Part 1 In Preparation For Your Network Design Project Discus

Part 1in Preparation For Your Network Design Project Discuss With You

Part 1 in preparation for your network design project, discuss with your classmates ideas for addressing the security vulnerabilities in the network design. In your discussion, address the following: What challenges will need to be addressed with the U.S. Navy project described in your scenario? What types of vulnerabilities need to be addressed in the design? Where might there be points of failure in the design? What areas concern you about securing the network? What steps would you recommend to overcome those concerns? Outline your ideas in a 3–5-paragraph posting. Study the postings of at least 2 other classmates and respond to them with comments and questions. Ask for clarifications of their ideas if necessary. Be sure to document your references using APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The U.S. Navy project presents a complex network environment that must be carefully secured to prevent potential threats and vulnerabilities. Addressing security vulnerabilities starts with understanding the key challenges associated with such a military and government-oriented network, including safeguarding sensitive information from cyber espionage, insider threats, and external attacks. Given the sensitive nature of naval communications and operations, strong access controls, secure data transmission protocols, and resilient network architecture are crucial. The challenges include ensuring real-time data protection, maintaining operational continuity amidst attacks, and complying with military security standards such as the Department of Defense (DoD) Security Technical Implementation Guides.

In designing this network, various vulnerabilities must be proactively addressed. These include vulnerabilities in network endpoints, unpatched systems, and insufficient user authentication procedures. Additionally, the risk of cyber intrusions through spear-phishing, malware, or Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) must be mitigated. Points of failure could stem from inadequate segmentation of the network, insufficient redundancy, and lack of proper intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS). If an attacker penetrates even one segment, it could compromise the entire system, making containment and recovery difficult. Physical security weaknesses, such as unsecured server rooms or hardware, also pose significant Risks. Therefore, deploying layered security controls—such as firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure VPNs—is essential.

Securing the network effectively involves addressing operational concerns and implementing appropriate safeguards. One major concern is insider threats, which require strict access controls, user activity monitoring, and privileges management. Additionally, maintaining secure configurations, keeping systems regularly updated, and conducting security awareness training are vital steps to reduce human-related vulnerabilities. To overcome these concerns, organizations should adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, such as NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasizes identifying, protecting, detecting, responding, and recovering from security incidents. Regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning will further reinforce the security posture of the network.

In conclusion, safeguarding a highly sensitive military network like the U.S. Navy’s involves addressing multiple vulnerabilities and capturing a proactive security stance. By implementing layered defenses, enforcing strict access and authentication controls, and maintaining continuous monitoring, the network’s resilience can be significantly improved. Beyond technology, fostering a security-aware culture among personnel is equally important to ensure the network remains protected against evolving threats. Constant evaluation and adaptation of security strategies are necessary to meet the dynamic nature of cyber threats in military environments, ensuring operational integrity and national security.

References

- National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (Version 1.1). NIST.

- Kent, S. (2020). Cybersecurity for Military Networks. Journal of Defense Science, 34(2), 145-159.

- Cisco Systems. (2022). Network Security Best Practices for Military Applications. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/

- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. (2021). Securing Networks in the Defense Sector. CISA.

- National Security Agency. (2019). Protecting Network Infrastructure for the U.S. Military. NSA Publications.

- Stallings, W. (2019). Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards. Pearson.

- Department of Defense. (2021). Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs). DoD.

- Williams, P., & Johnson, L. (2020). Insider Threat Mitigation Strategies. Cybersecurity Review, 5(4), 23-29.

- Kaspersky Lab. (2022). Defending Against Advanced Persistent Threats. Kaspersky Reports.

- Kerbs, A., & Kumar, R. (2021). Layered Security Approaches in Military Networks. Journal of Cybersecurity, 12(3), 195-210.