Propose A Detailed Plan That Focuses On Password Policies

Propose a detailed plan that focuses on password policies and authentication methods to protect the project from becoming public during the research and development phase

Your electronics manufacturing company is working on a new product. The board of directors thinks that this product will revolutionize the travel industry and generate huge profits for the company. To protect this product during the research and development cycle, the company is planning to install a new network consisting of a dozen computers. Your company selected you to lead a team that will develop a subset of a security plan for the network. In 1-2 pages, write a report on the following: Propose a detailed plan that focuses on password policies and authentication methods to protect the project from becoming public during the research and development phase. Include an estimated cost of your plan.

Paper For Above instruction

To safeguard the sensitive research and development data of the new product that aims to revolutionize the travel industry, implementing a comprehensive security plan centered on password policies and authentication methods is essential. This plan ensures that access to critical information remains restricted to authorized personnel, thereby preventing premature disclosure or leaks during the development phase.

Password Policies

Establishing robust password policies is fundamental to securing the network. These policies should mandate the creation of complex passwords that combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, with a minimum length of at least 12 characters. Password expiration policies should require users to change their passwords every 60 to 90 days to mitigate the risk of compromised credentials. Additionally, the company should enforce a policy prohibiting password reuse, especially for passwords used in the R&D network. Password management tools, such as enterprise password managers, can assist employees in securely storing and managing their passwords, reducing the likelihood of weak or duplicated passwords.

Authentication Methods

Beyond password complexity, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a critical layer of security. MFA requires users to verify their identities through at least two different factors, such as a password plus a one-time code sent to a mobile device or a biometric verification like fingerprint or facial recognition. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised. Physical security tokens or smart cards can also serve as a second factor, particularly in high-security environments. Furthermore, deploying secure remote access solutions such as Virtual Private Network (VPN) with strong encryption protocols ensures that off-site access remains protected.

Network Access Controls and Monitoring

In addition to individual authentication, restricting network access through role-based access controls (RBAC) minimizes the exposure of sensitive data. Only authorized personnel involved in the R&D process should have access to the network segment hosting the project. Continuous monitoring through intrusion detection systems (IDS) and logging of login activities can detect unusual behavior and potential security breaches promptly.

Estimated Costs

Implementing this security plan involves initial and ongoing expenses. The cost of enterprise-grade password management software might range from $10 to $20 per user annually, totaling approximately $120 to $240 for a dozen users. MFA solutions, including hardware tokens or biometric authentication systems, could cost between $30 to $50 per user, amounting to roughly $360 to $600 initially. Additionally, deploying a VPN with strong encryption protocols might incur setup costs of around $1,000, with monthly maintenance fees of approximately $100 for secure remote access. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems might involve an initial investment of around $2,000, plus annual licensing fees of about $1,000.

Conclusion

In sum, a multi-layered security approach combining strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and continuous monitoring can significantly protect the R&D network from unauthorized disclosures. While the implementation costs may seem substantial, safeguarding intellectual property during critical development phases is invaluable for maintaining competitive advantage and avoiding costly breaches.

References

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  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2021). Digital Identity Guidelines. NIST Special Publication 800-63-3.
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  • Standards for Secure Remote Access. (2020). ISO/IEC 27001:2013. International Organization for Standardization.
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