The Security Consulting Firm That You Work For Has Been Warn

The Security Consulting Firm That You Work For Has Been Awarded A Cont

The security consulting firm that you work for has been awarded a contract to implement a new IT Security Infrastructure to secure the Information Technology data assets of a local government agency. This agency has many remote workers that are in the field and need to connect back to the agency’s system servers. The remote workers use a wireless network infrastructure to connect their electronic pads to servers located within the local government’s facility. The remote workers have needs to access property records, cite zoning violations electronically, and validate building permits. The public demand to expand IT services has grown faster than its ability to provide an adequately secured infrastructure.

In fact, this government entity was previously featured on the news for having minimal security controls and methods for accessing property tax information of citizens. The inadequate security allowed many construction trade businesses to illegally access property records and zoning violations. Your role in this project is to enhance and optimize the security mechanisms for accessing these systems. Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: 1. Create an information flow diagram, using Visio or Dia, which: a. Illustrates how remote users will securely connect to the government agency’s network. b. Illustrates the patch of network devices that data packets must travel to get from server to remote user’s device and back to server. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length. 2. Provide an equipment list of network security devices that would be needed to ensure the integrity and sensitivity of private information. In this list: a. Propose at least two (2) vendor brands per each device and the associate costs required to procure these items. b. Identify the functionality each device serves and the expected benefits the government agency should experience upon the successful installation of this equipment. 3. Develop a maintenance plan that should be recommended to the government agency to ensure having the latest security measures available within the network in which you: a. Describe the risks associated with not fulfilling the activities outlined within your maintenance plan. b. Indicate specific activities, personnel / resources required, and frequency of execution. 4. Recommend at least four (4) physical security measures that could be developed to ensure the electronic perimeter of electronic assets. 5. Recommend at least two (2) physical security vendors that could achieve the four (4) security measures you identified. Justify your recommendations with your response. 6. Evaluate and consider activities that the Human Resources Department could perform in order to complement and instill security from within the organization. Provide a rationale with your response. 7. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. Include charts or diagrams created in Visio or one of its equivalents such as Dia. The completed diagrams / charts must be imported into the Word document before the paper is submitted. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Describe and apply the 14 areas of common practice in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Essential Body of Knowledge. Describe best practices in cybersecurity. Describe system, application, network, and telecommunications security policies and response. Evaluate the ethical concerns inherent in cybersecurity and how these concerns affect organizational policies. Use technology and information resources to research issues in cybersecurity. Write clearly and concisely about topics associated with cybersecurity using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid expansion of digital services within local government agencies necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and ensure reliable operation of public services. This paper discusses the implementation of a comprehensive IT security infrastructure tailored to a government agency with a significant remote workforce and critical data assets. The focus includes designing secure connectivity, selecting appropriate security devices, establishing maintenance protocols, recommending physical security measures, and fostering internal security culture through human resource activities.

1. Secure Information Flow Diagram

The cornerstone of a secure network relies on establishing a trusted communication channel between remote users and the agency’s internal network. Using tools like Microsoft Visio or Dia, an information flow diagram can be created to illustrate this process. The diagram should depict remote users connecting via secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels, which encrypt data transit across potentially insecure wireless networks. The VPN terminates at the agency’s perimeter firewall, which acts as the gateway controlling inbound and outbound traffic. Once inside, data packets traverse through additional security devices such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and vialize encrypted tunnels for remote access, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authentication at each step. The network infrastructure involves the wireless access points (WAPs), switches, routers, firewalls, and secure servers, forming a layered defense architecture protecting data as it moves from servers to users and back.

