To: Incoming Computer Science Students
From: Christopher Beberness
Subject: Vulnerability Assessment Analysis
Date: October 8, 2016
Purpose
The vulnerability assessment is used in the cyber security field of the computer science. The purpose of this report template is to effectively convey information conducted from a penetration test on a company’s network.
Background
The vulnerability assessment report is comprised of any exploit or possible weaknesses found in a company’s network while conducting a penetration test as well as a level of risk and how it can be addressed [2]. A penetration test is usually performed by an internal team member to exploit vulnerabilities that they find within a network. Penetration test is like a software attack targeted towards a computer system where it can look for a security weakness or a particular goal [1]. The test will try different ways to attain the desired goal. Once a security weakness or a particular goal is acquired a vulnerability assessment report is then filled out. The employee who conducted the test has to give a detailed expiation of the methods and tests they used to find the desired exploit [2]. Along with a level of risk and a description of the impact that exploit could have to the company [2]. When a vulnerability assessment is done it is usually giving to a IT Director or a technical leader who will then assess the problem and try to fix it based off of the communication within the report [1].
Daniel DeCloss is Director of IT Security at Scentsy incorporated in Meridian, Idaho. After Daniel graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a bachelor in computer science, he went on to further his education and joined the Naval Postgraduate School [1]. There he receive...
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...echnical details provide in the report. However, an audience for other reports, emails, memos, and letters might not know a lot of technical detail and should be taken into consideration [1]. The writing has to make sense to someone who might not have the same job you.
In order to set oneself apart from others in the cyber security field is to learn how to write and read code. In the interview, Daniel recommended learning programs like as C++, Python, and Java script [1]. These skills will provide a better understanding of computer programs that one might be trying protecting or trying to hack into. Trying to protect data or hack without the skills of understanding computer programs will be more difficult. Learning these skills will also open a lot more opportunities in the field. Internships will also look for characteristics like these when deciding to hire [1].
Commencing penetration tests within the infrastructure of Alexander Rocco Corporation may be a strenuous, yet beneficial process. However, before commencing penetration tests, much planning, strategizing, and research is necessary in order to ensure successful, seamless, and legal operations. Based on information provided by the SANS Institute, an initial meeting should be coordinated between those responsible for conducting the tests, along with the appropriate leadership personnel of the company (source). Within the meeting, the scope of the project should be established, classifying company data appropriately, and determining which components of the company’s infrastructure require penetration testing, which may include Alexander Rocco Corporation’s
The security evaluations performed by DWP Systems, take after a standard appraisal philosophy starting with observation, powerlessness list and entrance testing for validation. DWP performs these assessments with the least possible impact to the organization. This means our assessment tools have been throttled back as to not consume customer Internet bandwidth. Our assessments are also done at a mutually agreeable time which is determined to be least impacting to the
This essay answers two questions. Question one is to describe the methods and tools used in scanning and enumerating system and network targets and how one can use the results during the rest of the penetration test. The second question concerns what is the favorite tool that this student learned about in this class, how one uses it and an explanation of why and how it enhances one’s ability to conduct a penetration test.
CVSS, or Common Vulnerability Scoring System, provides a method for assessing and prioritizing previously unknown vulnerabilities in an application’s code that have been identified for IT management to address (Scarfone & Mell, 2007). CCSS, or Common Configuration Scoring System, is based off of using similar metrics to CVSS but is focused on known vulnerabilities based upon decisions regarding security configurations of the program.
Rigorous design and implementation of a more efficient method of writing reports for clients would ensure more security for the peace of mind of the client as well as helping improve competence within operations. This is important to reinforce the way clients are regarded and supported, both pragmatically and in order to build stronger relations and encourage client retention building long-term relationships.
