Section A Scenario

CYBER Solutions

CYBER Solutions, a dynamic IT consulting firm, is on the verge of significant growth. The company has secured several new contracts with large clients, prompting the need to expand its workforce and move into a larger office space. In addition to these changes, CYBER Solutions is adopting advanced technologies such as cloud platforms and collaboration tools to enhance its service delivery and better integrate with its clients.

The company$$s management team has recognized that this expansion brings both opportunities and risks. While they anticipate increased productivity and streamlined communication through shared platforms and cloud services, they are also aware of the heightened security risks associated with storing and transferring sensitive customer data and proprietary information online. With the increasing complexity of the network and the involvement of external partners, ensuring seamless collaboration without compromising security is a top priority.

As the company grows, management is also concerned about the stability of its computer network, which needs to support a larger number of users, devices, and data traffic. Ensuring the network can scale effectively without becoming vulnerable to external threats, such as cyber$-$attacks, is a key challenge.

You, as the company$$s Network Manager, have been tasked with developing a network infrastructure that not only supports the company$$s growth but also ensures that sensitive data remains secure$.$ In addition to implementing security measures, you are responsible for identifying potential vulnerabilities within the network and creating a plan to address them. Finally, you must ensure that employees are well$-$informed about cybersecurity best practices to reduce the risk of internal threats.

The company's leadership expects you to deliver a secure$,$ scalable, and resilient network solution that will accommodate the company's future growth and protect critical information from both internal and external threats.

Source: Abdoola M$,$ Basson A $(2024),$

$$

Question $120$ Marks

Study the scenario in section A and complete the question$($s$)$ that follow:

$1\mathrm{.}1$ As the Network Manager for CYBER Solutions, analyze the essential principles and features required to build a scalable and secure network that will support the company$$s growth. Focus on technologies such as advanced firewalls, encryption, and secure access control, and explain how these features will contribute to maintaining network security and business continuity.

$(10$ Marks$)$

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Evaluate the scalability and flexibility of the proposed network design to ensure that it can meet the future growth of CYBER Solutions. Provide two specific recommendations on how the network infrastructure can accommodate additional users and devices while ensuring robust protection of sensitive data and uninterrupted operations.

$(10$ Marks$)$

$[$Sub Total $20$ Marks$]$

End of Question $1$

$$

Question $220$ Marks

Study the scenario in section A$,$ complete the question$($s$)$ that follow:

$2\mathrm{.}1$

a$)$ Identify and assess the internal and external vulnerabilities that CYBER Solutions could face during their network expansion. Consider risks such as insider threats, outdated software, or external cyber$-$attacks.

$(5$ Marks$)$

b$)$ Provide examples of these external vulnerabilities and explain how they could compromise the security of CYBER Solutions' network. Include details of potential impacts on data integrity, confidentiality, and overall network stability.

$(5$ Marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}2$ Propose a strategy to regularly assess and mitigate these vulnerabilities. Prioritize which vulnerabilities should be addressed first and explain how this strategy will strengthen the overall security posture of CYBER Solutions. Include tools or methods, such as vulnerability scanning or penetration testing, that will aid in identifying and addressing these risks.

$(10$ Marks$)$

$[$Sub Total $20$ Marks$]$

End of Question $2$

$$

Question $320$ Marks

Study the scenario in Section A and complete the question$($s$)$ that follow:

$3\mathrm{.}1.$a: Discuss the importance of implementing an employee training program to raise awareness of cybersecurity threats and best practices.

$(3$ Marks$)$

$3\mathrm{.}1.$b: Explain how training employees to recognize phishing attacks, use strong passwords, and practice safe internet habits can prevent security breaches.

$(4$ Marks$)$

$3\mathrm{.}1.$c: Provide examples of the types of training sessions that would be most effective for CYBER Solutions.

$(3$ Marks$)$

$(10$ Marks$)$

$3\mathrm{.}2.$a: Evaluate how creating a security$-$conscious culture through regular training can reduce the risk of internal threats and enhance overall network security.

$(5$ Marks$)$

$3\mathrm{.}2.$b: Propose two ways to measure the effectiveness of this training over time and give examples of how informed employees act as the first line of defense against cyber threats.

$(5$ Marks$)$

$(10$ Marks$)$

$[$Sub Total $20$ Marks$]$

End of Question $3$