Question

I am creating a system for a security design and need to choose controls for network security and those with access controls as well. I need to decide what major network security controls I would need to recommend. Which ones are good examples and why? Within that, I need to describe three access control techs. and their essentials for util. apps. Are there a few cases to assist in demonstrating those access control techs.

Answer 1

Access control

Not every user should have access to your network. To keep out potential attackers, you need to recognize each user and each device. Then you can enforce your security policies. You can block noncompliant endpoint devices or give them only limited access. This process is network access control (NAC).

Antivirus and antimalware software

"Malware," short for "malicious software," includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Sometimes malware will infect a network but lie dormant for days or even weeks. The best antimalware programs not only scan for malware upon entry, but also continuously track files afterward to find anomalies, remove malware, and fix damage.

Data loss prevention

Organizations must make sure that their staff does not send sensitive information outside the network. Data loss prevention, or DLP, technologies can stop people from uploading, forwarding, or even printing critical information in an unsafe manner.

Firewalls

Firewalls put up a barrier between your trusted internal network and untrusted outside networks, such as the Internet. They use a set of defined rules to allow or block traffic. A firewall can be hardware, software, or both. Cisco offers unified threat management (UTM) devices and threat-focused next-generation firewalls.

Intrusion prevention systems

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) scans network traffic to actively block attacks. Cisco Next-Generation IPS (NGIPS) appliances do this by correlating huge amounts of global threat intelligence to not only block malicious activity but also track the progression of suspect files and malware across the network to prevent the spread of outbreaks and reinfection.

Three principal types of Access Control Systems are available:

• Stand-alone systems: Do not require any type of infrastructure or connectivity, the Access Control terminal itself has the memory and the capability to manage users. These entry-level systems are usually limited by the number of users which can be stored and generally don’t allow for scheduling. One or two entrances can be controlled. They are ideal for small shops, offices, warehouses, etc. with a maximum of 30 registered users.

• Managed systems: Are networked and connected to a central software application from which users are administered, hours and calendars are controlled together with entry permissions. Managed systems also allow for system-wide monitoring and complete audits to be produced showing who entered where and when. These functions, when combined with CCTV surveillance and intrusion can offer very high levels of security at relatively low cost. For organisations of up to 2,000 employees

• Corporate systems: Offer a complete web-based, multi-platform, multi-site software management system which can parameterise many different types of entry requirements. These solutions allow for seamless integration with third party systems: CCTV surveillance, intrusion, vehicle access, intercoms, alerts, messaging, asset management, cyber-security (mange both physical and logical access), time and attendance, tele-assistance, etc.