1.) (3 points) The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) publishes what are called Technical Cyber Security Alerts and Vulnerability Notes and these documents alert users to potential threats to the security of their systems. Select a Technical Security Alert or Vulnerability Note published in the last twelve months that has a network related component to it and research the reported problem and the suggested solution (if one is available.) Analyze and describe the problem, and the solution paying close attention to the network related issues that it raises. We are interested in reading your analysis, and not a cut-and-paste of what is on the website. The listing of recent Technical Security Alerts can be found at: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/ and the listing of Vulnerability Notes is at http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls
Students earning the Master’s Degree in Cybersecruity through UMUC are provided a distinctive opportunity. The capstone course for the degree program allows students to put the knowledge they have gained throughout the program into practice. The Cybersecurity Capstone Simulation presents students, organized into teams representing business sectors, with various scenarios in which a cyber threat must be addressed. Furthermore, the simulation stresses the need for the teams to consider other impacts on the implementation of security control, such as employee morale, productivity, and profitability. One of the greatest challenges of the simulation is to implement controls which will defend the sector’s systems, yet still provide
I am interested in going into computer science/cybersecurity as a career path. Protecting data, which has become such an important issue in this day and age (such as the Gmail phishing attack, the yahoo account breach), has been something I’ve always been very interested in. I can’t stand it when things are not fair, and black-hat hacking into
What concerns the government of the United States most is the security of the critical infrastructure from the cyber threats. The nation is depending heavily on the technology in most of its critical sectors to keep it up and running. Thus, this makes its more vulnerable to cyber-attacks from outsiders and insiders. Therefore, its protection must be a priority.
Security and vulnerability assessment can be performed in house on a regular basis and when a system change or updates are applied. And use a third party to perform additional risk assessment.
For this assignment, I will discuss the evaluation process in assessing and calculating vulnerabilities for one of our nation’s Critical Infrastructures identified, as Defense Industrial Base. A vulnerability assessment is a tool used to evaluate weaknesses of a facility against threats and hazards. Norman describes vulnerability as (Norman, 2010, p.32),” Any condition or factor associated with the selected target that can be exploited to carry out an attack – vulnerabilities may be individuals or systems.” The more vulnerable an asset is, the more it’s deemed attractive, or susceptible to threats. In general, a vulnerability assessment identifies an organizations most critical assets needed to continue its function. They help determine, if functions can be repeated under threat scenarios, or need to be
Risk assessment identifies an organizations potential risks and potential threats and by analyzing these threats countermeasures are prepared to respond and eliminate the hazard. In the article by Blanke & McGrady, (2016) the researcher is identifying a checklist of several known risks that most of us are comfortable with until the risks disrupt our services. Risks include any online device such as a portable laptops, tablets, printers, and smart devices, insiders, and physical breaches. In this case healthcare information is proprietary information that must be protected from cyber-attacks and require a robust cyber security risk management framework. The checklist identifies three known vulnerabilities and threats from known healthcare breaches. Risk assessment is analyzing the risk to develop security controls based on the type of risk the organization may encounter i.e. Malware, Ransomware, Spyware and Denial of Service techniques which are some of the most common types of cyber security attacks. Risk Assessment will ensure that all vulnerabilities and threats are assessed when conducting my research.
Waterman, Shaun. "Obama Hits Pause on U.S. Action in Face of Crippling Cyber Strikes from Syria, Iran." Washington Times 28 Aug. 2013. Print. (Source B)
In conclusion, I believe that I have the required zeal to progress my knowledge further at the University of Southern California. My decision to focus on Cybersecurity over the years, has equipped me with a unique set of strengths that I can put to use in the program. Being an International student, I hope to contribute to the already existing multiethnic and multiracial society at your esteemed institution. After I earn my master's degree, I intend to start work on my Ph.D. in Computer Science. I see Ph. D as a professional stepping stone that would help me work in the area of research and development for the Government of India. It is in R & D that I believe, I can make the greatest contribution, utilizing my theoretical background and creativity as a scientist.
The first thing that we must consider about Information Security is that there is not a final destination at which we can arrive. IT Security is an ongoing set of processes and activities that requires attention and expertise on a daily basis. It is important to understand that systems are not secured by themselves and it is our responsibility to maintain and improve them periodically as required. It is of vital importance to establish the appropriate mechanisms and requirements in order to support the company’s CIA triad. The following report will provide you guidance about auditing and hardening techniques applied though the 7 Domains by utilizing IT Security Best Practices.