Section 1: Project Introduction 357776

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Construct a comprehensive infrastructure document and revised project plan for a growing data-collection and analysis company. The assignment requires designing a scalable, secure, and reliable network infrastructure suitable for a company expanding from one to three floors, emphasizing security protocols, logical and physical network layouts, and project scheduling updates. The infrastructure must support integrated web analytics and operational data, with detailed diagrams and a security policy grounded in confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles. Additionally, update a project plan with new tasks and sub-tasks, utilizing Microsoft Project, to reflect ongoing project activities.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The rapid expansion of the ACME Company underscores the vital importance of a robust, scalable, and secure information technology infrastructure. As the organization anticipates a 60% growth within the next eighteen months and plans to expand from a single floor to three, the design of a comprehensive network system that supports operational efficiency, data security, and future scalability becomes imperative. This paper developed a detailed infrastructure plan aligned with these growth objectives, integrating security principles rooted in confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), and provides a strategic project plan update to accommodate emerging project tasks and sub-tasks.

Relationship Between Infrastructure and Security

The infrastructure and security are inherently intertwined; a solid infrastructure provides the backbone for implementing effective security controls, while security measures protect the integrity and confidentiality of data traversing and stored within the infrastructure. For ACME, the connection between infrastructure and security manifests in the deployment of secure network topologies, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and access control policies that safeguard sensitive data associated with web analytics and operational systems. Properly designed, the network can mitigate risks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruptions, reinforcing business continuity and regulatory compliance (Stallings, 2017).

Furthermore, the physical topographical layout influences security planning—strategic placement of servers, routers, and access points facilitates layered security controls, reducing vulnerabilities. Logical network segmentation separates critical data assets from less sensitive networks, curtailing lateral movement by potential intruders. The design must also include secure Internet access pathways, employing firewalls to scrutinize incoming and outgoing traffic, complemented by IDS to monitor suspicious activities proactively. This integrated approach ensures alignment with organizational security policies, promoting resilience against evolving cyber threats (Pfleeger & Pfleeger, 2015).

Rationale for Network Topology

The planned network topology for ACME comprises a hybrid wired and wireless configuration to support diverse organizational needs. The physical layout advocates a star topology around core switches and routers to afford high fault tolerance and ease of maintenance. Strategically placed servers—web, application, and database—are housed within secured data centers or server rooms, with redundant power supplies and environmental controls to minimize downtime. Access points (APs) will be deployed across all floors to facilitate mobility and flexible device connectivity, with secure Wi-Fi configured for staff and guest access, separated via virtual local area networks (VLANs).

Logical topology segments the network into zones: internal secure zones for sensitive data, demilitarized zones (DMZ) for external-facing servers, and public access areas. The use of firewalls and IDS at network perimeters enables monitored, controlled access to internal resources. Internet pathways are protected through multiple layers of security, including proxy servers and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). The topology's design emphasizes scalability, allowing for future expansion of servers, user devices, and bandwidth without significant reconfiguration (Cisco Systems, 2016).

Security Policy Framework

A comprehensive security policy underpins the network design, emphasizing the core principles of CIA. Key components include:

• Confidentiality: Data encryption, both in transit and at rest, enforces that sensitive organizational information, including proprietary analytics and client data, remains protected from unauthorized access.
• Integrity: Implementation of hashing and digital signatures ensures data validity, while rigorous access controls, role-based permissions, and audit trails prevent unauthorized modifications.
• Availability: Redundant hardware, regular backups, and disaster recovery procedures guarantee system uptime and data accessibility during operational disruptions.

The policy also addresses ethical responsibilities, promoting responsible employee behavior concerning password management, social engineering awareness, and reporting suspicious activities. Contractor access and remote work protocols are established, emphasizing secure VPN usage, multi-factor authentication, and periodic security awareness training. Network monitoring and incident response plans are integrated into the security posture to swiftly identify, contain, and remediate security breaches (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2018).

Diagrammatic Representation

To illustrate the network’s structure, diagrams created in Visio or Dia depict the physical layout, including workstations, servers, routers, switches, access points, firewalls, IDS, and internet gateways. These visuals depict the interconnectedness of three floors, highlighting planned placement for critical infrastructure components, access paths for internet connectivity, and security elements. Diagrams also demonstrate network segmentation and failover configurations, supporting scalability and security (Microsoft Visio, 2021).

Updated Project Plan

Using Microsoft Project, the existing project plan has been revised to incorporate additional activities aligned with infrastructure deployment and security implementation. The update introduces three new major tasks:

1. Implementation of Network Hardware and Configuration
   • Procure network switches, routers, firewalls
   • Configure VLANs and routing protocols
   • Install and test physical cabling
2. Security Policy Deployment
   • Develop detailed access control procedures
   • Implement encryption and authentication mechanisms
   • Conduct security training sessions for staff
3. Redundancy and Disaster Recovery Planning
   • Set up backup data centers and failover systems
   • Develop contingency procedures
   • Test disaster recovery protocols

Each task incorporates sub-tasks with clear milestones and deadlines, ensuring structured progress toward deploying a secure, scalable, and efficient organizational network.

Conclusion

The design and planning outlined in this document address the critical requirements of ACME's expanding business. By aligning infrastructural layout with security policies emphasizing CIA principles, the company can provide a resilient foundation, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Simultaneously, an updated project plan facilitates smooth implementation, tracking, and expansion of the company's technological capabilities, positioning it for continued growth and competitive advantage.

References

• Cisco Systems. (2016). Cisco Network Topology Design Guide. Cisco Press.
• Microsoft Visio. (2021). Creating Network Diagrams. Microsoft.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST.
• Pfleeger, C. P., & Pfleeger, S. L. (2015). Security in Computing (5th ed.). Prentice Hall.
• Stallings, W. (2017). Network Security Essentials (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Shmueli, G., & Koppius, O. R. (2011). Predictive Analytics in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 35(3).