Discussion 1 A Web Server Is A Form Of Computer Used To Operate A ✓ Solved

Discussion - 1 : A web-server is a form of computer used to operate across websites over the network. Its primary use is to process, store, and transport web pages to users. Web-servers enable individuals and organizations to share their information with the world regardless of the recipients (Chakravarthy, & Kannimuthu, 2019). Whenever hackers want to establish an attack, a web-server is the first place they consider. Therefore, without the appropriate preparations and precautions, the web-server is weak enough to provide the attackers with the necessary grip.

There are several methods used to identify weak web-server configurations. One of them is the secure socket layer (SSL) certificate. SSL certificate is a technique of encrypting data transported across the internet. Once installed on a web-server, it becomes activated and it sends a signal to the system, which alerts the user in case of any breach (Chakravarthy, & Kannimuthu, 2019). The least privilege is also another method used to identify a weak web-server.

The least privilege principle works by permitting authorization only to complete the assigned tasks. It helps the user to identify a weak web-server once it starts processing unnecessary materials to the user. Another method is vulnerability migration. This process allows users to discover weaknesses on web-servers and document them in an account within the targeted location. Additionally, it is also a systematic evaluation of security faults in data systems.

However, it is possible to keep a web-server safe and secure from any form of threat. The web-server should be strengthened during the development stage to guarantee the users a secure and strong software growth life cycle procedure (Chakravarthy, & Kannimuthu, 2019). Besides, application security should be addressed during the run-time phase because during that stage (WAF) web application firewall provides prevention control and the effective recognition of weaknesses. Reference Chakravarthy, D., & Kannimuthu, S. (2019). Extreme Gradient Boost Classification Based Interesting User Patterns Discovery for Web Service Composition.

Mobile Networks and Applications, 24(6), 1883–1895. Discussion 2: As we know, most organizations in the current market provide web browser service to customers to access organization resources. We can web application to notify or report the outage to a utility company, the same as we can use a web application to buy an insurance policy. This explains how essential web applications are, and we need to make sure our application is secure and does not have any vulnerabilities. Below is the process we implement to identify web server configuration vulnerability.

Web application performance monitoring Using third-party tools for performance monitoring Monitoring web application logs Web application governance For securing web applications, we need to implement the below process. Strong password and username HTTPS encryption For file, transfer use Electronic data interchange Automated secure process File and data integration checking Patch and upgrade security continuously SSL configuration XSD validation JWT tokens Limitations on API IP whitelisting and Blacklisting (Mike et al., 2018). References Mike, C., James, M. S., Darril, G. (2018). (ISC) CISSP Certified information systems security professional official study guide: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: Discussion 1: Blockchain innovation is here and there alluded to as the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

It is generally a record where records are orchestrated as squares with cryptographic approval. This implies that they are connected with security highlights and layers that interface the squares. The ubiquity of blockchain innovation has been obvious because of the issues including exchanges and even administration of representatives in associations. This innovation is autonomous and empowers lasting data sets to coincide inside given areas. It can likewise be divided between networks.

At first, this innovation was viewed as convoluted and has security challenges (Ferguson, 2018). In any case, it has demonstrated in any case as it has been gainful for different errands. Bitcoin, for example, gives better security, and the disseminated idea of the cryptographic money guarantees that control is practically inconceivable. The unchanging nature capacity is sealed and gives better security conventions. Digital assaults are regular when utilizing innovation, and blockchain innovation can address a portion of the difficulties confronted (Tapscott and Tapscott, 2017).

Blockchain innovation likewise killed outsider administrations during exchanges. The installment frameworks are proficient on the grounds that banks and in any event, clearing distribution centers that used to be go-betweens are eliminated. This is savvy for individuals making exchanges (Bashir, 2017). The innovation of brilliant agreements has improved the dimensionality of exchanges secured on trust. The handling of installments is quicker and furthermore less expensive hence empowering organizations to contend well on the lookout (Ferguson, 2018).

Associations have been utilizing keen agreements to decentralize tasks. This shows that blockchain is in the advanced period and the development of cycles. References Bashir, I. (2017). Mastering blockchain. UK: Packt Publishing Ltd.

Ferguson, M. (2018). Preparing for a Blockchain future. MIT Sloan Management Review. Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2017). How blockchain will change organizations.

MIT Sloan Management Review, 58(2), 10. Discussion 2: Block chain is a technology that became widely popular since the induction of cryptocurrencies. It is a distributed technology that allows for a control over financial system irrespective of the location eliminating the middleman like banks. In simple words, it can be said that transaction occurring between 2 or more individuals located globally eliminating bank as the middleman. As the name blockchain suggests, its literally series of blocks with information connected by a chain.

The way blockchain works is like a group of individuals working to resolve a Rubik’s cube individually. The first to win gets a prize. The blockchain technology is specifically used in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, Ethereum and many others. The prize is bitcoin, and the process is called mining. The more complex it is to resolve the Rubik’s cube, the higher is the reward.

The transactions among individuals are protected using an encryption algorithm like SHA256. When an individual wants to perform a transaction, the transaction is shared with everyone playing that solve the Rubik’s cube. The individual who identifies the right transaction with the transaction ID gets the prize. The blockchain technology is so important because the data(transactions) logged are immutable. Once the data is logged, it cannot be changed.

