Touchstone Task 4: Planning Network Security Measures ✓ Solved

Touchstone Task 4 Planning Network Security Measures

Touchstone Task 4: Planning Network Security Measures assignment the To

Touchstone Task 4: Planning Network Security Measures ASSIGNMENT: The Touchstone Tasks in this course will help you prepare for the final Touchstone, which you will submit at the end of Unit 4. A Touchstone is a project that demonstrates your comprehension of the course material. It will help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. For your reference, there is more information about Touchstones in the student guide. There are a total of five Touchstone Tasks throughout the course: Touchstone Task 1: Planning a Network Infrastructure Touchstone Task 2.1: Planning Network Printer Connectivity Touchstone Task 2.2: Planning IP Address Assignments Touchstone Task 3: Planning a Wireless Infrastructure Touchstone Task 4: Planning Network Security Measures In this final Touchstone Task, you will formulate a plan for protecting the network in the scenario from the many types of security threats it may face. This plan may include firewalls, switch and router settings, authentication methods, password policies, physical access to equipment, and anti-malware solutions. These decisions and your rationales for them will become part of your final Touchstone report. While you will not receive a grade or feedback on this Touchstone Task submission, doing the work now will help you complete your final project. Completing this exercise at this point of the course ensures that you are ready to move on. Further, these Touchstone Tasks build throughout the next Units and form the foundation of the presentation for your final project. Touchstone Task 4 Template In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. A. Directions Step 1: Review Final Touchstone Review the final Touchstone to learn more about the overall assignment and see how you will be graded. Return to this page to continue your Touchstone Task. Step 2: Review Greenfield Properties Scenario Review the scenario and client requirements about Greenfield Properties. You will use this information to answer questions related to network security measures. Step 3: Answer Questions Based on the information provided by the client, answer the questions in the Touchstone Task 4 Template in 2-4 sentences each. Be sure to explain your answers in detail. HINTAs you review the scenario and respond to the questions, consider what the client is trying to accomplish and what they have shared about their expectations. Use these perspectives to shape your response to the questions. Step 4: Upload Completed Questions Select the submit button at the top of this page and follow the instructions to upload the template with your completed question responses. You will use these answers as a reference when completing the final Touchstone at the end of Unit 4. B. Requirements While this assignment is ungraded, we recommend you practice the following conventions, which are required for graded Touchstones: Composition should be double-spaced with one-inch margins. Use a readable 11- or 12-point font. Use professional fonts such as Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Do not use unusual fonts. Composition must be original and written for this assignment, and all writing must be appropriate for an academic context. Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited. The submission must include your name, the date, and the title of your composition. Include all assignment components in a single .doc or .docx file.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The Greenfield Properties scenario presents a unique opportunity to design a comprehensive network security plan that aligns with the company's operational goals and addresses potential threats effectively. In today’s digitally interconnected environment, safeguarding network infrastructure is critical to protect sensitive data, maintain business continuity, and ensure regulatory compliance. This paper outlines key security measures tailored for Greenfield Properties, emphasizing firewalls, proper configuration of network devices, authentication protocols, password policies, physical security, and anti-malware defenses.

A fundamental component of the network security strategy involves implementing robust firewalls at network entry points. Firewalls act as gatekeepers, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. For Greenfield Properties, deploying both hardware and software firewalls can provide layered security, preventing unauthorized access and potential malicious attacks from external sources. For example, configuring firewalls to restrict access to critical systems and services—such as administrative dashboards—ensures that only authorized personnel can connect, reducing the risk of data breaches.

Switch and router configurations are equally vital to reinforce network security. Proper segmentation through VLANs can compartmentalize sensitive data zones, limiting access within the network and containing potential outbreaks of malware. Router access controls, such as ACLs, can restrict management interfaces to specific IP addresses, protecting network devices from unauthorized manipulation. Moreover, enabling secure management protocols like SSH ensures encrypted communication channels for administrative tasks, further reducing vulnerability.

Authentication methods play a crucial role in ensuring that only authorized users gain network access. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple credentials, such as a password and a biometric factor or a one-time passcode. Enforcing strict password policies—including complexity requirements, regular updates, and prohibitions on reuse—can mitigate the risk of compromised credentials. These measures collectively strengthen access controls and prevent unauthorized intrusions.

Physical security measures should complement digital controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to networking equipment. Securing server rooms and network closets with locked doors, surveillance cameras, and card access systems limits exposure to theft or tampering. Additionally, implementing environmental controls—such as climate regulation and fire suppression—protects hardware from damage, ensuring uninterrupted network service.

Anti-malware solutions, including endpoint protection, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and regular security updates, are essential for defending against malicious software and cyber threats. Regular patching of operating systems and software ensures vulnerabilities are closed, reducing opportunities for attackers. Conducting routine security audits and staff training raises awareness about cyber threats, fostering a security-conscious organizational culture.

In conclusion, protecting a corporate network requires an integrated approach that combines technical controls, physical safeguards, and user awareness. Greenfield Properties should adopt a layered security strategy that incorporates firewalls, secure device configurations, strong authentication, physical security measures, and anti-malware defenses. This comprehensive plan will safeguard sensitive information, protect business assets, and maintain trust with stakeholders.

References

• Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.
• Stallings, W. (2018). Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards. Pearson.
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• Whitman, M., & Mattord, H. (2018). Principles of Incident Response and Disaster Recovery. Cengage Learning.
• Kim, D., & Solomon, M. G. (2016). Fundamentals of Information Systems Security. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Mahaffey, J. (2021). Cybersecurity for Beginners. Packt Publishing.
• Pfleeger, C. P., & Pfleeger, S. L. (2015). Security in Computing. Pearson.
• Chapple, M., & Seidl, D. (2017). CISSP (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide. Wiley.
• Gordon, D., Lo, S., & Churchill, A. (2019). Network Security Essentials. Routledge.
• Kumar, S., & Singh, S. (2020). Cybersecurity and Privacy in the Internet of Things. Springer.