IT332 Unit 2 Discussion

Hardening Information Systems for Enhanced Security

While information systems enable critical business functions, they are also constant targets for various threats. “Hardening” an information system refers to the process of securing a system by reducing its attack surface and mitigating vulnerabilities. This process directly involves applying core information system concepts and architectural principles to enhance security.

Consider a common type of information system, such as a web server hosting an e-commerce application, an enterprise database system (e.g., for customer records), or an internal network infrastructure within a medium-sized business.

In your initial post, address the following:

1. Initial vulnerabilities (IS concepts): Based on your chosen information system type, identify and explain at least three common vulnerabilities that might exist within its core components (e.g., in its software, network configuration, data storage, or human processes). Be specific about why these are vulnerabilities.
2. Hardening techniques (architectural principles in action): Propose at least three distinct hardening techniques or architectural security measures that could be applied to your chosen system to address the identified vulnerabilities. For each technique:

• Explain how it works to reduce the attack surface or mitigate risk.
• Identify which fundamental information systems architecture principle(s) (e.g., principle of least privilege, defense in-depth, segmentation, fail-safe defaults, simplicity, modularity) it primarily aligns with.

1. Impact on company security: Discuss how the implementation of these hardening measures would contribute to the overall security posture of the company. How do these technical and architectural choices provide a more secure environment for the company’s operations and data, going beyond just fixing individual flaws?