LASA 2 Internal and External Security PlanningIn this assig…

LASA 2 Internal and External Security Planning In this assignment, you will write a paper in which you create a network security plan for a small business. Tasks: You are an IT manager for a small business. You are being asked to create a network security plan both for internal IT workers and for the company in general. You are to put together a network security plan that addresses each of the following components: LASA 2 Grading Criteria and Rubric All LASAs in this course will be graded using a rubric. This assignment is worth 300 points. Download the rubric and carefully read it to understand the expectations. Purchase the answer to view it

Internal and External Security Planning

Introduction:
Network security is of utmost importance in today’s digital age, especially for businesses that rely heavily on technology for their day-to-day operations. As the IT manager of a small business, it is your responsibility to develop a comprehensive network security plan that addresses the needs of both internal IT workers and the company as a whole. This paper will outline the key components of such a plan, including internal security measures, external security measures, and incident response procedures.

Internal Security Measures:
Internal security measures are designed to protect the network and its resources from unauthorized access or malicious activity from within the organization. The following components should be considered when developing internal security measures:

1. User Access Control: Implementing a strong user access control system is essential to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information and resources. This can be achieved by using strong passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication, and regularly reviewing and updating user access permissions.

2. Network Segmentation: Dividing the network into smaller segments, such as departments or user groups, can help minimize the impact of a security breach by restricting access to sensitive information. Each segment should have its own set of security controls and access policies based on the specific needs of that department or user group.

3. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Deploying IDPS can help detect and prevent unauthorized access and malicious activity within the network. These systems monitor network traffic, analyze it for potential threats, and take appropriate action to mitigate the risks.

4. Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data can protect it from being intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Encryption should be used for data transmission over the network, as well as for data storage on servers and other devices.

5. Regular Employee Training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and raising awareness about potential threats can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach. Regular training sessions should be conducted to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining network security.

External Security Measures:
External security measures are designed to protect the network from threats originating from outside the organization, such as hackers or malicious software. The following components should be included in the external security measures:

1. Firewalls: Implementing firewalls at the network perimeter can help block unauthorized access attempts and filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules. Firewalls should be regularly updated with the latest security patches and configurations.

2. Virtual Private Network (VPN): Deploying a VPN allows remote workers to securely access the company’s network from any location. VPNs encrypt data transmitted over the network and authenticate users before granting them access.

3. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): IPS works in conjunction with firewalls to detect and prevent malicious activity from entering the network. These systems use a combination of signature-based and behavior-based analysis to identify and block threats.

4. Web Filtering: Implementing web filtering can help protect the network from websites that may be hosting malicious content or engaging in phishing attempts. Web filtering software can block access to known malicious sites and flag suspicious webpages.

Incident Response Procedures:
In addition to proactive security measures, it is crucial to have well-defined incident response procedures in place. These procedures outline the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach or any other cybersecurity incident. The incident response plan should include:

1. Identification and Assessment: The first step is to identify the nature and severity of the incident. This may involve analyzing network logs, conducting forensic investigations, and assessing the impact on business operations.

2. Containment and Mitigation: Once the incident is identified, immediate steps should be taken to contain the damage and prevent further spread. This may involve isolating affected systems, disabling compromised user accounts, or temporarily shutting down critical systems.

3. Incident Reporting and Communication: Timely reporting of the incident to the appropriate authorities and stakeholders is essential. This includes notifying law enforcement, clients, and business partners, if necessary, while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Recovery and Remediation: After containing the incident, efforts should be focused on recovering and restoring affected systems. This may involve restoring data from backups, applying necessary patches and updates, and implementing additional security measures to prevent future incidents.

Conclusion:
Developing a comprehensive network security plan that addresses both internal and external security measures is crucial for the success and sustainability of any small business. By implementing strong user access control, network segmentation, IDPS, encryption, firewalls, VPNs, IPS, and incident response procedures, the company can effectively protect its network and data from both internal and external threats.