You’ll create a security infrastructure design document for a fictional organization. The security services and tools you describe in the document must be able to meet the needs of the organization. You’ll create a security infrastructure design document for a fictional organization. Your plan will be evaluated according to how well you met the organization’s requirements. The following elements should be incorporated into your plan: *Authentication system *External website security *Internal website security *Remote access solution *Firewall and basic rules recommendations *Wireless security *VLAN configuration recommendations *Laptop security configuration *Application policy recommendations *Security and privacy policy recommendations *Intrusion detection or prevention for systems containing customer data
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Security Infrastructure Design for a Fictional Organization:
1. Authentication System:
The organization should use a multi-factor authentication (MFA) system, integrating both passwords and biometric factors (fingerprint/face recognition) or hardware tokens (Yubikeys) for critical systems. The Active Directory (AD) or LDAP can be employed for managing user credentials securely.
2. External Website Security:
For external websites, implementing SSL/TLS encryption is essential to ensure secure communication between users and the site. This can be achieved through Let’s Encrypt or purchased SSL certificates. Web Application Firewalls (WAF) should be deployed to protect against threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities.
3. Internal Website Security:
Internal websites should also utilize HTTPS for encryption. Network segmentation ensures that the internal network is protected from external threats. Access control should restrict sensitive data to authorized personnel only, and VPNs should be used for secure internal access.
4. Remote Access Solution:
A VPN should be implemented with IPsec or SSL VPNs, allowing remote workers to securely access internal resources. Multi-factor authentication should be required to enhance security.
5. Firewall and Basic Rules Recommendations:
A next-gen firewall (NGFW) should be placed between the internal network and external internet connections, with rules that restrict inbound traffic to necessary ports and services only. Outbound traffic should be monitored for anomalies.
6. Wireless Security:
The Wi-Fi network should use WPA3 encryption for all devices. Separate SSIDs should be created for guests and employees with different access policies.
7. VLAN Configuration Recommendations:
The network should be segmented into VLANs (e.g., separate VLANs for HR, Finance, and general staff) to control access. Sensitive data and systems should reside on isolated VLANs to limit exposure.
8. Laptop Security Configuration:
Laptops should have full disk encryption (e.g., BitLocker, FileVault) and antivirus software installed. Endpoint monitoring tools should be used to detect suspicious activity.
9. Application Policy Recommendations:
Applications should be whitelisted or sandboxed to avoid malware execution. All applications must undergo regular vulnerability assessments.
10. Security and Privacy Policy Recommendations:
The organization should enforce a strict data privacy policy compliant with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, focusing on data minimization, encryption, and access control. Staff training on phishing, password hygiene, and secure communication should be mandatory.
11. Intrusion Detection/Prevention for Customer Data Systems:
Implement an IDS/IPS system like Snort to monitor for malicious activities in systems containing customer data. Logs should be analyzed in real-time to detect and prevent potential breaches.
Explanation:
This security infrastructure design is designed to meet the needs of a modern organization, balancing external access, internal security, and robust protection for customer data. By implementing encryption, MFA, firewalls, and VLANs, the system ensures that both external and internal communications are secure. Segmentation through VLANs minimizes the risk of lateral movement in case of an attack, and remote access is secured using VPN and MFA. Regular security policies and continuous monitoring ensure the integrity of the organization’s assets while complying with relevant data protection laws.