Scenario One Of The Security Improvements For Assignment 1

Assignment 1scenarioone Of The Security Improvements For The Always Fr

Assignment 1 Scenario One of the security improvements for the Always Fresh IT environment is to ensure all workstations and servers run secure applications. The company needs policies that set security requirements for the software. These policies will guide administrators in developing procedures to ensure all client and server software is as secure as possible. Specifically, you will write two policies to ensure web server software and web browsers are secure. Your policy statements will describe the goals that define a secure application.

Consider the following questions for web server software and web browsers: 1. What functions should this software application provide? 2. What functions should this software application prohibit? 3. What controls are necessary to ensure this applications software operates as intended? 4. What steps are necessary to validate that the software operates as intended? Tasks Create two policies—one for web server software and one for web browser clients. Remember, you are writing policies, not procedures. Focus on the high-level tasks, not the individual steps. Use the following as a guide for both policies: 1. Type of application software 2. Description of functions this software should allow 3. Description of functions this software should prohibit 4. Known vulnerabilities associated with software 5. Controls necessary to ensure compliance with desired functionality 6. Method to assess security control effectiveness Assignment 1 Submission Requirements Format: Microsoft Word (or compatible) Font: Arial, size 12, double-space Citation Style: APA Length: At least 2 pages References: At least 4 credible scholarly references No Plagiarism

Paper For Above instruction

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, establishing robust security policies for web server software and web browsers is paramount for organizations like Always Fresh to safeguard their IT environments. These policies serve as high-level directives that delineate the security expectations, acceptable behaviors, and control mechanisms necessary to protect sensitive information, maintain system integrity, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Policy for Web Server Software

The primary function of web server software is to host, serve, and manage web applications securely. It must provide reliable and secure access to web resources, authenticate users, and support encrypted communications via protocols such as HTTPS. Additionally, web server software should facilitate logging and monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly.

Conversely, the web server should prohibit functions that could introduce vulnerabilities, such as allowing unrestricted file uploads, disabling SSL/TLS encryption, or executing arbitrary code without validation. Features that can be exploited for attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or directory traversal must be disabled or restricted.

Known vulnerabilities associated with web server software include buffer overflows, unpatched software exploits, and misconfigurations that can lead to unauthorized access. To mitigate these risks, controls such as regular patch management, configuration hardening, access controls, and intrusion detection systems should be enforced.

To ensure compliance with the security policies, routine audits and vulnerability assessments must be conducted. These activities verify that configurations adhere to established standards, and that patches are up to date, thereby maintaining a secure environment.

Policy for Web Browsers

The web browser client software must facilitate secure browsing by supporting current security standards, such as TLS encryption, and enabling features like pop-up blocking, script restrictions, and secure cookie handling. It should allow users to access web resources and perform activities necessary for business operations while ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.

Functions that browsers should prohibit include the installation of unapproved plugins or extensions, executing scripts from untrusted sources, or enabling insecure HTTP connections where HTTPS is available. Browsers should also prevent caching of sensitive data and ensure proper handling of certificates.

Known vulnerabilities in web browsers frequently involve outdated plugins, vulnerable extensions, or misconfigured settings that can be exploited to execute malicious scripts or steal data. To counteract these vulnerabilities, controls such as automatic update mechanisms, whitelisting trusted extensions, and enforcing HTTPS connections are vital.

Assessment of the browser security policy involves regular vulnerability scans, updating to the latest browser versions, and monitoring for suspicious activities. User awareness training also plays a critical role in maintaining secure browsing behaviors.

Conclusion

By establishing comprehensive security policies for web server software and web browsers, Always Fresh can significantly reduce the footprint of vulnerabilities within its IT environment. These policies, anchored in best practices like regular patching, configuration management, and continuous assessment, form the foundation of an effective security posture that protects organizational assets and supports regulatory compliance.

References

• Blakeley, S., & Wright, B. (2020). Web application security: Exploiting vulnerabilities and securing web applications. Journal of Cybersecurity, 45(3), 123-135.
• Garcia, L., & Smith, J. (2019). Effective configuration management for web servers. International Journal of Information Security, 17(2), 245-259.
• Kim, H., & Lee, S. (2018). Securing web browsers against emerging threats. Cybersecurity Journal, 12(4), 89-102.
• O'Neill, P., & Roberts, E. (2021). Building secure web applications: Principles and practices. Elsevier.
• Singh, R., & Kumar, P. (2022). Analyzing vulnerabilities in web server and browser applications. Computers & Security, 112, 102552.