Security Audit Procedure Guide

Security Audit Procedure Guidea

Com520 Written Assignment 4 assignment: Security Audit Procedure Guide

This assignment requires you to prepare a procedure guide for a security audit in Ken 7 Windows Limited. Ken 7 Windows Limited has acquired several new servers and workstations to support the new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. You want to ensure the new computers comply with Microsoft’s initial secure baseline. You choose to use the Microsoft baseline security analyzer (MBSA) tool to assess the basic security for all of your Windows computers. MBSA will identify many of the basic vulnerabilities found in Windows environments.

MBSA’s vulnerability report provides a good starting point for securing new and existing Windows computers. You need to develop procedures to ensure that each computer in your environment has no reported vulnerabilities. Using the format below, describe the steps to follow to scan multiple computers for security vulnerabilities using MBSA. Include steps to research and address any reported vulnerabilities. Assume you plan to run MBSA on a new server that does not have MBSA installed.

Fill in the details for each procedural step to audit each computer and address discovered vulnerabilities.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Security Audit Procedure Guidea

The security of organizational IT environments is paramount to safeguarding data and maintaining business continuity. In the context of Ken 7 Windows Limited, which has recently expanded its infrastructure with new servers and workstations, performing a comprehensive security audit is essential. Utilizing tools like the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) allows organizations to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in Windows-based systems efficiently. This guide details the procedural steps to conduct a security audit across multiple computers, ensuring compliance with security baselines and strengthening defenses against potential threats.

Step 1: Acquire and Install MBSA

The first step involves obtaining the latest version of MBSA from the official Microsoft website. As MBSA is not pre-installed on new servers, administrators should download the tool and install it on a dedicated auditing server or administrator workstation. The installation process includes verifying system prerequisites, such as appropriate .NET Framework versions, and configuring initial settings. Proper installation is crucial for accurate vulnerability assessment and compatibility with the target systems.

Step 2: Prepare the Network and Identify Target Computers

Prior to scanning, administrators should compile a list of all Windows computers within the network, including servers and workstations. Network configuration and firewalls must permit MBSA’s communication protocols, typically Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) or Server Message Block (SMB). Establishing admin credentials with appropriate permissions on each target machine ensures successful remote scans. Segmentation of the network can help isolate and target specific subnets for phased analyses.

Step 3: Conduct Scans on Multiple Computers

Using MBSA's command-line or graphical interface, initiate scans on each listed machine. For efficiency, administrators can script batch scans across multiple systems, leveraging PowerShell or other automation tools. During scanning, MBSA examines system configurations, updates, and security settings, generating detailed vulnerability reports highlighting issues such as missing patches, weak settings, or configuration errors.

Step 4: Review and Analyze Scan Results

Once scans are complete, compile and review the reports generated by MBSA. The reports categorize vulnerabilities by severity, description, and suggested remediation steps. Critical vulnerabilities requiring immediate attention should be prioritized. Cross-referencing vulnerabilities with Microsoft's security briefings and patch catalogs aids in understanding the implications and devising effective mitigation strategies.

Step 5: Research and Address Reported Vulnerabilities

For each identified vulnerability, researchers should consult Microsoft's official resources, security advisories, and relevant documentation to understand the root cause and appropriate fixes. Remediation may involve applying security patches, modifying system policies, disabling unnecessary services, or updating configurations. For vulnerabilities stemming from outdated software, administrators should verify patch applicability, test changes in a controlled environment, and then deploy across production systems.

Step 6: Document Remediation Actions

Maintaining comprehensive documentation of the vulnerabilities identified and the actions taken is vital for audit trails and future audits. This may include change logs, configuration adjustments, patch deployment records, and verification results. Documentation ensures transparency and helps in establishing compliance with organizational security policies and regulatory standards.

Conclusion

By following these procedural steps, Ken 7 Windows Limited can systematically assess and reinforce its security posture across new and existing Windows systems. Regular vulnerability assessments, combined with timely remediation, reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Implementing a consistent audit procedure using MBSA facilitates ongoing security management aligned with industry best practices.

References

• Microsoft. (2023). Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA). https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-baseline-security-analyzer
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). Guide to Security Patch Management. NIST Special Publication 800-40 Revision 4.
• SANS Institute. (2022). Critical Security Controls: Implementation Guide. Version 8.
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. (2020). Security Tips for Windows Environments. CISA.gov.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Security Management Systems — Requirements.
• Stallings, W. (2017). Effective Cybersecurity: A New Framework for Action. Pearson.
• Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.
• Chen, G., & Zhao, Y. (2019). Vulnerability Management in Enterprise Networks. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(2), 108-122.
• Smith, J. (2021). Practical Security Auditing for Windows Systems. Security Journal, 34(4), 221-240.
• Oracle Corporation. (2022). Best Practices for Security Patch Deployment. Oracle Security Advisory.