Project Part 3: System Hardening and Auditing

Scenario

Fullsoft’s chief technology officer (CTO) established a plan to mitigate risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. As part of the mitigation plan, you and your team members will configure baseline security controls on all workstations (harden the systems), which run either Windows 7 or Windows 10. For this effort, you will ensure that the antivirus software is running properly and implement a control related to password-hacking attempts.In addition, Fullsoft’s CTO has asked your team to pay special consideration to continuously monitoring, testing, and improving countermeasures. The CTO points out that within the first 24 hours of configuring baseline security, you may sometimes receive alerts that malware has been quarantined within an antivirus program or notice a failed logon attempt captured by the Windows audit log. In response, you make a note to check the security of the workstation for which you will configure baseline security.The CTO also requests a report on the work you performed, part of which will be incorporated into the company’s IT security policy procedures. The report should also include the purposes of system hardening and auditing, and an additional area of concern or emerging trend related to information systems security that’s relevant to Fullsoft.At the end of the report, include a brief statement that explains how your work on this project relates to the larger responsibility you have for supporting the company’s success regarding IT security. Your statement will be considered a part of your upcoming performance review.

Tasks

If possible, complete the hardening and auditing tasks using a personal computer with the default installation of Windows 7 or Windows 10. If you do not own the necessary hardware and software, consult with your instructor about alternatives. After your work on this project is complete, you may need to return the settings to the previous configuration.

1. Ensure that you are logged in as an administrator. Using a computer that has Windows 7 or Windows 10 installed:
   1. Review the antivirus program. Ensure that it is up to date, is configured for automatic updates, and is scheduled to run quick scans regularly. Note when the last full system scan was run and any issues you observe with the software.
   2. Configure audit logging to identify all failed password attempts into the system.
2. After at least 24 hours, check the Windows workstation for security events. Be sure to review the audit log in Windows Event Viewer.
3. Write a report in which you:
   • Explain how you ensured the antivirus program is up to date, scheduled to run regular quick scans, and when the last full system scan was run. Describe anything significant you observed.
   • Explain how you configured audit logging to record all failed password attempts into the system.
   • Describe all the potentially problematic security events that occurred in the 24-hour period after checking the antivirus software and configuring audit logging.

Project: Information Systems Security
Explain what was done (or should be done) to correct any problems encountered.
Explain the purposes of system hardening and auditing in terms of the company’s goal of maintaining information systems security. Also describe an additional area of concern or an emerging trend related to information systems security that you think warrants the company’s attention in the immediate future. Discuss some relevant hardening guidance Fullsoft could implement.
Briefly explain how your work on this project relates to your responsibility to help the company achieve its IT security goals.

Required Resources

• Textbook for this course
• A Windows 7 or Windows 7 computer, preferably with a default installation
• Internet access

Additional Resources

• Audit logon events
• How to See Who Logged Into a Computer and When
• Event Logs
• Using Event Viewer to Troubleshoot Problems

Submission Requirements

• Format: Microsoft Word or compatible
• Font: APA Format
• Citation Style: APA Format
• Submit in the Group Project Part 3 Assignment
• Name the document Group-project-part-3
• Length: 5–6 pages plus citation page
• Include relevant screenshots

You are encouraged to respond creatively, but you must cite credible sources to support your work.

Self-Assessment Checklist

• I summarized the system-hardening and auditing configuration steps I implemented on a computer using Windows 7 or Windows 10, including:
  • How I ensured the antivirus software is running properly
  • How I configured audit logging of all failed password attempts
• I described potentially problematic security events that occurred within a 24-hour period, and noted actions that were taken (or should be taken) to address them.
• I explained the purposes of system hardening and auditing in terms of the company’s overarching goal of maintaining information systems security.
• I proposed at least one area of concern or emerging trend related to information systems security that warrants additional attention.
• I explained how my work on this project relates to my professional responsibility to help the company achieve its IT security goals.
• I conducted adequate independent research for this part of the project.
• I followed the submission guidelines.

Doing a basic python programming exercise assignment. When I open it I must complete. Will pay good money.

