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
Recommended Citation
Baxter, Madison, "Hardening A Small Business Network" (2024). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1793.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1793