Scenario Due To The Always Fresh Expansion Management Wants ✓ Solved

Scenario Due To The Always Fresh Expansion Management Wants Additional

Scenario due to the Always Fresh expansion, management wants additional network controls to protect their growing network. Tasks Consider the Windows servers and workstations in the domains of a typical IT infrastructure. Based on your understanding of network security controls, recommend at least four possible controls that will enhance the network’s security. Focus on ensuring that controls satisfy the defense in depth approach to security. Summarize your network security controls in a summary report to management.

You must provide rationale for your choices by explaining how each control makes the environment more secure.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The expansion of the Always Fresh network necessitates enhanced security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity. Implementing a layered security approach, known as defense in depth, involves deploying multiple overlapping controls to mitigate various threats. This paper recommends four critical network security controls tailored for Windows servers and workstations within the organization’s domains. Each control is rationalized based on its role in strengthening overall security posture.

1. Network Segmentation and Virtual LANs (VLANs)

One of the primary recommendations is implementing network segmentation through VLANs. This control involves dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments based on department or function. By doing so, it limits the lateral movement of potential attackers within the network. For example, administrative workstations can be separated from guest devices or public-facing servers. This segmentation reduces the attack surface and enhances containment of security breaches.

Rationale: Network segmentation helps prevent an attacker from moving freely across the entire network once they compromise a single endpoint. It also simplifies monitoring and management, making it easier to detect abnormal activity within individual segments. According to Stallings and Brown (2018), segmentation is a fundamental security layer that contributes to the defense-in-depth strategy by establishing barriers between network zones.

2. Implementation of Advanced Firewall Policies and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

Deploying next-generation firewalls with refined policies that include stateful inspection, application awareness, and real-time traffic analysis is crucial. Coupled with IDS/IPS solutions, this setup can analyze incoming and outgoing traffic to identify and block malicious activities such as malware, unauthorized access attempts, or suspicious data exfiltration.

Rationale: Firewalls act as gatekeepers, controlling access to network resources and filtering traffic based on predefined rules. IDS/IPS systems add an extra layer by actively monitoring traffic for known attack signatures and anomalous patterns, enabling rapid response to threats. This combination aligns with the principle of overlapping security controls, making it more difficult for attackers to penetrate defenses (Kumar & Singh, 2020).

3. Regular Patch Management and Software Updates

Maintaining up-to-date operating systems and applications on Windows servers and workstations is essential. Implementing automated patch management solutions ensures timely updates that fix known vulnerabilities and security flaws. Regular patching reduces the exploitable weaknesses allocated to outdated software.

Rationale: Attackers frequently exploit unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise systems. By systematically applying patches and updates, the organization minimizes the windows of opportunity for threats such as ransomware and malware. According to NIST (2020), a robust patch management process is fundamental for reducing cyberattack risks and maintaining compliance with security standards.

4. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for Critical Access

Enforcing MFA for accessing sensitive systems, administrative accounts, and remote desktop services adds an additional verification layer beyond passwords. Using methods such as hardware tokens, biometrics, or authenticator apps ensures that only authorized personnel gain access, even if passwords are compromised.

Rationale: MFA significantly improves security by mitigating risks associated with stolen or weak passwords. It also aligns with the defense-in-depth approach by protecting critical assets against credential-based attacks like phishing or brute-force attempts (O’Gorman, 2018). Implementing MFA contributes to a resilient identity management framework within the network.

Conclusion

Enhancing the security posture of the Always Fresh network through these four controls—network segmentation, advanced firewall and IDS/IPS deployment, regular patch management, and multifactor authentication—provides a comprehensive, layered defense strategy. Each control addresses specific vulnerabilities while working collectively to deter, detect, and respond to threats effectively. Adopting these measures will safeguard vital organizational resources amid ongoing network growth and complexity.

References

• Kumar, V., & Singh, S. (2020). Network security: Concepts, controls, and practices. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(2), 110-125.
• NIST. (2020). Guide to enterprise patch management technologies. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• O’Gorman, L. (2018). Understanding multi-factor authentication: Security benefits and implementation strategies. Cybersecurity Journal, 14(4), 210-225.
• Stallings, W., & Brown, L. (2018). Computer security: Principles and practice (4th ed.). Pearson.