INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK SECURITY

2 THREATS AND VULNURABILITIES

NETWORK SECURITY DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES

NETWORK TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

CRYPTOGRAPHY AND NETWORK SECURITY

NETWORK SECURITY ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC

SECURING WIRELESS NETWORKS

ADVANCED TOPICS IN NETWORK SECURITY

Security Policies and Standards

Security Policies and Standards

A security standard is a set of guidelines, best practices, and requirements designed to protect information, systems, and data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. Security standards are essential for organizations to safeguard assets, ensure compliance, and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

ISO/IEC 27001

ISO/IEC 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure. This includes processes, people, and IT systems by applying a risk management process.

Organizations use ISO 27001 to:

  1. Protect information confidentiality, integrity, and availability:
    • Confidentiality ensures only authorized people can access information.
    • Integrity ensures the information is accurate and complete.
    • Availability ensures authorized users have access to the information when needed.
  2. Improve risk management: Identify, evaluate, and address risks associated with information security.
  3. Comply with legal and regulatory requirements: Demonstrates commitment to protecting data, building trust with stakeholders.

Components of ISO 27001:

  1. ISMS Scope: Defines the boundaries of the system.
  2. Risk Assessment and Treatment: Identifies risks to information security and how they will be managed.
  3. Policies and Controls: Establishes a framework of controls to protect information.
  4. Statement of Applicability (SoA): Lists all controls and states whether they are applicable or not.
  5. Continuous Improvement: Encourages regular audits and improvements of the ISMS.

Benefits of ISO 27001:

  • Protects sensitive data.
  • Builds trust with customers and partners.
  • Provides a competitive advantage.
  • Helps meet legal and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Reduces costs associated with security breaches.

 

PCI DSS

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a global standard designed to protect cardholder data and reduce credit card fraud. It applies to organizations that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information.

Overview of PCI DSS:

  • Purpose: Safeguard sensitive payment card data (e.g., credit and debit card information).
  • Created by: The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which includes major credit card brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
  • Scope: Covers all systems, networks, and processes involved in handling payment card data.

Key PCI DSS Requirements:

The standard outlines 12 core requirements grouped into six broad categories:

Build and Maintain a Secure Network and Systems:

  1. Install and maintain a firewall to protect cardholder data.
  2. Do not use vendor-supplied default passwords or other security parameters.

Protect Cardholder Data:

  1. Protect stored cardholder data, such as encrypting sensitive information.
  2. Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.

Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program:

  1. Use and regularly update antivirus software or other malware protection.
  2. Develop and maintain secure systems and applications (e.g., patch management).

Implement Strong Access Control Measures:

  1. Restrict access to cardholder data to only those who need it.
  2. Identify and authenticate access to system components, including unique IDs for users.
  3. Restrict physical access to cardholder data (e.g., secure server rooms).

Regularly Monitor and Test Networks:

  1. Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
  2. Regularly test security systems and processes (e.g., vulnerability scans and penetration testing).

Maintain an Information Security Policy:

  1. Create and maintain a security policy that addresses information security for employees and contractors.

Compliance Levels:

PCI DSS has four compliance levels, determined by the number of card transactions processed annually:

  • Level 1: Over 6 million transactions per year.
  • Level 2: Between 1 million and 6 million transactions.
  • Level 3: Between 20,000 and 1 million transactions.
  • Level 4: Fewer than 20,000 transactions.

Steps to Achieve PCI DSS Compliance:

  1. Scope Definition: Identify all systems and processes that handle cardholder data.
  2. Gap Analysis: Evaluate current practices against PCI DSS requirements.
  3. Remediation: Implement the necessary security controls and changes.
  4. Assessment: Perform an internal or external audit (based on compliance level).
  5. Reporting: Submit a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or Report on Compliance (ROC).

Benefits of PCI DSS Compliance:

  • Reduces the risk of data breaches and fraud.
  • Builds customer trust and protects your brand reputation.
  • Helps meet legal and regulatory requirements in many industries.