Risk And Threats Associated With Conducting Transactions Ove

Risk and Threats Associated with Conducting Transactions over the Internet

Your Smallville client has asked Gail Industries to investigate the exposure to external users doing transactions over the internet. As the Gail Industries IT manager, you must prepare the report for the executive leadership. Review the Gail Industries Case Study. Analyze risks and threats associated with operating systems, networks, and database systems.

Write a 4- to 5-page report for the top management, including a 1-page executive summary. Include the following in your business report: Risks and threats associated with conducting transactions over the internet; Threats related to operating systems, networks, and system software; Risks related to different database deployment models in a distributed environment. Address risk mitigation and provide recommendations in Week 4.

Paper For Above instruction

Executive Summary

Gail Industries faces significant cybersecurity risks as it conducts transactions over the internet. These risks include external threats such as hacking, phishing, malware, and data breaches that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business-critical systems. The organization's operating systems, network architectures, and database systems are vulnerable to various threats, especially when exposed to external users. Understanding these threats is essential for developing robust risk mitigation strategies. This report assesses the primary risks linked to internet-based transactions, examines threats associated with operating systems, networks, and database deployment models, and provides strategic recommendations to enhance security posture.

Introduction

With increasing reliance on digital transactions, Gail Industries must recognize the vulnerabilities that come with operating over the internet. External threats pose significant risks to sensitive data, operational continuity, and reputation. This report explores the critical security concerns associated with conducting online transactions, evaluates potential threats related to operational infrastructure, and discusses the implications of different database deployment models in a distributed environment.

Risks and Threats Associated with Conducting Transactions over the Internet

Performing transactions over the internet exposes Gail Industries to a myriad of cyber threats. Chief among them are malicious attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), which can incapacitate online services (Smith & Chen, 2020). Phishing attacks target employees and customers to steal sensitive credentials, leading to unauthorized access (Johnson, 2019). Malware and ransomware threaten data integrity and lead to potential data loss or extortion (Kumar & Sharma, 2021). Furthermore, man-in-the-middle attacks intercept communication, compromising transactional confidentiality (Lee et al., 2018). The risk of data breaches can result in financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage (Deloitte, 2022). Effective security controls and continuous monitoring are vital to mitigate these risks.

Threats Related to Operating Systems, Networks, and System Software

Operating systems form the backbone of organizational IT infrastructure and are primary targets for cyber threats. Unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows, Linux, or macOS systems can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access (Zhang & Li, 2020). System software, including web servers and middleware, if not properly secured, serve as entry points for exploits (Nguyen & Patel, 2019). Networks are exposed to threats such as eavesdropping, packet sniffing, and unauthorized intrusions. Lack of robust firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, and encryption mechanisms heighten these vulnerabilities (Foster & Gomez, 2021). Secure configuration, timely patch management, and robust security policies are essential to defend against evolving threats (National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST], 2021).

Risks Related to Database Deployment Models in a Distributed Environment

Database systems in distributed environments present unique security challenges. Centralized databases are vulnerable to single points of failure and targeted attacks, while distributed databases require synchronization across nodes, increasing complexity (Elmasri & Navathe, 2016). Database deployment models such as cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid environments each carry different risks. Cloud deployments face issues related to data privacy, access control, and data sovereignty (Rountree & Castrillo, 2020). On-premises databases are susceptible to insider threats and physical security breaches (Zhao et al., 2021). Hybrid models combine these risks, necessitating comprehensive security strategies tailored to each deployment environment (García-Sánchez et al., 2019). Proper encryption, access control, and regular audits are critical to protect stored data.

Conclusion

Gail Industries must proactively address the multifaceted risks associated with internet-based transactions. Recognizing vulnerabilities in operating systems, network architectures, and database deployment models is the first step toward implementing effective risk mitigation measures. By adopting comprehensive security policies, deploying advanced protective technologies, and ensuring continuous monitoring, the organization can significantly reduce its exposure to cybersecurity threats and safeguard its critical assets and reputation.

References

  • Deloitte. (2022). Cybersecurity risk management. Deloitte Insights.
  • Elmasri, R., & Navathe, S. B. (2016). Fundamentals of Database Systems (7th ed.). Pearson.
  • Foster, K., & Gomez, L. (2021). Network security essentials. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(2), 23-35.
  • García-Sánchez, F., et al. (2019). Security challenges in hybrid cloud environments. IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing, 7(3), 612–625.
  • Johnson, M. (2019). Common phishing tactics and prevention. Cybersecurity Journal, 12(4), 45-50.
  • Kumar, P., & Sharma, R. (2021). Ransomware attacks: Trends and mitigation. International Journal of Information Security, 20(1), 55-70.
  • Lee, H., et al. (2018). Man-in-the-middle attack detection mechanisms. Journal of Network Security, 10(3), 150–160.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2021). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST.
  • Nguyen, T., & Patel, K. (2019). Web server vulnerabilities and security practices. SecureWeb Journal, 4(2), 77-85.
  • Rountree, P., & Castrillo, D. (2020). Cloud security and privacy: An enterprise perspective. Wiley.
  • Smith, J., & Chen, L. (2020). Defending against DDoS attacks. Cybersecurity Weekly, 15(6), 34-40.
  • Zhang, Y., & Li, X. (2020). Operating system vulnerabilities and patch management. Computer Security Review, 36(4), 12-20.
  • Zhao, Q., et al. (2021). Physical security risks in on-premises data centers. Journal of Information Security, 17(2), 94–105.

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