Network Security for Business Expansion

This assignment focuses on proposing a new business vertical for ABC Organization: providing online network security services to their existing Australian clients. It explores the importance of information security in today's landscape and highlights leading network security applications and features. The proposal emphasizes conducting background checks on potential clients to avoid ethical and legal issues, ensuring responsible expansion into the network security domain.

Running head: NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 1
Business Research on Network and Information Security Technologies
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NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 2
Executive Summary
The research report intends to focus on investigating one of the important factors /
elements of any organizational network, which is network / information security. During the
information transmission process there are high chances of information being hacked / extracted
or modified by hackers. As the organizational information is very crucial, it is important for
every organization to implement network or information security. In this report a case study of
an organization based in Melbourne has been covered. The organization is currently providing
services on network security applications by developing them in – house. Currently the
organization is working towards expanding their business within a span of five years. Since most
of the network security organizations have an online presence, it has been recommended for the
ABC Organization to start a new business vertical by developing off – the – shelf applications
for their global clients. Also, in order to ensure ethical and legal constraints, the recommended
domains for potential clients are hospitality and pharmaceutical. SWOT analysis on the proposed
business expansion plan has been covered in the report.

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 3
Contents
Executive Summary.............................................................................................................2
Introduction..........................................................................................................................4
Network and Information Security......................................................................................5
Latest Technological Trends in Network and Information Security...............................6
Discussion of recent case studies.....................................................................................7
Proposed Business Expansion Strategy.............................................................................10
Recommendations..............................................................................................................11
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................12
References..........................................................................................................................13

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 4
Introduction
ABC is a Melbourne – based small – sized software company providing services on
development and customization of applications that are highly specialized in network and
information security domain. The ABC Organization has been functional from past five years
and provides services to small and medium – sized organizations / clients based in Australia.
Currently the ABC Organization manages projects to develop in – house applications as well as
customization of off – the – shelf applications. It has been identified that the business scope of
ABC Organization is very limited to application development. Considering the fierce
competition in marketplace, the organization is looking for wide range of options to expand its
business within a span of five years. ABC Organization is willing expand its business within
other ICT verticals as well as expand their customer base within Australia as well as in overseas
market.
Having researched on various business expansion options, the executive management
team has come up with the option of business diversification by providing the current network
and information security services to clients that have online presence. Thus, the new option of
business vertical will involve management of online security of client organizations, including
their databases and security aspects. It has been identified by the Business Development
Manager, the potential clients for the new business expansion idea can be online gambling
organizations, as well as hospitality and pharmaceutical industry organization. Due to research
gap, the executive management team is not very confident about the execution of new business
idea. As a Research and Technology Assistant, the role is to carry out an in – depth investigation
to understand the feasibility of new business expansion of ABC Organization and also research

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 5
on the other business aspects (ethical, social and economic aspects etc) of the potential client
organizations.
The main aim of this research report is to carry out a detailed investigation on the
network and information security domain and understand the latest trends and technologies and
to understand the success factors with real – time illustrations of other organizations. Also, by
using the foundation research, the business expansion proposal in the next five years is also
covered in the report. The proposal is entirely based on the range of advantages / disadvantages
and risks associated with each of the solutions considered in the report.
Network and Information Security
In the technology era, organizations are mainly dependent on computer networks to share
data and information with the entire organization and with their clients in a productive and
efficient manner. Computer networks can now be wired or unwired or wireless. As these
networks carry important data and information, it is important to secure these networks using
network protocols. In other words, network security is the collection of specific tools that are
designed and implemented in a network to protect data during the transmission process from
source to the destination (Krawetz, 2007). On the other hand, information security involves
information protection as well as the information systems from authorized use, access,
modification, disruption, disclosure, destruction, inspection, or recording. Information security
not only involves blocking the hackers and virus attacks, and spam email filters, but also
involves working with management and the employees to make them aware of the current threats
on the network and protect their systems and information (Blandford, 2011).
From the above description, it is quite clear that information and network security are
inter – related domains. Larger and complex networks are often prone to attacks by cyber

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 6
criminals. Thus, the number of vulnerabilities in the network is large and thus, during the process
of transmission, the data and / or information is more vulnerable to attacks. During the process of
transmission process the attacker targets the channel and manipulates or extracts the required
information. Effective network security defeats a range of threats from spreading or entering a
network. The goals of network security are – Availability, Confidentiality and Integrity
(Blandford, 2011).
Latest Technological Trends in Network and Information Security
There has been increased number of attacks on IT organizations at very high – levels and
thus, security organizations are continuously evaluating and engaging with the latest trends in
security technologies in order to protect the organizations against severe attacks, enable
transformation to digital businesses and implement new computing techniques such as mobile,
cloud and DevOps. Following are some of the up – to – date developments encountered in
network and information security domain as per the Gartner’s research analysis.
Workload protection platforms based on cloud technology: current data centers provide
complete support to workloads which basically run in different places – virtual and physical
machines, and public and private cloud (Preetham, 2002). These protection platforms provide
console for single management and a unique way to express policies based on security
irrespective of workload locations. it is well known that attacks that are browser – based are the
primary attack sources on users’. This gave rise to yet another technological trend of
implementing a remote browser by segregating the browsing sessions at the end – user. This
helps in decreasing the attack areas and shifts them completely to the server sessions (Ann Forni
& der Meulen, 2017).