2. Equipment List of Network Security Devices

To safeguard sensitive private information, the agency needs a variety of security devices:

  • Firewalls: Cisco ASA 5500-X ($4,000), Fortinet FortiGate 60F ($1,200). Function: Control traffic and prevent unauthorized access. Benefits: Reduce attack surface, enforce security policies.
  • VPN Gateways: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client ($500/license), Palo Alto GlobalProtect ($2,000). Function: Enable secure remote connections. Benefits: Confidentiality and remote access control.
  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Snort (Open Source, free), Cisco Firepower ($10,000). Function: Monitor traffic and block malicious activities. Benefits: Early threat detection and response.
  • Network Access Control (NAC): Cisco ISE ($3,500), Aruba ClearPass ($2,500). Function: Enforce device authentication. Benefits: Prevent unauthorized devices from connecting.

Implementing these devices ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA or government data security requirements. The expected benefits include reduced security risks, enhanced trust, and improved organizational resilience against cyber threats.

3. Maintenance Plan

An effective maintenance plan is crucial for maintaining cutting-edge security. This plan should include:

  • Regular Software Updates and Patch Management: Monthly updates to security firmware and patches, handled by IT security personnel. Risks of neglect include vulnerability exploitation and system compromise.
  • Monitoring and Log Analysis: Continuous network monitoring using SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools, with weekly log reviews. Resources include trained cybersecurity analysts.
  • Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Quarterly audits performed by external cybersecurity firms. Risks of inaction include undetected vulnerabilities leading to breaches.
  • Backup and Recovery Testing: Monthly backups and biannual disaster recovery drills to ensure data availability. Resources involve IT staff and backup hardware/software.

Failure to maintain these protocols can lead to increased exposure to malware, data breaches, legal sanctions, and loss of public trust, thereby undermining the agency’s mission.

4. Physical Security Measures

Physical security complements cybersecurity by protecting hardware and sensitive storage. Four recommended measures include:

  1. Biometric access controls for server rooms to restrict unauthorized physical entry.
  2. Security cameras with 24/7 monitoring of critical infrastructure sites.
  3. Secure racks and tamper-evident seals to prevent physical interference with hardware.
  4. Environmental controls such as fire suppression systems and climate control to safeguard equipment against damage.

5. Physical Security Vendors and Justification

  • Johnson Controls: Known for comprehensive access control systems, including biometric door locks and CCTV. Justification: Their high-quality, reliable systems provide integrated physical security that is scalable and compliant with security standards.
  • Bosch Security Systems: Offers advanced CCTV and environmental monitoring solutions. Justification: Their reputation for durable products and innovative security technologies ensures protection against physical threats.

6. Human Resources’ Role in Security Culture

Human Resources (HR) can play a vital role by implementing security awareness training, fostering organizational security policies, and conducting regular staff evaluations. They can develop onboarding programs emphasizing cybersecurity best practices, such as strong password use, recognizing phishing attempts, and reporting incidents promptly. HR’s engagement ensures that security awareness is ingrained in organizational culture, fostering proactive participation and reducing the likelihood of insider threats or social engineering attacks. Additionally, HR can coordinate with cybersecurity teams to establish clear disciplinary measures for security violations, reinforcing accountability.

7. Conclusion

Implementing a secure IT infrastructure for a government agency with remote access requirements presents complex challenges that demand an integrated approach. Security architectures must combine technical controls, physical protections, and organizational policies to effectively mitigate cyber threats. Regular maintenance, employee engagement, and physical safeguards are essential for ensuring long-term security resilience. As technology evolves, continuous updates and staff training remain vital in safeguarding sensitive government data and maintaining public trust.

References

  • Friedrichs, J., & Williams, M. (2020). Cybersecurity for Public Sector Networks: Strategies and Challenges. Journal of Government Information Security, 32(4), 112-125.
  • Kim, D., & Solomon, M. G. (2016). Fundamentals of Information Systems Security. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • NIST. (2020). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  • Swanson, M., & Williams, R. (2021). Physical Security and Cybersecurity: Synergistic Approaches in Public Sector. Journal of Security Policy, 45(2), 103-118.
  • Zhou, W., & Leppanen, J. (2019). Best Practices in Security Maintenance and Policy Development. International Journal of Information Security, 18(3), 245-259.

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