Scenario: Senior Network Architect At Corporation Techs Ha

Scenariothe Senior Network Architect At Corporation Techs Has Informed

Research and select firewalls for the Corporation Techs network. Describe each firewall, why you selected it, and where it should be placed for maximum effectiveness. Address network, server, and workstation firewalls. Describe a plan for creating a DMZ, and explain how it makes the network more secure. Research network authentication and create a high-level plan for secure authentication to internal network resources. Create a draft report detailing all information as supportive documentation. Cite sources, where appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organizations like Corporation Techs must continuously adapt their network security measures to shield sensitive data and ensure operational integrity. Central to this effort is the strategic selection and placement of firewalls, along with the implementation of a robust demilitarized zone (DMZ) and enhanced network authentication protocols. This paper explores these critical components by proposing a comprehensive plan encompassing firewall selection, DMZ architecture, and secure authentication mechanisms.

Firewall Selection and Placement

Firewalls serve as the first line of defense in protecting an organization's network. For Corporation Techs, it is essential to deploy multiple layers of firewalls suited for different segments of the network: perimeter, server, and workstation firewalls. The selection process involves evaluating firewalls based on their features, scalability, ease of management, and security robustness.

For the network perimeter, next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) such as the Palo Alto Networks PA-820 or Fortinet FortiGate 3000 series are ideal choices. These firewalls combine traditional packet filtering with application-aware filtering, intrusion prevention, and advanced threat detection, making them suitable for protecting the organization's external interface against modern cyber threats (Palo Alto Networks, 2023; Fortinet, 2023). They should be strategically placed at the network boundary, directly connecting the internal network to the internet, enforcing overall perimeter security.

Server firewalls are critical for safeguarding data centers and application servers. A dedicated hardware firewall like Cisco ASA with FirePOWER services provides granular control over server traffic, enabling specific rule configurations based on server roles and services. Placing these firewalls directly in front of server clusters ensures that only legitimate traffic reaches sensitive systems (Cisco, 2023).

Workstation firewalls are essential for endpoint security. Software-based solutions such as Windows Defender Firewall or third-party solutions like Norton or McAfee should be installed on all client devices. These firewalls monitor and control outbound and inbound traffic at the user level, reducing the risk of malicious activity from compromised endpoints. They should be centrally managed to ensure policy consistency across all employee devices (Symantec, 2023).

Designing and Implementing a DMZ

The concept of a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) introduces an additional layer of security by segregating externally accessible services from the internal network. A typical DMZ hosts public-facing services such as web servers, email servers, and DNS servers. The primary advantage is that any compromise of a DMZ host does not directly impact the internal network, thus limiting the attack surface and preventing lateral movement of threats.

Creating a DMZ involves configuring dedicated firewalls between the internet and the internal network. Placing an "external" firewall between the internet and the DMZ, and an "internal" firewall between the DMZ and the organization's LAN, establishes tight access controls. Network traffic from the internet can only reach the DMZ, and only specific, approved traffic can traverse from the DMZ to internal systems. This layered approach ensures that even if a public-facing server is compromised, attackers cannot easily access sensitive internal resources (Hernandez, 2021).

Implementing a DMZ enhances security by minimizing the exposure of critical network assets and allowing monitoring of traffic between zones. Regular audit and monitoring of DMZ traffic are essential to detect anomalies and potential intrusion attempts (NIST, 2018).

High-Level Secure Authentication Plan

Replacing basic username and password authentication with a secure, multi-factor authentication (MFA) system significantly enhances security. A high-level plan involves implementing centralized authentication solutions such as LDAP or Active Directory integrated with MFA mechanisms like hardware tokens, biometric verification, or authenticator apps (Microsoft, 2022).

Key components include:

  • Deployment of a centralized directory service like Microsoft's Active Directory or LDAP to manage user credentials and permissions.
  • Integration of MFA solutions that prompt users for additional verification factors beyond passwords, reducing vulnerability to credential theft.
  • Implementation of Single Sign-On (SSO) to streamline secure access across multiple internal systems while maintaining control over access rights.
  • Enforcement of strong password policies and regular credential audits.
  • Use of VPNs with strong encryption for remote access to ensure secure communication channels.

This layered approach ensures that even if a password is compromised, additional authentication factors provide a safeguard against unauthorized access.

Conclusion

To bolster Corporation Techs' network security, a combination of advanced firewalls, a well-designed DMZ, and secure authentication protocols is essential. Selecting the right firewalls and strategically deploying them at critical network points will provide granular control and threat prevention. Establishing a DMZ isolates publicly accessible servers, reducing the risk of breaches compromising the entire network. Upgrading network authentication to multi-factor solutions ensures that internal resources remain protected against credential theft and unauthorized access. Building this comprehensive security architecture aligns with best practices and prepares the organization to face evolving cyber threats effectively.

References

  • Cisco. (2023). Cisco ASA firewall product overview. Cisco Systems. https://www.cisco.com
  • Fortinet. (2023). FortiGate next-generation firewall. Fortinet Inc. https://www.fortinet.com
  • Hernandez, M. (2021). Designing effective DMZ networks. Journal of Network Security, 15(4), 45-52.
  • Microsoft. (2022). Enhancing security with Azure Active Directory MFA. Microsoft Docs. https://docs.microsoft.com
  • NIST. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST, 2018 Edition. https://nvlpubs.nist.gov
  • Palo Alto Networks. (2023). PA-820 Series Firewall Data Sheet. Palo Alto Networks. https://www.paloaltonetworks.com
  • Symantec. (2023). Endpoint security and firewall solutions. Symantec Corporation. https://www.broadcom.com

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