Small Company Using The Topology Shown Below

A Small Company Is Using The Topology Shown Below The Public Server I

A small company is using the topology shown below. The Public Server is an off-site Database Server containing company records. The 200.100.0.0/16 network represents the Internet. The Dallas and Chicago servers and hosts need to access the database server securely, with access restricted only to users in the Dallas and Chicago LANs.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario described involves a small company's network topology, where a critical off-site database server is accessible via the Internet network 200.100.0.0/16. The primary challenge is to enable secure and restricted access for specific regional LANs—Dallas and Chicago—to this database server, while preventing unauthorized access by other Internet users or network segments.

Network Topology and Components

The topology consists of multiple components: Regional LANs in Dallas and Chicago, a public-facing server acting as a gateway or intermediary, and an external database server located off-site. The network architecture requires a secure means of communication between these LANs and the remote database server, possibly utilizing VPNs, firewalls, and access control lists (ACLs).

Security Concerns and Requirements

Security is paramount given the sensitive nature of the company records stored on the database server. Only authorized users from Dallas and Chicago LANs should access the database, which requires implementing strict access controls. This could involve configuring VPN tunnels, firewall rules, and authentication mechanisms to ensure that access is permitted solely from these LANs. The company must also prevent external entities on the Internet from initiating connections to the database server.

Implementation Strategies

To provide secure access, the company can deploy site-to-site VPN connections between the Dallas and Chicago LANs and the external network hosting the database server. Firewalls should be configured to allow traffic only from the IP ranges associated with the Dallas and Chicago LANs. Access control lists should be used to restrict database server access to specific IP addresses. Additionally, employing secure protocols such as SSH or VPN tunnels for data transmission can enhance security.

Steps for Implementation

  • Configure firewalls at the perimeter of the Dallas and Chicago LANs to permit outbound traffic only to the database server's IP address on necessary ports (e.g., TCP 3306 for MySQL, TCP 1433 for SQL Server).
  • Set up VPN tunnels between each LAN and the network containing the database server to encrypt data in transit and authenticate endpoints.
  • Implement ACLs on the database server or network devices to restrict access to specific IP ranges corresponding to Dallas and Chicago LANs.
  • Configure authentication and encrypted protocols on the database server to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Test connectivity from authorized LANs and verify that access is denied from unauthorized networks or external sources.

Practical Application and Administration

Administrators should regularly monitor network logs for suspicious activity. Maintaining updated firewall and VPN configurations ensures ongoing security. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication and encrypted communication protocols can further secure sensitive data.

Conclusion

Secure, restricted access to a critical off-site database server for specific LANs in a small company requires careful planning and implementation of firewalls, VPNs, and ACLs. Ensuring that only authorized users from Dallas and Chicago can access the database enhances data security and operational integrity. Regular monitoring, updating security policies, and employing encryption are essential best practices to protect sensitive company records against unauthorized access or cyber threats.

References

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