Due to the encryption technique, it is secure, and the authenticity of the transaction is verified by all its participants. The transactions are real time and immediate which updates the ledger automatically. These benefits make the blockchain technology more popular and important and could be put to best to use in almost all industries. References WALDO, J. (2019). A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Blockchain Universe.

Communications of the ACM, 62(3), 38–42. PAVLUS, J. (2018). The World Bitcoin Created. Scientific American, 318(1), 32–37.

Paper for above instructions

Discussion on Web Servers and their Security

Introduction

A web server is a vital component of modern internet infrastructure, serving as the gateway for user access to websites and applications. Beyond merely processing requests, web servers store, transport, and serve web pages to users who interact with them through web browsers (Chakravarthy & Kannimuthu, 2019). Their role has made them points of interest for malicious actors seeking to exploit inherent vulnerabilities. Understanding the security measures and vulnerabilities associated with web servers is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust in web applications.

Identifying Weak Web Server Configurations

Identifying weaknesses in web server configurations is paramount for mitigating cybersecurity risks. Among the prevalent methods used are the following:
1. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificates: SSL certificates encrypt data exchanged between the web server and users, ensuring that information remains confidential and intact during transmission. When properly configured, SSL certificates trigger browser warnings for users if a breach occurs (Chakravarthy & Kannimuthu, 2019). This not only enhances security but also builds user trust. Users are more likely to engage with websites that utilize HTTPS encryption.
2. Least Privilege Principle: This principle restricts user permissions to the necessary minimum, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or actions by limiting users' abilities to perform tasks that do not pertain to their role. If a user begins receiving unnecessary permissions or accesses data beyond their scope, it serves as an indicator of potential vulnerabilities in the server's configuration (Olsen, 2020).
3. Vulnerability Scanning: This systematic approach involves periodically scanning web servers for known vulnerabilities. Employing automated vulnerability scanning tools allows organizations to seamlessly detect and address weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers (Scarfone, 2020).
4. Server Headers Analysis: Examining HTTP response headers helps administrators identify potential misconfigurations and weaknesses. Certain headers, if misconfigured, can expose web servers to attacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or cross-site request forgery (CSRF) (Alpaydin et al., 2018).
5. Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Implementing a WAF provides an additional layer of protection against various threats by controlling incoming and outgoing web traffic based on predetermined security rules. This can prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities or utilizing malicious payloads (Behl et al., 2021).

Recommendations for Securing Web Servers

Moving beyond identifying configurations, organizations must also implement strategies to safeguard their web servers effectively:
1. Regular Updates and Patches: Ensuring that both the server operating system and any software applications are regularly updated helps defend against evolving threats. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software (Miller, 2019).
2. Strong Password Enforcement: Enforcing complex password policies and two-factor authentication reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Users should be encouraged to create strong passwords and to change them regularly (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2020).
3. Encryption Standards: Leveraging HTTPS and maintaining updated SSL configurations not only secures data in transit but also aligns with modern web standards that emphasize data protection (Sharma & Patra, 2018).
4. Access Controls: Implementing stringent access control mechanisms, including IP whitelisting and blacklisting, helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the web server (Mike et al., 2018).
5. Monitoring and Logging: Continuous monitoring of server activity and maintaining detailed logs allows for timely detection of anomalies that could indicate a breach or attempted attack. Regularly reviewing these logs can identify patterns that inform future security measures (Chen et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Web servers are essential for providing access to online applications and resources, yet they present an attractive target for cyber adversaries. Addressing both identification methods and advanced security recommendations is crucial for organizations striving to protect their web assets. As technology evolves, so too do the tactics employed by malicious actors. Organizations must remain proactive, regularly assess their security postures, and adapt their strategies to defend against emerging threats effectively.

References

1. Alpaydin, A., Mardin, S., & Colakoglu, K. (2018). Understanding and Preventing Cross-Site Scripting Attacks. International Journal of Information Security, 17(4), 365-376.
2. Behl, R., Gupta, U., & Singh, R. (2021). Reinforcement Learning in Predicting Web Application Vulnerabilities: A Survey. IEEE Access, 9, 19690-19710.
3. Chakravarthy, D., & Kannimuthu, S. (2019). Extreme Gradient Boost Classification Based Interesting User Patterns Discovery for Web Service Composition. Mobile Networks and Applications, 24(6), 1883–1895.
4. Chen, T., Wang, B., & Zhou, B. (2019). Anomalous Event Detection in Cyber-Physical Systems based on Web Server Logs. Sensors, 19(16), 3524.
5. Miller, D. (2019). Information Security: Principles and Practices. 3rd Edition. Pearson Publishing.
6. Mike, C., James, M. S., & Darril, G. (2018). (ISC) CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide: John Wiley & Sons.
7. National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2020). Digital Identity Guidelines. NIST Special Publication 800-63B.
8. Olsen, T. (2020). Secure Software Development Lifecycle: A Guide to Ensuring Security Best Practices. International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 12(11), 76-85.
9. Scarfone, K. (2020). Guidelines on Securing Public Web Servers. NIST Special Publication 800-44 Revision 2.
10. Sharma, K., & Patra, M. R. (2018). Analyzing SSL/TLS Security: A Survey on the Current Finds. International Journal of Computer Applications, 179(2), 45-52.