Your Company Security Consultants Inc. Has Been Engaged

Your Company Security Consultants Incorporated Has Been Engaged To Pe

Your company, Security Consultants Incorporated, has been engaged to perform a perimeter assessment and submit a proposal for remediation. The proposal should include a cover page, a brief overview of the problem or current state (maximum two paragraphs), a proposed network design diagram, a detailed description and reasoning for the proposed design (approximately one page), an implementation approach section (approximately one page), equipment pricing and implementation costs (approximately one page), and references. The content should be double-spaced with 12pt font. This does not include the cover or reference pages.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Security Consultants Incorporated has been tasked with evaluating the current network perimeter of a client organization to identify vulnerabilities and recommend a robust, scalable security architecture. Given the rapid evolution of cyber threats and increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, a comprehensive perimeter assessment is vital to safeguard sensitive data, ensure operational continuity, and comply with regulatory standards.

The current state of the client's network perimeter shows several potential weaknesses, including outdated firewall configurations, insufficient segmentation, and inadequate intrusion detection measures. These vulnerabilities expose the organization to malicious attacks, data breaches, and disrupt business operations. The following proposal outlines a network redesign aimed at strengthening the perimeter defenses while maintaining operational efficiency.

Current State and Problem Overview

The existing network perimeter architecture primarily relies on traditional firewalls that have not been updated to meet current security standards. These firewalls are configured with broad access rules that do not effectively segment the network, allowing potential threats to propagate more easily within the environment. Additionally, there is minimal deployment of intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), leaving gaps in the organization's ability to monitor and respond to ongoing threats.

Furthermore, the organization’s remote access infrastructure is lacking in secure multi-factor authentication and robust encryption, increasing vulnerability to unauthorized access and man-in-the-middle attacks. The absence of a comprehensive intrusion response plan complicates efforts to contain and remediate breaches when they occur. Overall, the current perimeter security controls are inadequate in addressing modern cyber threats, necessitating a strategic redesign.

Proposed Network Design

The proposed network design encompasses a layered security approach, incorporating advanced firewalls, segmentation, and intrusion detection tools. Central to this redesign is the deployment of a next-generation firewall (NGFW) at the network perimeter, capable of deep packet inspection, application awareness, and integrated intrusion prevention. This NGFW will replace outdated devices, providing granular control over inbound and outbound traffic.

Inside the perimeter, network segmentation is implemented through the creation of multiple Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), isolating sensitive systems such as financial data servers, human resources databases, and executive workstations. A demilitarized zone (DMZ) is established for public-facing services, including web servers and email gateways, with strict access controls and monitoring.

The architecture also incorporates an advanced intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS), centralized security management, and secure remote access via Virtual Private Network (VPN) with multi-factor authentication. These measures collectively fortify the perimeter while enabling flexible, secure connectivity for remote users and third-party vendors.

Proposed Network Design Diagram

Design Description and Reasoning

The layered security model adopted in this proposal is driven by the principle of defense in depth, ensuring multiple checkpoints before an attacker can penetrate critical assets. The deployment of a next-generation firewall (NGFW) provides advanced capabilities, enabling granular traffic filtering, application awareness, and integrated threat prevention, which are essential to counter evolving cyber threats.

Segmenting the network into VLANs minimizes lateral movement within the organization, reducing the impact of a breach in one segment. The DMZ hosts publicly accessible services separated from the core internal network, with strict controls to prevent malicious traffic from reaching sensitive data repositories. Incorporating an IDPS enhances real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and automated response, providing critical insights into potential security incidents.

Secure remote access is facilitated through VPN with multi-factor authentication (MFA), ensuring that only authorized personnel can access internal resources from outside the corporate network. The centralized security management system simplifies policy enforcement, log collection, and incident response, fostering a proactive security posture. This comprehensive design aligns with best practices and compliance standards such as NIST and ISO 27001.

Implementation Approach

The implementation process will follow a phased approach to minimize operational disruptions and ensure a smooth transition. Phase one involves an in-depth review of existing infrastructure, asset inventory, and defining security policies aligned with organizational requirements. During this phase, existing hardware will be assessed for compatibility or need for replacement.

The second phase includes procurement and configuration of new security hardware, such as NGFWs, IDPS, and network switches supporting VLANs. Configuration scripts and policies will be developed, tested in a lab environment, and then gradually deployed in production. Concurrently, the existing security controls will be decommissioned or upgraded as needed.

Phase three focuses on testing and validation, including penetration testing and security audits, to ensure the new perimeter defenses operate effectively. Staff training on the new security tools and protocols is integrated into this phase to promote security awareness and operational readiness.

Finally, ongoing monitoring, incident response plans, and periodic reviews will be established to adapt to evolving threats and maintain optimal security posture.

Equipment Pricing and Implementation Costs

The estimated costs for the proposed network redesign are based on current market prices and include hardware, software licenses, and professional services. A next-generation firewall (e.g., Palo Alto Networks PA-5220) is estimated at $45,000, including licensing and maintenance. Additional network switches supporting VLAN segmentation are projected at $10,000.

The intrusion detection and prevention system (e.g., Snort Enterprise) licensing and deployment costs are estimated at $15,000. Secure remote access solutions with MFA (e.g., Duo Security integration) are projected at $8,000 annually, factoring in user licenses and integration fees. Professional services for configuration, deployment, and staff training are budgeted at $20,000.

Overall, the total equipment and implementation costs are estimated at approximately $98,000, excluding ongoing maintenance and support. This investment offers significant security enhancements aligned with current best practices and regulatory compliance requirements, reducing the organization's risk exposure and potential fines associated with data breaches.

Conclusion

The proposed network redesign offers a comprehensive, layered security architecture that addresses the deficiencies of the current perimeter defenses. By deploying advanced firewalls, network segmentation, intrusion detection capabilities, and secure remote access solutions, the organization can significantly mitigate cyber threats, protect critical assets, and ensure business continuity. Implementing this plan will require careful planning and phased execution but will ultimately establish a resilient security posture capable of adapting to future challenges.

References

  • Ahmed, M., & Abbas, R. (2020). Modern Network Security Design Principles. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(3), 45-60.
  • Chung, S., & Lee, H. (2019). Next-Generation Firewalls and Their Role in Enterprise Security. International Journal of Information Security, 18(2), 123-135.
  • Fritsch, E. (2021). Network Segmentation Strategies for Cyber Defense. Cyber Defense Review, 6(1), 89-102.
  • Google Cloud. (2022). Best practices for secure remote access. Retrieved from https://cloud.google.com/security/best-practices
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information security management systems — Requirements.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
  • Palo Alto Networks. (2022). NGFW Deployment and Management Best Practices. Palo Alto Networks White Paper.
  • Ross, E., & Malhotra, S. (2021). Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems in Modern Networks. Journal of Network Security, 25(4), 210-224.
  • Smith, J., & Kumar, R. (2018). Cost-Benefit Analysis of Network Security Technologies. International Journal of Information Security Management, 12(2), 75-89.
  • Verizon. (2022). Data Breach Investigations Report. Retrieved from https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/

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