CYB_250_Final_Project

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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250

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Information Systems

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Dec 6, 2023

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Amelia Madsen Course: CYB 250 Section: R1978 Instructor: Patrick Valentia

In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, posing significant risks to organizations. As a security analyst it is crucial to develop a comprehensive cyber defense strategy. This report will address three critical elements of cybersecurity to safeguard our organization against potential threats: Personnel or Human Factor Trends, Data Protection Strategy or Technology Trend and System Protection Trend. I. Personnel or Human Factor Trend 1. Continuous Training and Awareness Programs: Employee cybersecurity training and awareness programs are integral to the overall security posture of an organization. It's important to emphasize that this is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, knowledge quickly becomes outdated. Therefore, organizations should invest in ongoing training to keep employees informed about the latest threats and security best practices. Regular workshops, webinars, and simulated phishing exercises are essential components of such programs. These not only educate employees but also instill a cybersecurity mindset. The importance of keeping employees engaged cannot be overstated; motivated and well-informed employees are more likely to be proactive in identifying and responding to potential security threats. 2. Behavioral Analysis: Behavioral analysis is a proactive and intelligent approach to identifying potential insider threats. By monitoring employee behavior, organizations can detect unusual patterns or anomalies that might indicate a security concern. For instance, employees who consistently fail phishing simulations or frequently access sensitive data that they shouldn't be accessing can be flagged for additional training or closer monitoring. This aspect of cybersecurity contributes to a more preemptive defense strategy and enables organizations to address concerns early, mitigating risks effectively.

3. Employee Reporting Mechanisms: Encouraging employees to be proactive in reporting potential security incidents is vital. An organization's incident response capabilities are significantly strengthened when employees actively participate in threat detection. A robust incident reporting system should be user-friendly, potentially anonymous, and well-documented. This ensures that employees feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of repercussions. By fostering a culture of reporting, organizations can swiftly identify and respond to potential threats, thereby minimizing damage and loss. 4. Security Culture: Fostering a strong security culture within an organization is a long- term commitment that yields significant benefits. It's not just about policy and procedure but about creating an environment where cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Recognition programs that reward and acknowledge employees who actively contribute to security can help cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility. Furthermore, leadership plays a critical role in setting an example. When senior leaders prioritize and consistently follow security protocols, it sends a clear message to the entire organization about the importance of cybersecurity. Building a security culture is an ongoing process, but it's a critical aspect of an organization's defense strategy. II. Data Protection Strategy or Technology Trend 1. End-to-End Encryption: End-to-end encryption is the cornerstone of data protection in a connected world. It ensures that sensitive data remains confidential and secure from the moment it's created until it's consumed by the intended recipient. In a manufacturing context, the transmission of sensitive documents from the central server to smart headsets is a prime example of where end-to-end encryption can prevent data breaches. It's not just about encrypting data; it's about ensuring that encryption is strong, with an emphasis on

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proper key management and secure access control. The robustness of this encryption cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation of data protection. 2. Key Management and Access Control: The management of encryption keys is as crucial as the encryption itself. Organizations must establish a robust key management system that ensures only authorized personnel have access to encryption keys. Access control measures are equally important, as they limit who can decrypt and access the data. Together, key management and access control are integral components of a comprehensive data protection strategy, enhancing the overall security posture. 3. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Integrating a Data Loss Prevention system is essential to monitor and safeguard data in all states: data at rest, data in motion, and data in use. DLP solutions employ deep content inspection to detect and prevent unauthorized access or sharing of sensitive data. This is a proactive approach to data protection, helping organizations minimize the risk of data breaches or accidental data exposure. While encryption focuses on securing data, DLP focuses on actively preventing data loss, adding an extra layer of defense. 4. Regulatory Compliance: Aligning a data protection strategy with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, is more than just legal compliance. It's a commitment to respecting customer privacy and safeguarding sensitive information. Compliance not only reduces legal risks but also enhances the organization's reputation and trustworthiness. It communicates to stakeholders that the organization takes data protection seriously, further strengthening the bond of trust between the organization and its customers. III. System Protection Trend

1. Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, traditional antivirus software may not be sufficient to protect an organization's endpoints. Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response solutions employ machine learning, real-time threat visibility, and analysis to detect and respond to advanced threats. These tools provide organizations with an elevated level of visibility into their network and endpoints, enabling rapid responses to security incidents. Implementing EDR solutions is a proactive measure to stay ahead of emerging threats and enhance an organization's cybersecurity posture. It's important to continually update and refine EDR strategies to ensure they are effective against evolving threats. 2. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): The Zero Trust model represents a significant shift in network security, acknowledging that no user or device, even those within the organization, can be trusted by default. Implementing a Zero Trust approach to network access is crucial for protecting communication between smart headsets and the central server. This model verifies the identity and security posture of users and devices before granting access, reducing the attack surface and enhancing security. ZTNA is not a one- time implementation but a continuous process of verifying and validating trust, making it a powerful strategy in the dynamic world of cybersecurity. 3. Regular Vulnerability Scanning and Patch Management: Regular vulnerability scanning is a cornerstone of an effective security strategy. It is essential to identify and address weaknesses in an organization's systems and applications. To mitigate known vulnerabilities, organizations must establish a robust patch management strategy. This ensures that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly through software updates. Effective vulnerability scanning and patch management are vital components of risk

management and prevention, helping organizations maintain a strong defense against cyber threats. 4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a simple yet potent tool for bolstering security. It adds an extra layer of authentication, requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access. MFA should not be limited to system access; it should be extended to accessing sensitive documents and resources. This additional layer of security significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, making it a critical part of an organization's cybersecurity strategy. In conclusion, a comprehensive cybersecurity defense strategy is not a static set of measures but a dynamic framework that continually evolves to adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape. Continuous training and awareness, robust data protection strategies, and advanced system protection trends all contribute to creating a resilient cybersecurity posture. Regular security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability management are essential to identify new vulnerabilities and ensure that defenses are up to date. Furthermore, maintaining a well-defined incident response plan is vital for addressing security incidents promptly and minimizing potential damage. An organization's cybersecurity strategy should be a living document, constantly updated to reflect emerging threats and industry best practices. This adaptability is essential to maintaining the highest level of protection in an ever-evolving digital world.

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References Center for Internet Security. (n.d.). Southern New Hampshire University. https://snhu- media.snhu.edu/files/course_repository/undergraduate/cyb/cyb250/cis_controls_v7.pdf Human error is to blame for most breaches. Tech News. (2016, June 6). https://technews.tmcnet.com/cybersecuritytrend/topics/cyber-security/articles/421821-human-error-to- blame-most-breaches.htm The human factor in IT security: How employees are making businesses vulnerable from within. Daily English Global blogkasperskycom. (n.d.). https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/the-human-factor-in-it- security/ Lucas, J., & Moeller, B. (2004). The Effective Incident Response Team. Addison-Wesley. October 8, 2023, https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/effective-incident-response/0201761750/? sso_link=yes&sso_link_from=SNHU Shostack, A. (2014). Threat modeling designing for security. Wiley. October 8, 2023, https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/threat-modeling-designing/9781118810057/? sso_link=yes&sso_link_from=SNHU Thompson, E. C. (2018). Cybersecurity incident response: How to contain, eradicate, and recover from incidents. Apress. October 8, 2023, https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/cybersecurity-incident- response/9781484238707/?sso_link=yes&sso_link_from=SNHU Wu, C.-H. (JOHN)., & Irwin, J. D. (2017). Introduction to computer networks and cybersecurity. ROUTLEDGE. October 8, 2023, https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/introduction-to- computer/9781466572133/?sso_link=yes&sso_link_from=SNHU

Cybersecurity Training & Exercises: CISA . Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA. (n.d.). https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-training-exercises Making accounts more secure with multi-factor authentication . Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/what-is-multifactor-authentication-e5e39437-121c-be60- d123-eda06bddf661 Multi-factor authentication (MFA) : CISA . Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA. (2023, October 18). https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/multi-factor-authentication-mfa Official Legal Text . General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (2022, September 27). https://gdpr- info.eu/ Purpura, T. (n.d.). 9 basics of Key Management & Control . 9 Basics of Key Management & Control. https://www.morsewatchmans.com/blog/9-basics-of-key-management-control Sullivan, P. (2019, May 10). Building a cybersecurity awareness training program: TechTarget . Security. https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Building-a-cybersecurity-awareness-training-program What is key management? how does key management work? . Encryption Consulting. (2020, September 23). https://www.encryptionconsulting.com/education-center/what-is-key-management/ What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)? | vmware glossary. (n.d.). https://www.vmware.com/topics/glossary/content/zero-trust-network-access-ztna.html

CYB_250_Final_Project

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