College

College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Date of Last Revision

2024-06-03 13:00:09

Major

Computer Information Systems

Honors Course

CISS 491-001

Number of Credits

3

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2024

Abstract

Security is one of the most, if not the most, important facets of a network. Without security, proprietary data is vulnerable to theft by malicious actors or even just curious techies with too much time on their hands.

Building and implementing a network lays the foundation for a technically sound, robust environment. Network and device hardening minimizes security gaps on the network and streamlines functions and processes.

The objectives of this project were to stand up a functioning small business network, to harden the network and to offer recommendations to further secure the overall environment for a small business.

The security posture of the small business was weak. The possibility of security related vulnerabilities was strong. Most processes to properly secure the network were overlooked when the network was implemented leaving it open and vulnerable to attacks. A single layer of security does not go far in protecting a network from today’s cyber criminals. Research led to the implementation of NIST, industry standard and vendor recommended cybersecurity best practices and guidelines to mitigate and remediate known issues.

With the implementation of National Institute of Security and Technology (NIST), industry standards and vendor recommended best practices and guidelines the small business network was hardened, minimizing risk.

Protecting hardware, software, and data from cyberthreats aimed at accessing, stealing and/or destroying sensitive information has become a common, daily occurrence. Everyone – individuals, small businesses, corporations, and government entities – need to take cybersecurity threats seriously and work to strengthen their cybersecurity practices.

Research Sponsor

Nadhem Ebrahim

First Reader

Stanley Smith

Second Reader

Douglas Hubert

Honors Faculty Advisor

Janet Kropff

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

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