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 7
Yet another technological trend in security is the implementation of EDR. EDR stands for
Enterprise Detection and Response, and according to Gartner predictions, by the end of year
2020, most of the organizations (irrespective of their operational sizes) will invest in EDR –
based capabilities. The EDR – based solutions help in easy identification of malicious attacks or
unusual behaviours in network by continuously monitoring the end – points. On the other hand,
micro - segmentation involves establishment of segmentation and isolation features for the
purposes of increased security in data centers (virtual). Few other notable up – to – date
developments and trends in network and information security include MDR (Managed Detection
and Response), CASBs (Cloud Access Security Brokers), and SDPs (Software – defined
Perimeters) etc (Panetta, 2017).
Discussion of recent case studies
In this section of the research report, a few case studies that reflect on the implementation
of network and information security in global organizations have been discussed. There are
several network / information security applications in market and each has its unique features
and uses.
SolarWinds RMM is software that is built for IT professionals and MSPs who require an
IT platform designed for smarter and safer use and which help clients in operations scalability.
RMM stands for Remote Monitoring and Management and this tool – SolarWinds RMM is one
of the leading platforms on remote management in market. This application provides clients with
a set of comprehensive tools to maintain, improve and secure IT operations and processes. This
application has a web – based console to provide various unique security features such as –
integrated patch management, web content filtering, antivirus, remote access, back – up and
recovery, maintenance and automated monitoring etc. Capabilities of automation allows the day

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 8
– to – day tasks or activities to be automated easily and complete visibility is gained by the on –
time delivery of robust reports ("SolarWinds RMM Reviews and Pricing - 2017", 2017)
Network monitoring and network security features of SolarWinds RMM include the
following:
 Internet usage and IP Address monitoring
 Real – time analytics
 Resource management
 Server monitoring and SLA monitoring
 Web traffic reporting and up – time monitoring
 Anti - virus and intrusion detection systems
 IP protection
 Spware removal, vulnerability scanning, two – factor authentication, web threat
management etc.
One of the major success factors of SolarWinds RMM application from client perspective
is the wide range of deployments that are possible when using this application, which include
SaaS, Web and Cloud and also for Android and iOS. SolarWinds RMM is based in United States
and offer network / information security services to all their global clients ("SolarWinds RMM
Reviews and Pricing - 2017", 2017).
The next example of network / information security application is the Kaspersky
Endpoint Security. The network / information security services provided by Kaspersky protect
their users’ against dangerous and severe malicious programs such as trojans, viruses, hackers,
spam and many other types of intrusions. Deployment of this network security application is
possible via cloud, SaaS and web. The security features provided by Kaspersky are genuine and

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 9
provide high – level of protection. Network security features provided by Kaspersky Endpoint
Security include – Anti Virus, Anti Spam, vulnerability protection, security event log, real – time
monitoring and virus definition updates.
The next network / information security application discussed in the report is Webroot
SecureAnywhere Endpoint Protection. This network security application has been mainly
designed for all types of clients and for any organizational size because of low management
overheads and high effectiveness, which is particularly required for SMEs and SMBs. Webroot
SecureAnywhere Endpoint Protection provide multi – vector type of protection against malware
and viruses and offer complete protection against present sophisticated malware threats that
include – keyloggers, spyware, Trojans, root – kits, back – doors, phishing, and many other latest
persistent threats that can cause major damage to the network ("Webroot SecureAnywhere
Endpoint Protection Reviews and Pricing - 2017", 2017). This network security application has a
built – in privacy and identity shield that stops information or data being captured or stolen when
working on the internet. The Webroot network application is very effective and efficient to stop
malware stealing data using the outbound firewall. One of the unique features of Webroot
SecureAnywhere network security application is that the clients need not worry about running
the updates manually, as the cloud – driven security ensures the end – points to be always up – to
– date. Just like any other network security application, the Webroot software can be deployed
for Cloud, Web and SaaS and also on Android as well as on iOS (Dang-Pham, Pittayachawan &
Bruno, 2017).
All the three network / information security applications described above have been used
globally by both personal users’ as well as many organizations from different industries such as
IT, pharmaceutical industries, and gaming industries etc.

