Computer Systems Security Foundations CS651

TechSolutions Network Extension Project

Maria Thomas

May 4, 2024

Table of Contents Organization Description: TechSolutions 3 The Need for Information Security 3 Potential Issues and Risks 4 Project’s Benefits 4 Challenges with On-Site Consultants 4 Post-IPO Challenges 5 References 6

TechSolutions is a rapidly growing cybersecurity consulting company. The company identifies threats to the networks and computer systems of organizations, assesses risk, evaluates security issues, and implements solutions to protect against such threats. When assessing security systems, TechSolutions considers numerous aspects and designs multiple levels of protection in a rapidly evolving IT environment. Following a recent successful Initial Public Offering (IPO), the company has attracted significant interest from investors and stakeholders, resulting in a substantial increase in its customer base and revenue. In addition, TechSolutions has additional regulatory requirements due to IPO.

TechSolutions staff meets with representatives from organizations to gather systems requirements and then return to TechSolutions premises to develop solutions. However, the company's network is limited to its premises, which is a significant problem. To perform effectively, the consulting staff requires a network solution that enables secure connection from various locations, facilitating interaction with other consultants.

TechSolutions is responsible for the management of confidential client data, which comprises personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, and proprietary business information. Therefore, it is critical to provide strong information security protocols in order to preserve client trust, adhere to regulatory standards, and protect the organization's reputation. Inadequate data security measures may result in the compromise or unauthorized access of critical information, thereby compromising client satisfaction and causing damage to the company’s reputation.

Data breach is a significant risk. The ramifications of a data breach have far-reaching and profound impacts. These breaches have evolved from simple cyber security problems into instances of substantial financial losses, reputation damage, legal issues, and regulatory penalties (Alias, 2019). Although there is an increased focus on data security, hackers persistently discover novel methods to bypass defences and obtain vital corporate data and passwords. Hackers are employing every conceivable strategy to compromise, expose, and profit from confidential data, whether it is through malicious software, adept social engineering strategies, or third-party supply chain cyber assaults. Apart from data breaches, expanding the network infrastructure to accommodate on-site consultants introduces additional vulnerabilities, such as the potential for exposure to malware or cyber-attacks and unauthorized access to internal systems.

By expanding the network’s infrastructure, TechSolutions will significantly improve the efficiency of its operations. Consultants will be able to work seamlessly onsite. Besides, the network will facilitate real-time collaboration among staff and remote access to resources. This will substantially enhance productivity and client satisfaction. Furthermore, the company will benefit by having an edge over its competitors. TechSolutions will be able to attract clients who emphasize data security and confidentiality.

Ensuring secure access for consultants working on-site while also limiting unauthorized access to critical data presents a challenge. Secure access pertains to a set of security measures or solutions that aim to prevent unauthorized entry into an organization's digital resources and safeguard sensitive information from being compromised (Whitman & Mattord, 2019). The dynamic and evolving nature of security risks has rendered safe access an indispensable component of the present-day IT environment (Whitman & Mattord, 2019). Another challenge is network segmentation. This refers to preventing data leakage and unauthorized access by isolating client data from internal systems.

As a result of the recent IPO, TechSolutions is subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and is required to show adherence to industry standards and financial rules. This imposes further administrative and compliance responsibilities on the company. In addition, TechSolutions must now conduct its operations in accordance with investor expectations.

Alias, R. A. (2019). Information security policy compliance: Systematic literature review.  Procedia Computer Science,  161, 1216-1224.

Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2019).  Management of information security. Cengage Learning.

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