Final Project: Secure Network Design
Apply your networking and cybersecurity skills to design and implement a secure network infrastructure. This capstone project covers network design principles, security controls, and implementation best practices.
Project Overview
This capstone project challenges you to design a secure network infrastructure for a medium-sized organization. You'll apply the knowledge gained throughout this course to create a comprehensive network design that addresses security requirements while maintaining functionality and performance.
Project Objectives
- Design a secure network architecture
- Implement appropriate security controls
- Apply defense-in-depth principles
- Balance security with usability
- Document the design and implementation
- Test and validate security measures
Key Requirements
- Support for 200+ employees
- Secure remote access capabilities
- Segmentation for different departments
- Protection against common threats
- Compliance with industry standards
- Scalability for future growth
Network Design Principles
Designing a secure network requires following established principles and best practices. These principles guide your decisions and help create a robust security posture.
Defense-in-Depth Strategy
- Multiple layers of security controls
- Physical security measures
- Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS)
- Host security (antivirus, hardening)
- Application security (secure coding)
- Data security (encryption, access control)
Implementation Examples
- Perimeter firewall with DMZ
- Internal network segmentation
- Host-based firewalls
- Application-level security
- Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Multi-factor authentication
Least Privilege Principle
- Users have only necessary access
- Systems run with minimal permissions
- Access granted based on job function
- Regular access reviews
- Temporary access for specific tasks
- Privileged access management
Implementation Examples
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Just-in-time privileged access
- Separation of duties
- Access request and approval workflow
- Automated provisioning and deprovisioning
- Regular access certification
Network Segregation
- Separate networks for different security levels
- Control traffic between network segments
- Limit attack surface
- Contain potential breaches
- Improve monitoring and detection
- Simplify compliance requirements
Implementation Examples
- DMZ for public-facing services
- Separate VLANs for departments
- Guest network isolation
- PCI DSS compliance network
- Industrial control system (ICS) network
- Development and production separation
Simplicity Principle
- Simple designs are easier to secure
- Reduce complexity to minimize errors
- Standardize on proven technologies
- Eliminate unnecessary services
- Clear and consistent policies
- Documentation and training
Implementation Examples
- Standardized network topologies
- Consistent security configurations
- Automation of routine tasks
- Removal of unused protocols
- Centralized management
- Regular cleanup of legacy systems
Implementation Guide
Implementing a secure network design requires careful planning and execution. This section provides a step-by-step guide to implementing the security controls and network components.
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Network Infrastructure Setup
Begin by setting up the core network infrastructure including routers, switches, and firewalls. Configure these devices according to the design specifications and security best practices.
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Network Segmentation
Implement VLANs to segregate the network into different security zones. Configure access control lists (ACLs) and firewall rules to control traffic between segments.
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Security Controls Implementation
Deploy security controls including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and endpoint protection. Configure these systems to monitor and protect the network.
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Remote Access Configuration
Set up secure remote access solutions such as VPNs with multi-factor authentication. Ensure remote connections are properly secured and monitored.
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Identity and Access Management
Implement identity and access management solutions including directory services, single sign-on, and privileged access management.
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Monitoring and Logging
Configure monitoring and logging systems to collect and analyze security events. Implement a SIEM solution for centralized log management.
Testing and Validation
Testing is a critical phase of the secure network design project. It validates that the implementation meets security requirements and functions as intended.
Testing Methodologies
- Vulnerability Scanning: Automated scanning for known vulnerabilities
- Penetration Testing: Simulated attacks to test defenses
- Configuration Reviews: Verification of secure configurations
- Security Control Testing: Validation of security controls
- Compliance Testing: Verification of compliance requirements
Testing Tools
- Nessus/OpenVAS: Vulnerability scanners
- Metasploit: Exploitation framework
- Nmap: Network scanning and discovery
- Wireshark: Protocol analysis
- Burp Suite: Web application testing
Secure Network Design Checklist
| Security Control | Implementation Status | Testing Method | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Segmentation | Implemented | Configuration review, penetration testing | Lateral movement prevention |
| Firewall Configuration | Implemented | Rule review, penetration testing | Unauthorized access prevention |
| IDS/IPS | Implemented | Alert testing, evasion testing | Threat detection and prevention |
| Remote Access Security | In Progress | Authentication testing, encryption testing | Secure remote connectivity |
| Security Monitoring | Planned | Log review, alert testing | Comprehensive visibility |