have several causes. These may include hardware failures such as faulty memory or CPU, software bugs causing high CPU utilization, misconfiguration of routing protocols, or network congestion. Troubleshooting involves first verifying the router’s health by checking CPU and memory usage and examining log files for error messages. One effective step is to perform a show command, such as `show processes` or `show log`, to identify resource bottlenecks or errors, followed by restarting the router or updating firmware to resolve software issues. Ensuring proper configuration of routing protocols and eliminating network congestion are also crucial for restoring baseline operations.

Router memory failure primarily results from aging hardware, power surges, or manufacturing defects. Common causes include memory leaks caused by software bugs, overheating, and insufficient cooling or ventilation. Preventative strategies include regular hardware maintenance, using surge protectors, ensuring adequate cooling, and updating router firmware to mitigate bugs that could cause memory leaks. Early intervention strategies involve monitoring memory usage through SNMP or network management software to detect abnormal growth patterns. If memory utilization exceeds thresholds, administrators should replace or upgrade memory modules before failure causes network disruptions. Proactive measures like these extend the lifespan of routers, reduce downtime, and improve overall network reliability.

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