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 10
Proposed Business Expansion Strategy
Considering the wide range of advantages and features provided by the various network /
information security applications discussed above, the feasibility analysis was conducted to
identify and propose a business expansion plan for the next five years. Considering the
immediate availability of resources required for business expansion, it is proposed that the ABC
Organization must consider the continuity of development of in – house applications for their
existing customers as well as start a new vertical in which the organization can plan to develop
off – the – shelf applications that will have an online presence. The company can initially target
customers within Australia and provide best – in – class network security services and update the
software or any other feature control online. Considering the response from Australian clients,
the ABC Organization can plan to expand their business in overseas market (Barolli, 2016).
Due to intense competition in market, the organization must consider low service cost
and also make their market presence in overseas markets by utilizing online marketing tools. It is
important for ABC Organization to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed
off – the – shelf network / information security application with an online presence in global
markets. Following are the advantages and disadvantages of new proposed business expansion
solution and is presented in the form of SWOT Analysis.
Strengths Weaknesses
 Established Organization in Australia
 Has the necessary technical and human
resources to develop and implement the
new business vertical
 Skilled and talented workforce within
the organization
 The workforce is more skilled in
developing in – house network /
information security applications
 Thorough training must be provided for
the team to adapt them to new business
vertical
Opportunities Threats
 Increased customer base and newly  Increased competition in global markets

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 11
added business vertical
 Entry to global markets
 Increased revenue
 Online maintenance of network /
information security applications is
very beneficial to the human resources
 Increased flexibility of managing
network security application at the
client – end
 The quality of service might be affected
in the initial period
 Many gaming industries do not follow
the ethical standards as per the
government rules and regulations
Table – 1 SWOT Analysis on proposed business expansion for ABC Organization
Potential solutions to overcome the risks / disadvantages identified in the report include:
targeting limited number of clients / industries in the first year and observe the outcomes in terms
of client feedback, revenue generated and other factors and then develop strategies / plan for
further business expansion in second year. Initially the organization can target hospitality and
pharmaceutical sector within Australia and overseas market.
Other considerations: ABC Organization will conduct a background check on their potential
clients to identify their products / services that are being sold in markets in order to avoid legal
and ethical issues (Joshi & Singh, 2017). A separate team can be hired by ABC Organization to
run a quick background check on their clients. But, this is feasible for clients within Australia.
For overseas clients, the company has to understand the legal and ethical constraints in that area
and all the factors that can cause ethical and legal issues can be stated and explained in the
contract document.
Recommendations
From the research conducted on network/ information security applications, it is
recommended for ABC Organization to start a new business vertical having online presence and

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 12
develop networks with overseas clients. ABC Organization must consider only the Hospitality
and Pharmaceutical industries as their potential clients in their initial period. Also, resources
must be recruited and adopted to meet customer demands and requirements. ABC Organization
can make use of network security applications discussed in report and provide remote update and
security services to their global clients (Lopez, Huang & Sandhu, 2013). For the first year of
business expansion, the ABC Organization must re – organize their human resources and provide
detailed training for their employees to cater the requirements and demands of their clients
online. All the tools, applications and techniques must be covered in the process of training.
Also, it is very important to test the applications on network as well as information security
features before recommending them to the clients. Also, the ABC Organization must be capable
of hiring human resources to separately manage their new business vertical.
Conclusion
Information / network security is an important part of every organization. Almost all
industries these days require maintenance team for managing their network / information
security. Since ABC Organization is already providing services to their Australian clients by
selling their in – house applications, the business proposal presented in the report is more
suitable for the company to expand its business vertical and provide online network services to
their clients. The network security applications and features provided by leading network
security companies (as discussed in report) must be considered by the ABC Organization and
enhance their network security capabilities and services. A quick background check on potential
clients can help the organization to avoid ethical and legal issues.

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES 13
References
Ann Forni, A., & der Meulen, R. (2017). Gartner Identifies the Top Technologies for Security in
2017. Gartner.com. Retrieved 20 September 2017, from
http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3744917
Barolli, L. (2016). IEEE 30th International Conference on Advanced Information Networking
and Applications Workshops. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE.
Blandford, R. (2011). Information security in the cloud. Network Security, 2011(4), 15-17.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s1353-4858(11)70040-x
Dang-Pham, D., Pittayachawan, S., & Bruno, V. (2017). Exploring behavioral information
security networks in an organizational context: An empirical case study. Journal Of
Information Security And Applications, 34, 46-62.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jisa.2016.06.002
Joshi, C., & Singh, U. (2017). Information security risks management framework – A step
towards mitigating security risks in university network. Journal Of Information Security
And Applications, 35, 128-137. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jisa.2017.06.006
Krawetz, N. (2007). Introduction to network security. Boston, Mass.: Charles River Media.
Lopez, J., Huang, X., & Sandhu, R. (2013). Network and System Security. Berlin, Heidelberg:
Springer.
Panetta, K. (2017). Gartner Top Technologies for Security in 2017 - Smarter With Gartner.
Smarter With Gartner. Retrieved 20 September 2017, from
http://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/gartner-top-technologies-for-security-in-2017/
Preetham, V. (2002). Internet security and firewalls. Cincinnati, Ohio: Premier Press.
SolarWinds RMM Reviews and Pricing - 2017. (2017). Capterra.com. Retrieved 20 September
2017, from http://www.capterra.com/p/163344/SolarWinds-RMM/

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Webroot SecureAnywhere Endpoint Protection Reviews and Pricing - 2017. (2017).
Capterra.com. Retrieved 20 September 2017, from
http://www.capterra.com/p/166552/Webroot-SecureAnywhere-Endpoint-Protection/

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