Answer the following questions:

    1. What is a variable?

1. When assigning names to variables, what are the rules to follow?
2. What is the difference between a local variable and a global variable?
3. What string function should you use to return a numeric value representing the number of characters of a string?
4. Why is the use of arrays important in programming?

_____________________________

 Details on the Project:  IT Project Specifications v2.pdf 

Use this project schedule template for the assignment:  IT Project Schedule template.xlsx

When references and citations are included, you must apply and use the basic citation styles of APA. Do not claim credit for the words, ideas, and concepts of others. 

Use in-text citation and list the reference on your supporting source following APA’s style and formatting. 
Do not copy and past information or concepts from the Internet and claim it as your work. It will be considered Plagiarism and you will receive zero for your work.

Discussion 7.1

What do you think would constitute an effective alternative dispute resolution system? What benefits would you expect from such a system? If you were asked to rule on a discharge case, what facts would you analyze in deciding whether to uphold or reverse the employers action?

Discussion 7.2

Considering both federal and state labor laws are labor unions still needed in the USA, why or why not? Describe what it means for HR managers when employees win an election to unionize? What can HR do at this point to make sure the employee’s and company’s interests align?

Discussion 8.1

Describe how a high-performance work system is designed, and explain how the components of it must align horizontally and vertically to support one another and a firm’s strategy.

Weekly Summary 7.1 (Chapter 13 and 14 )

This week you will write and submit a minimum of two (2) full page (not including cover page and reference section) summary of the important concepts learned during the week. The paper will include a summary of the topics covered in the readings/chapters for this week.

Weekly Summary 8.1 ( Chapter 15 and 15)

This week you will write and submit a minimum of two (2) full page (not including cover page and reference section) summary of the important concepts learned during the week. The paper will include a summary of the topics covered in the readings/chapters for this week.

Faster Computing was impressed with your presentation. The company is interested in moving forward with the project, but the senior management team has responded to the presentation with the following questions and concerns:

(12.3.2: Describe the implementation of controls.)

• How will security be implemented in the Linux systems—both workstations and servers?

(10.1.2: Gather project requirements to meet stakeholder needs.)

• End users have expressed some concern about completing their day-to-day tasks on Linux. How would activities such as web browsing work? How would they work with their previous Microsoft Office files?

(12.4.1: Document how IT controls are monitored.)

• The current Windows administrators are unsure about administering Linux systems. How are common tasks, such as process monitoring and management, handled in Linux? How does logging work? Do we have event logs like we do in Windows?

(2.3.2: Incorporate relevant evidence to support the position.)

• Some folks in IT raised questions about the Linux flavor that was recommended. They would like to see comparisons between your recommendation and a couple of other popular options. What makes your recommendation the best option?

(10.1.3: Define the specifications of the required technologies.)

• How does software installation work on Linux? Can we use existing Windows software?
• How can Linux work together with the systems that will continue to run Windows? How will we share files between the different system types?

The deliverable for this phase of the project is a memo. There is no minimum or maximum page requirement, but all of the questions must be fully answered with sufficient detail. The recommended format is to respond to the questions in a bulleted format. Provide sufficient detail to fully address the questions. You must cite at least two quality sources.

(1.2.3: Explain specialized terms or concepts to facilitate audience comprehension.)

Create a memorandum template with a header of your own design or choosing, brief introduction, addresses Faster Computing, Inc’s questions, and summarizes your position on adopting the specific version of Linux.

(1.4.3: Write concise and logical sentences in standard academic English that clarify relationships among concepts and ideas.)

Your memorandum should not include spelling or grammatical errors. Any Linux commands must be displayed in lower case. Information technology acronyms (e.g., SSH or FTP) should be explained for the reader.

How Will My Work Be Evaluated?

In writing a clear and concise memo in response to senior management queries, you are demonstrating your communication skills, technical expertise, and responsiveness to customer/client needs and concerns.  

The following evaluation criteria aligned to the competencies will be used to grade your assignment:

• 1.2.3: Explain specialized terms or concepts to facilitate audience comprehension. 
• 1.4.3: Write concise and logical sentences in standard academic English that clarify relationships among concepts and ideas. 
• 2.3.2: Incorporate relevant evidence to support the position. 
• 10.1.2: Gather project requirements to meet stakeholder needs. 
• 10.1.3: Define the specifications of the required technologies. 
• 12.3.2: Describe the implementation of controls. 
• 12.4.1: Document how IT controls are monitored. 

