For this task you will need to analyse an application scenario and develop a security plan.
• Page 1 describes the application scenario, ref. ‘Scenario: Online Learning Environment Security’.
• Page 2 is the template for the Security Plan you need to develop, ref. ‘IT Security Plan Template’.
Scenario: Online Learning Environment Security
Remarkable University is developing a new online learning platform. The platform integrates both existing and newly developed systems, and it needs to be developed to ensure that it is fit for purpose as well as secure from identified threats.
The online learning platform includes the following core components:
● a learning management system (LMS) that support online classes and discussions for instructors and students;
● front-end web/application servers which are used by students, academics and administrative staff;
● databases which hold course data, student data, and the digital library;
● network channels and facilities.
The platform will need to be built and managed to ensure that the servers are deployed securely and remain secured against common automated and simple manual attacks. Dedicated, targeted attacks are difficult to protect against, however simple measure can be taken to protect against most automated attacks. Identified threats against the platform include (but not limited to):
● Data hacking/modification, e.g., unauthorised access to personal information.
● Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
● Malicious code such as worms
● Automated scanning and exploit tools
● Phishing attempts
The online learning environment needs to remain secured, use appropriate access controls, enforce least privilege, and ensure that information flowing to and from the platform is protected. New software needs to be developed in a secure manner and be protected against common attacks, and the databases need to be protected against common automated attacks and use appropriate access controls.
IT Security Plan Template (2000 words)
1. Introduction
Outline the importance of the plan and its relationship with the organisation’s Security Policy. This section should also address the organisational risk profile.
2. Key IT Assets
This section should establish relevant and key IT assets with justifications on the claims, and classify them as Hardware, Software, Data, or Communication Facilities and Networks.
3. Risk Assessment
This provides a summary and analysis of the risk assessment.
Identify risks (i.e., threats and vulnerabilities) to key assets, by considering the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of those key assets. Classify and explain the identified risks according the four security areas: User Authentication and Access Control, Software Security, Web and Network Security, and System and Other Security.
Analyse each of those risks (likelihood, consequence, and level of risk), provide justifications for your ratings, and summarise your findings in a Risk Register in the following table:
Asset Threat/ Vulnerability Likelihood Consequence Level of Risk Risk Priority
4. Security Strategies
This section should outline security strategies and recommended controls for each of the identified risks in the above section. Classify and explain the controls according the four security areas: User Authentication and Access Control, Software Security, Web and Network Security, and System and Other Security.
Analyse the estimated cost/benefit of each control recommended and provide justifications for your claims. Summarise your recommendations a security Implementation Plan as below:
Risk (Asset/Threat) Level of Risk Recommended Controls Selected Controls
5. Implementation
Online assignment help tutors – Discuss the residual risks, i.e., those that remain after all possible (cost-effective) mitigation or treatment of risks. Outline the recommended maintenance of the security mechanism and training for the relevant personnel.
Hints
Security Plan Ideas
User Authentication and Access Controls
Describe mechanisms to be used for IT system user authentication by the organization. Given the outcomes of the risk assessment, you should identify whether these mechanisms would be an appropriate control to improve its security posture.
Also you should describe the categorization of users into groups that may then be used for access control decisions to IT resources. Describe the access control mechanism in detail. This can be described on the level of application or database access control, i.e., restriction of certain aspects of the application (e.g., admin functionality) or of certain piece of data (e.g., sensitive and confidential data).
Server Security
Describe the management and security configuration of key servers for the organization. Detail the server’s security requirements, identifying:
• what information it contains, and how sensitive that information is
• what applications it runs, how they manipulate the information stored, and how critical their availability is
• who has access to the system, and what type of access they have
• who has administrative access to the system, and how this is controlled
• what change management procedures are used to manage its configuration
You can also detail its basic operating system and patching process to provide a suitable level of security on this server. You can research ways of hardening the O/S, as well as key applications used, to suit the server’s security requirements.
Software Security
Describe whether the organization uses critical software which is exposed to possible external attacks, such as software running on an externally visible web server to handle responses to forms or other dynamic data handling.
Network Perimeter Security
Describe the organization’s network perimeter security arrangements, that is, their use of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems etc. You can describe what access policy is being used for network traffic, detailing the network services allowed to or across the network perimeter.
You should then suggest an appropriate firewall settings (e.g., inbound and outbound), with details justifying its selection.
End User PC Security
Given the known problems with import of malware onto client PC’s or workstations, you can desribe mechanisms to be used to configure and update such systems in the organization, and identify any anti-virus, anti-spyware, and personal firewall products to be used. Suggest whether you believe the current mechanisms should be improved, stating your reasons.
Security Policy (Optional)
You can review the current organizational security policy. Indicate whether there are any areas not covered in the existing policy that you believe ought to be.
