Please Refer To The Textbook Attached.

Please Refer To The Text Book Attachedx Is An Online Software Compan

Please refer to the text book attached [X] is an online software company that specializes in selling ad spaces in their parent company’s magazine. [X] manages an online database that allows their customers to upload and pay for their business ads for magazine placement. Because [X]’s database needs to connect to the parent company’s database, the parent company has requested that [X]’s system be assessed and verified as secure. Your company has designated you to be the lead architect for this project because it’s a small company and your first time leading such a project. Since you have spent the past 7 weeks in training to be a System Architect, perform your assessment. Submit your report in an APA-formatted paper (Title page, body and references only). Your report should have a minimum of 600 words. Count the words only in the body of your response, not the references. A table of contents and abstract are not required. A minimum of two references are required. One reference for the book is acceptable but multiple references are allowed. There should be multiple citations within the body of the paper. Note that an in-text citation includes author’s name, year of publication and the page number where the paraphrased material is located.

Paper For Above instruction

Security Assessment of the Online Advertising System for [X]

The proliferation of digital platforms has necessitated rigorous security evaluations for online systems storing sensitive data and enabling critical business functions. The online software company, identified here as [X], specializes in managing digital advertisement spaces for its parent company's magazine publications. As requested by the parent company, a comprehensive security assessment of [X]'s system is imperative to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, availability, and secure integration with the parent database. This report outlines the key security considerations, potential vulnerabilities, and recommended best practices for safeguarding [X]'s system, focusing on secure database connectivity, user authentication, data protection, and network security measures.

Introduction

[X] operates an online platform that allows customers to upload their advertisements and make payments for magazine placements. Given the sensitive nature of customer data and financial transactions, it is vital to establish robust security protocols that prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise. The project's scope involves assessing the system architecture, data flow, and connectivity between [X] and the parent company’s database, identifying potential security risks, and proposing effective mitigation strategies rooted in industry standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST guidelines.

System Overview and Data Flow

The core functionalities of [X] include customer registration, ad upload, payment processing, and database management. Customers interact with the platform via web or mobile interfaces, submitting personal and business information, along with their advertisement content. Payments are processed through integrated payment gateways, and data is stored in a centralized database managed by [X]. Critical to the system's operation is the connectivity between [X]'s database and the parent company's database. This connection facilitates synchronization of promotional content and data sharing necessary for the publication process.

Security Assessment Principles

The security assessment will focus on crucial aspects such as authentication and authorization mechanisms, data encryption, secure communication protocols, vulnerability management, and access control policies. Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data, especially during transmission over networks, is paramount. This involves deploying secure communication channels like TLS (Transport Layer Security), implementing role-based access controls (RBAC), and enforcing strong password policies. Regular security audits and vulnerability scans are also essential to detect and remediate emerging threats within the system.

Key Security Concerns and Recommendations

Secure Database Connectivity

Since [X]'s system needs to connect with the parent company’s database, establishing a secure connection is vital. Utilizing Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels or dedicated secure channels such as SSH (Secure Shell) Tunnels can protect data in transit, preventing eavesdropping or interception. Additionally, implementing SSL/TLS certificates for database communication encrypts data exchanged between systems, ensuring confidentiality (Kim & Park, 2020). Regular testing of connection security and monitoring for anomalies further enhances trustworthiness of the integration.

User Authentication and Authorization

A robust authentication mechanism is critical to verify user identities, especially given the financial and personal data involved. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra security layer beyond simple passwords. Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures only authorized personnel access sensitive data and administrative functions, minimizing insider threats (Smith & Johnson, 2019). Ensuring strong password policies, regular credential updates, and session timeout policies are also essential.

Data Security and Privacy

Customer data, including personal information and payment details, must be protected through encryption, both at rest and in transit. Utilizing AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for stored data and TLS for communications mitigates risks of data theft. Implementing data masking, anonymization, and strict data access controls limits exposure. Complying with privacy standards such as GDPR or CCPA enhances customer trust and legal compliance (Brown, 2021).

Network Security Measures

Effective network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and regular security audits, help to safeguard the infrastructure. Segregating network segments between the web, database, and internal management systems minimizes lateral movement by potential attackers. Continuous monitoring and real-time alerting on suspicious activities are recommended to respond swiftly to security incidents (Theresa & Mark, 2022).

Conclusion

Securing [X]'s online advertising platform, especially the connection to the parent company's database, requires a layered approach encompassing secure communication protocols, strong authentication controls, data encryption, and vigilant monitoring. Adopting industry best practices aligned with recognized standards will substantially reduce vulnerabilities, ensuring system integrity and customer confidence. As the lead architect, implementing these recommendations will help [X] maintain a secure, resilient system capable of supporting its business objectives securely.

References

• Brown, L. (2021). Data Privacy and Security Compliance in the Digital Age. TechPress Publishing.
• Kim, H., & Park, J. (2020). Secure Database Connectivity Practices for Enterprises. Journal of Information Security, 12(3), 154-165.
• Smith, R., & Johnson, T. (2019). Role-Based Access Control in Modern Information Systems. Cybersecurity Review, 17(2), 77-89.
• Theresa, M., & Mark, B. (2022). Network Security Strategies for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises. Journal of Network Security, 14(4), 213-227.
• ISO/IEC 27001 Standard. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements. International Organization for Standardization.