Suggest One Or More Policies To Help Mitigate Against ✓ Solved

Suggest one or more policies that would help mitigate against attacks similar to this attack

In the wake of a recent ransomware incident affecting No-Internal-Controls, LLC, developing robust security policies is essential to prevent similar future breaches. A fundamental policy should emphasize the enforcement of strong password management and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce unauthorized access via guessable credentials. Additionally, implementing an access control policy that enforces least privilege principles and regular review of user permissions can limit the lateral movement of attackers within the network. Finally, establishing a policy for regular backups and quick disaster recovery procedures ensures swift restoration of critical data and minimizes downtime in case of an attack.

Suggest one or more controls to support each policy

1. Password Management and MFA Enforcement

  • Technical Control: Enforce complex password requirements and account lockout policies for failed login attempts.
  • Technical Control: Deploy and mandate multi-factor authentication for all remote access and administrative logins.
  • Administrative Control: Conduct periodic training and awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of strong passwords and MFA.

2. Access Control and Permission Management

  • Technical Control: Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict user permissions based on job functions.
  • Administrative Control: Perform regular reviews and audits of user permissions to remove unnecessary access rights.
  • Physical Control: Secure server rooms and network devices to prevent unauthorized physical access that could bypass logical controls.

3. Backup Policy and Disaster Recovery

  • Technical Control: Automate regular backups of critical data and store copies in an offsite or cloud environment with restricted access.
  • Administrative Control: Develop and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans periodically.
  • Preventative Control: Use backup validation to ensure data integrity and completeness, enabling quick recovery after an incident.

Identify each of the controls as physical, administrative, or technical and preventative, detective, or corrective

  • Password complexity enforcement: Technical, Preventative
  • MFA deployment: Technical, Preventative
  • User training on security awareness: Administrative, Preventative
  • Role-based access control (RBAC): Technical, Preventative
  • Permissions review and audit: Administrative, Detective
  • Securing server rooms and network hardware: Physical, Preventative
  • Regular, automated backups: Technical, Preventative
  • Disaster recovery planning and testing: Administrative, Corrective

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, organizations like No-Internal-Controls, LLC must adopt comprehensive policies and controls to mitigate risks such as ransomware attacks. The recent attack, characterized by weak login credentials, unsegmented network architecture, and insufficient remote access controls, highlights the urgent need for strategic security enhancements. This paper discusses specific policies and associated controls tailored for a mid-sized company with limited IT resources, aiming to bolster security posture effectively and efficiently.

Policy on Password Security and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

To guard against credential-based attacks such as dictionary or brute-force attacks, No-Internal-Controls should enforce a strict password policy requiring complex, multi-character passwords and regular changes. Additionally, implementing MFA across all remote and privileged accounts adds an extra layer of security, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult.

This policy mitigates attack vectors associated with weak credentials, which attackers can exploit through port scans and dictionary attacks, as seen in the recent incident. The use of MFA ensures that even if login credentials are compromised, access can be prevented without physical or additional authentication factors, aligning with best practices outlined by NIST (2020).

Policy on Access Control and Permission Management

Establishing a role-based access control (RBAC) framework ensures that users are granted only the permissions necessary to perform their roles, limiting the scope of potential damage from malicious or accidental actions. Regular audits of these permissions prevent privilege creep and identify unused or excessive privileges that could be exploited in an attack.

Furthermore, physical security measures, including secured server rooms and restricted physical access to network hardware, prevent potential bypasses of logical controls. These controls reduce the risk of unauthorized physical or remote access that can lead to network breaches, as demonstrated by the vulnerabilities exploited during the attack.

Policy on Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning

Regular, automated backups stored in an offsite or cloud environment are critical for rapid recovery from ransomware. Validating backups periodically ensures data integrity and availability, underpinning effective disaster recovery plans.

Developing, testing, and updating disaster recovery and business continuity plans enable organizations to respond promptly when attacks occur, reducing downtime and data loss. Since ransomware encrypts files and stalls operations, swift restoration based on reliable backups mitigates the impact, maintaining organizational resilience.

Conclusion

Implementing these policies and controls creates a multi-layered defense mechanism, significantly reducing the likelihood and impact of future cyberattacks on No-Internal-Controls, LLC. Combining technical safeguards, administrative procedures, and physical security measures ensures comprehensive protection aligned with organizational capabilities and budget constraints. This strategic approach not only defends critical assets but also fosters a security-aware culture vital for ongoing cybersecurity resilience.

References

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