Project Overview
As a Junior Network Security Specialist at Phaeton Security Solutions Limited (PSS), I was tasked with reviewing the risk assessment procedures of Wargrave College, which had recently suffered a devastating ransomware attack resulting in significant data loss. My primary objective was to prevent such incidents from recurring by designing and implementing a comprehensive security policy tailored to the college's specific needs.
Threat Analysis
Conducted a comprehensive threat assessment to identify internal and external security risks, including insider threats, social engineering attacks, and physical vulnerabilities.
Risk Assessment
Developed and implemented a structured risk assessment methodology based on ISO 31000 principles to quantify and prioritize security risks.
Security Planning
Created a comprehensive security plan with detailed policies covering access control, data protection, incident response, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Project Details
In this project, I conducted a thorough evaluation of Wargrave College's existing security infrastructure and practices following their ransomware attack. The assessment revealed significant gaps in their security posture, including inadequate access controls, insufficient backup strategies, and limited security awareness among staff and students.
Implementation Process
Initial Assessment and Threat Identification
Conducted a comprehensive analysis of existing security measures and identified potential threats facing the college, including insider threats, external attacks, data theft, and physical security vulnerabilities.
Risk Assessment and Analysis
Implemented a structured risk assessment framework based on ISO 31000 principles to evaluate the likelihood and impact of identified threats. Developed a risk matrix to prioritize security risks and allocate resources effectively.
Security Policy Development
Created a comprehensive security policy tailored to Wargrave College's needs, covering access control, data protection, network security, incident response, and compliance with regulatory requirements such as GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Implementation of Security Controls
Recommended and assisted with the implementation of various security controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption protocols, access control mechanisms, and data backup solutions.
Security Awareness Training
Developed and delivered security awareness training programs for staff and students to promote a culture of security awareness and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
Risk Assessment Matrix
A structured risk assessment methodology was implemented to evaluate and prioritize security risks based on their likelihood and impact. The following risk matrix was used to categorize risks and determine appropriate mitigation strategies:
| Likelihood \ Impact | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | Medium | High | High |
| Medium | Low | Medium | High |
| Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Key Components of the Security Solution
Threat Analysis
Conducted a comprehensive threat analysis to identify and categorize potential security threats facing Wargrave College, including:
- Insider threats (deliberate and accidental)
- External threats (hackers, malware, ransomware)
- Physical security vulnerabilities
- Social engineering attacks
- Data theft and unauthorized access
Security Policies
Developed and implemented comprehensive security policies tailored to Wargrave College's specific needs, including:
- Acceptable use policy
- Access control policy
- Data protection policy
- Incident response procedures
- Business continuity and disaster recovery plan
Network Security
Implemented robust network security measures to protect Wargrave College's IT infrastructure from cyber threats:
- Firewall configuration and rules
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure remote access
- Network segmentation and DMZ implementation
- Network Address Translation (NAT) and IP management
Data Protection
Ensured compliance with data protection regulations and implemented measures to safeguard sensitive information:
- GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 compliance
- Data classification and handling procedures
- Encryption of sensitive data
- Secure data backup and recovery solutions
- Data retention and disposal policies
Security Audit
Conducted a comprehensive security audit to assess Wargrave College's security posture and identify areas for improvement:
- Vulnerability assessment
- Compliance assessment
- Physical security audit
- Network security assessment