Residency Research Makeup Project At Acme Enterprise Scenari

Residency Research Makeup Projectacme Enterprise Scenario Residency We

Assess the risk of Acme’s: 1. Perimeter Security 2. Network Security 3. Endpoint Security 4. Application Security 5. Data Security 6. Operations 7. Policy Management based on the provided network infrastructure details. Provide recommendations for each area to reduce risk, exposure, and threats, and demonstrate a redesign showing where mitigations will take place within the architecture.

Paper For Above instruction

The Acme Enterprise scenario presents a comprehensive perspective on the current state of cybersecurity and risk management within a water purification company preparing for an IPO. Given its diverse infrastructure, ranging from perimeter defenses to data management, a layered security approach and detailed risk assessment are crucial for safeguarding assets, ensuring compliance, and facilitating a successful public offering.

Perimeter Security is foundational, as it protects the network from external threats. Currently, Acme utilizes dual Dynamic Stateful Inspection Firewalls configured in active and standby modes, managing outbound and inbound traffic. Although this is a strong starting point, additional safeguards are necessary. The use of PAT (Port Address Translation) with an external IP (200.200.200.1) mapped through the firewall to internal IPs enhances scalability but creates potential single points of failure if redundancy isn't maintained properly. A significant vulnerability lies in the ineffective utilization of the DMZs, which are intended to segregate internet-facing services from internal networks but remain unused, exposing internal systems directly to the threat landscape. Implementing dedicated DMZs with strict access controls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and web application firewalls (WAFs) would provide better defense layers and limit exposure if a breach occurs at the perimeter.

Network Security involves the internal architecture, management of VLANs, routing, and access controls. Acme’s collapsed core design centralizes routing at distribution Layer devices, which simplifies network management but also concentrates risk. The current use of WPA2 for wireless is acceptable; however, such protocols are susceptible to vulnerabilities like KRACK attacks, and enhancing wireless security through WPA3 or implementing enterprise WPA2 with 802.1X authentication would improve security. Additionally, static IP assignments present a risk of unauthorized device integration into the network; dynamic address provisioning with DHCP and network access control (NAC) solutions could mitigate unauthorized access. Access control lists permit traffic within specified VLANs, but broader network segmentation and stricter ACL policies could restrict lateral movement, reducing potential damage from compromised devices.

Endpoint Security reveals a mixture of Mac and Windows systems, with limited centralized control. JAMF oversees Mac systems, but Windows devices rely on user patching and no centralized patch management system is apparent. The current signature-based antivirus (MacAfee) lacks proactive threat detection and response capabilities. Deploying a unified endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution with automated patch management, real-time monitoring, and asset management would better detect and mitigate threats. Moreover, endpoint hardening through device encryption, strong password policies, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) would further reduce vulnerabilities.

Application Security is compromised by the absence of formalized oversight and secure coding practices. The DevOps team lacks formal security procedures, and the server infrastructure ranges from outdated Server 2003 to current 2016 versions, which introduces significant vulnerabilities. Modernizing servers, applying security patches timely, and adopting DevSecOps practices—including static and dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST)—can prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing application firewalls, input validation, and access control mechanisms will fortify the application layer.

Data Security exposes critical weaknesses: unclassified data without encryption, limited access controls, and the absence of Data Loss Prevention (DLP). Reliance on self-signed certificates for encryption and PKI hampers secure communications, especially with cloud services and remote access. Implementing data classification frameworks, encrypting data at rest and in transit using certificates validated by a trusted CA, and deploying DLP solutions would significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, especially since sensitive financial and PII data are stored on-premises.

Operations management assigns responsibility primarily to the IT security team, overseen by the CISO. While this delineation establishes accountability, operational inefficiencies emerge from outdated policies and lack of adherence to well-known security frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, or COBIT. Developing comprehensive policies aligned with these standards, continual staff training, incident response planning, and regular audit procedures are recommended to enhance operational resilience and compliance readiness.

Policy Management exhibits a limited security policy, inadequate for comprehensive risk management. Without adherence to best practices frameworks, the policy lacks clarity, scope, and enforceability. Developing a formal security governance model utilizing recognized standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, and COBIT would structure policy creation, implementation, and assessment. Embedding these policies into daily operations promotes a security-aware culture, essential for compliance and risk mitigation prior to IPO.

Risk Mitigation and Architectural Redesign should revolve around layered defenses, proactive monitoring, and compliance measures. Introducing intrusion detection and prevention systems, increasing network segmentation, adopting centralized patch and asset management, enhancing data encryption, and formalizing security policies are integral steps. Visualizing these mitigations within the architecture involves placing firewalls with IPS capabilities at the perimeter, deploying NAC systems within the network, integrating EDRs on endpoints, and establishing DLP and encryption solutions in data repositories. Continuous monitoring and incident response processes will also complement these technical controls, forming a robust security posture aligned with IPO requirements.

In conclusion, Acme’s diverse infrastructure can be significantly fortified against current threats by adopting a multi-layered security strategy rooted in recognized frameworks, implementing centralized controls, and fostering a security-aware culture. This comprehensive approach will not only mitigate existing vulnerabilities but also support compliance with GDPR, PCI DSS, and SOX, enabling a successful IPO.

References

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