Security Infrastructure Design Document

1. Authentication System

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all user accounts, especially those with access to sensitive information. Use a combination of passwords and one-time codes sent via SMS or generated by an authentication app.

  • Centralized Authentication System: Utilize a centralized authentication system such as LDAP or Active Directory to manage user credentials and enforce security policies.

2. External Website Security

  • SSL/TLS Encryption: Ensure all data transmitted between users and the website is encrypted using HTTPS to protect against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to protect against common web-based attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Regularly update and configure the WAF to address new threats.

3. Internal Website Security

  • Access Controls: Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to ensure employees only have access to the information necessary for their roles.

  • Network Segmentation: Use VLANs to segment the internal network, separating the internal website from other systems to minimize risk and isolate potential threats.

  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Deploy an IDS to monitor internal traffic for suspicious activity and potential threats.

4. Remote Access Solution

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): Provide a secure VPN for remote access, ensuring that all communications between remote employees and internal systems are encrypted. Use strong VPN protocols like OpenVPN or IPsec.

  • Reverse Proxy Solution: Implement a reverse proxy to manage and secure remote access to internal applications and services, providing an additional layer of security and load balancing.

5. Firewall and Basic Rules Recommendations

  • Default Deny Policy: Apply a default deny rule to block all inbound and outbound traffic by default, only allowing necessary traffic.

  • Allow Traffic: Permit web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS) to the external website and allow internal traffic necessary for business operations. Configure specific rules for remote access traffic.

  • Firewall Services: Use both Network Firewalls and Host-Based Firewalls to provide layered protection, with rules specific to network segmentation and access control.

6. Wireless Security

  • WPA3 Encryption: Use WPA3 encryption for the office wireless network to ensure strong protection against unauthorized access and attacks.

  • Guest Network: Set up a separate guest network with restricted access to internal resources. Use WPA3 and restrict access to only the internet.

7. VLAN Configuration Recommendations

  • Engineering VLAN: Create a dedicated VLAN for engineering employees, isolating their network traffic from other departments.

  • Sales VLAN: Set up a separate VLAN for sales personnel to segment traffic and enhance security.

  • Infrastructure VLAN: Allocate a VLAN for infrastructure services such as servers and network devices.

  • Guest VLAN: Implement a guest VLAN with strict access controls to limit interaction with internal systems and resources.

  • 802.1X Authentication: Enforce 802.1X authentication on network switches to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the network.

8. Laptop Security Configuration

  • Full-Disk Encryption (FDE): Ensure that all laptops use full-disk encryption to protect data in case of loss or theft.

  • Antivirus and Anti-Malware: Install and maintain up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software on all laptops to protect against malicious software.

  • Application Whitelisting: Implement application whitelisting to allow only approved applications to run on company devices, preventing unauthorized software execution.

9. Application Policy Recommendations

  • Application Whitelisting: Only allow approved applications to run on company devices. Regularly review and update the list of approved applications to meet security standards.

  • Software Update Policy: Implement a policy requiring regular software updates and patches to address vulnerabilities and improve security.

10. Security and Privacy Policy Recommendations

  • Data Privacy Policy: Develop and implement policies governing the collection, storage, and handling of customer data to comply with regulations such as GDPR or CCPA.

  • Incident Response Plan: Create and maintain an incident response plan to effectively address and manage security breaches.

  • Employee Training: Provide mandatory security training for employees, covering topics such as password management, phishing prevention, and general security best practices.

  • Password Policy: Require passwords to be at least 8 characters long, include special characters, and mandate periodic password changes (e.g., every 6 months).

11. Intrusion Detection or Prevention for Systems Containing Customer Data

  • Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS): Deploy a NIPS to actively block suspicious activity targeting systems containing customer data.

  • Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS): Implement a HIDS on systems with customer data to monitor and detect suspicious activities at the host level.

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