This Week, You Will Create A Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet

This week, you will create a Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet and provide a

This week, you will create a Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet and provide a summary for the critical IAM structure provided below. This will be used for all systems and ensure all users have only the privileges needed for their job. The company has three levels of access: Customer (Minimal-web only) Administrative (Implementation-access to Cloud environment at a programmatic level and operational level) System (The requirement(s) for system to system access) The company security compliance controls need to ensure that each level of access is only allowed to authorized users/systems. Create a Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet matrix listing all applicable information for each level of access, and ensure you include this information: AWS that provide access control (network access control list, domain name service, security groups, etc.) Types of restrictions (port, protocols, etc.) The specific implementation matrix for each level (security groups will only allow port 22 to this level) A basic set of IAM users, groups, and roles Write a 1-page summary in Microsoft® Word about the structures and security benefits. Submit your spreadsheet and summary.

Paper For Above instruction

The task of designing an effective IAM (Identity and Access Management) structure within a cloud environment, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), is fundamental to maintaining security and operational efficiency. This paper discusses the creation of a detailed IAM security matrix and a comprehensive summary highlighting the structures and security benefits associated with implementing such a framework.

The primary objective revolves around establishing a structured access control that aligns with the company's three distinct levels of access: Customer, Administrative, and System. Each level has specific requirements and restrictions, necessitating tailored control mechanisms. AWS offers a suite of access control options including Network Access Control Lists (ACLs), security groups, and DNS configurations. Proper utilization of these tools allows organizations to enforce granular access restrictions based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, and roles.

The spreadsheet matrix, constructed in Excel, systematically catalogs all applicable information for each access level. It includes details such as the AWS access control mechanisms employed (e.g., security groups, network ACLs), the specific restrictions placed on each level (e.g., port 80 and 443 for Customer, port 22 for System), and the implementation matrix that delineates which security controls are applicable at each level. For example, security groups can be configured to only permit SSH access (port 22) for System level users, while Customer access might be limited to HTTP and HTTPS ports (80, 443). Administrative access encompasses broader permissions, including implementation and operational controls.

In addition to the technical controls, the framework includes defining core IAM components like users, groups, and roles. IAM users are assigned to specific groups that reflect their access level, and roles are used to facilitate temporary or task-specific permissions. This structured approach minimizes privilege creep and adheres to the principle of least privilege, significantly reducing the attack surface.

The accompanying one-page Word summary expounds on how this structured IAM design provides security benefits such as enhanced access control, reduced risk of unauthorized access, and improved compliance with security standards. Effective segmentation of access ensures that users and systems only have permissions necessary for their roles, preventing potential abuse or accidental damage. Implementing such a matrix aligns with best practices for cloud security governance and facilitates audit readiness.

In conclusion, developing a detailed IAM matrix and a succinct explanatory summary underscores the importance of precise access control in cloud environments. This structured approach not only enhances security posture but also streamlines operational workflows by clearly establishing who can access what, and how they can do so, thereby supporting the company’s compliance and security objectives.

References

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