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Network Hardening Network Layout 1: Workgroup Network Layout 2: Client/server Network Layout 3: WLAN Network Layout 4: VPN © 2018 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company. All rights reserved.

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Network security is a critical facet of an organization's technology infrastructure, guarding against unauthorized access, data breaches, and various cyber threats. As technological advances are made, the need for robust network hardening techniques becomes ever more crucial. Network hardening refers to the implementation of security measures to protect a computer network from threats. This assignment will delve into network hardening strategies across various network layouts: Workgroup, Client/Server, WLAN, and VPN.

1. Workgroup Network Layout

A workgroup network is typically comprised of peer-to-peer connections where each device can share files and resources directly without relying on a centralized server. Although workgroup networks are simple to set up, they can expose organizations to several security risks.

Hardening Techniques

- User Access Control: Each device should have secure user accounts and permission levels. Implementing strong passwords and regularly updating them can reduce unauthorized access (Liu et al., 2019).
- Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Every individual device should have its own firewall and antivirus software configured properly to monitor and mitigate threats (Bialczak et al., 2020).
- Regular Updates and Patching: Keep operating systems and software up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities (Zhou et al., 2020).
- Data Encryption: Important files shared over the network should be encrypted to maintain data confidentiality (Higgins, 2018).

2. Client/Server Network Layout

In a client/server network, a centralized server manages resources and services that clients access (Chen et al., 2019). This layout is more complex and requires more resources but provides better security controls.

Hardening Techniques

- Server Configuration: Disable non-essential services and applications on servers to minimize attack surfaces (Muhammad et al., 2020).
- Segmentation and Isolation: Use VLANs to segregate different types of traffic and restrict access between network segments based on roles (Ali et al., 2020).
- Utilizing Secure Protocols: Implement secure communication protocols like HTTPS, SSH, and SFTP to protect data in transit (Fang et al., 2019).
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct thorough audits of both hardware and software to identify and rectify vulnerabilities regularly (Alderson et al., 2020).

3. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Layout

Wireless networks present unique vulnerabilities as they can be accessed from anywhere within their operating range. Therefore, wireless networks are particularly susceptible to eavesdropping and unauthorized access.

Hardening Techniques

- Strong Encryption: Use Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3), a more robust encryption standard than its predecessors (Alrabadi & Shatnawi, 2021).
- Change Default Settings: Modify the default administrator passwords and SSID of wireless routers and access points (Chong et al., 2020).
- Network Monitoring Tools: Use tools to monitor wireless traffic for unauthorized access attempts and signal strength (Kamkar & Saha, 2020).
- Rogue Access Point Detection: Regularly scan the network for rogue access points that might be impersonating legitimate devices (Carse et al., 2021).

4. VPN (Virtual Private Network) Layout

VPNs offer a way to connect remote users to a central network securely. While they provide significant convenience, they also create potential security risks like weak configurations or compromised endpoints.

Hardening Techniques

- Robust Authentication: Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure the identity of users connecting to the VPN (Li et al., 2019).
- Encryption Standards: Utilize strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2, which provide strong protection against data interception (Zhang et al., 2020).
- Connection Settings: Use split-tunneling wisely to control which data is sent through the VPN to reduce the risk of traffic leaks (Barlyah & Zubair, 2021).
- Regular Penetration Testing: Conduct penetration tests on the VPN setup to identify and mitigate possible vulnerabilities (Sinha et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Each network layout has its distinct vulnerabilities and requires tailored hardening techniques. Implementing user access control, strong encryption, and regularly auditing resources are core practices that can dramatically improve network security across workgroup, client/server, WLAN, and VPN layouts. As cyber threats continue to evolve, continuous education, monitoring, and adaptation of security measures are crucial to maintaining a robust defense against potential breaches.

References

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