Present a business use case where Blockchain Technology can address a significant challenge within Finance industry.

PPT Overview:

• A overview of the Finance industry
• Key industry players in the industry
• What are three to five major business problems in the industry today?
• Select ONE of these problems that can be solved using blockchain technology? (This is the overview to the use case)
• What are five ways ways the problem can be solved using blockchain technology? (This is the details to the use case)
• Who will the blockchain innovation impact in the organization? 
  • You must explain – the what, how, why for each. 
• What is the cost associated with the innovation?
• What do you foresee the outcome to be should the organization implement the blockchain technology innovation?
• Are  there any technical challenges/roadblocks that the organization should  be aware of that may prevent a successful implementation?
• Provide a clear and convincing closing to why this solution is the best way forward for the organization. 

 PPT Overview 2: 

• Create a 10-12 slide PowerPoint presentation 
• Keep your content focused! Simple, concise facts on the presentation. (Content presentation counts for 50% of your total grade)

     The presentation must be attractive and business savvy. (This will count for 20% of your grade). 

• Make sure you present your content without any spelling or grammatical errors. Also cite where appropriate (20% of your grade).

Emerging Threats

After  studying Chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16 of Garg & Verma’s book  Operating systems: An introduction, and conducting your own research,  create a PowerPoint presentation to address the four questions below:  

1. Discuss the advantages and challenges of distributed systems (Chapter 13).
2. Explain the components of the Linux operating system and include an illustration (Chapter 14).
3. Explain the main components and their functions of the Android operating system and include an illustration (Chapter 15).
4. Discuss two main features of the Windows 10 operating system (Chapter 16).

Assignment Expectations

Using information from the modular background readings and any good  quality resource you can find, provide at least 10 slides excluding  cover page and references. 

The following items will be assessed in particular:

1. Your ability to address all questions based on reading materials and your own research.
2. Clearly and succinct explanation.
3. Effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned  readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to  the Trident Online Writing Lab at https://mytlc.trident.edu/files/Trident_APA_basics.pdf 

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Assignment Content

1. Competency
   Determine audience needs for effective data visualization.

   Student Success Criteria
   View the grading rubric for this deliverable by selecting the “This item is graded with a rubric” link, which is located in the Details & Information pane.

   Scenario
   You are the facility manager for EnVision, a high-tech vehicle maker located in Atlanta. This new company designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and charging units. EnVision’s unique designs, technical prowess, and limited competition has placed them in the enviable position of having a high demand for their line of products. This demand has generated over a billion dollars in pre-sale orders, and a new manufacturing facility is required to meet customer’s needs. The firm’s CEO, Mark Hammel, has asked you to select a new site that will accommodate a new state-of-the-art facility. EnVision is a privately held organization that consists of a board of directors, management and staff, all of whom are familiar with data visualization presentations.

   The existing 600 employees and a handful of investors also have an interest in the company’s success. All of the EnVision employees are acquainted with the company’s operations and goals and have at least a high school education; they do not want their employment jeopardized. A small group of investors is also interested in any decisions that might affect the firm’s bottom line. The extent of data visualization techniques is unknown by these two latter groups.

   Instructions
   The CEO, Mark Hammel has asked you to help him plan for a presentation for sharing your findings on the site selection and other information, to be presented to all levels of the company in an internal meeting. Your site selection criteria need to be presented and explained by all the various entities within EnVision. Be sure to include the following, being mindful of your visual presentation of the data and information.
   Create a presentation report that includes the following:

   • Identification of the needs and goals of the various stakeholder groups.
   • Evaluation of the audience member’s background and skills.
   • Definition of the motivating factors for audience participation in the presentation.
   • Compare and contrast the desired outcomes of the visuals to be included in the presentation.
   • Resources
   • For assistance on creating a presentation report, please visit the Rasmussen College Answers page.
   • For additional writing assistance, please visit the Rasmussen College Writing Guide.