REAL EXAMPLE SIMILAR ONE TASK 1
To achieve an A* grade on the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support Services Employer Set Project (ESP) for Task 1, you need to thoroughly address all user-reported issues from Control Document B, conduct a fault-finding investigation, and create a comprehensive test plan as specified in the project brief. Below is a concise list of all issues reported by users, their likely causes, and recommended solutions to resolve them. The solutions are practical and aligned with the scenario provided, ensuring you meet the marking criteria for a high-quality submission.
### Issues Reported by Users (Control Document B)
1. **User A (Amirah, Marketing Advisor) - Cannot Connect to NAS**
- **Issue**: Amirah cannot connect to the Network-Attached Storage (NAS) from her desktop, receiving a "Network Path Not Found" error when accessing \\NAS01 using either the shared admin account (LMSAdmin) or her Windows user account.
- **Likely Cause**: The firewall policy (Control Document C) denies SMB traffic (ports 139/445) from the user IP range (192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200) to the NAS (192.168.1.253), blocking file-sharing access. Additionally, incorrect NAS configuration or network connectivity issues may contribute.
- **Solution**:
- Update the firewall policy to allow SMB traffic from 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to 192.168.1.253 on ports 139/445.
- Verify NAS configuration (e.g., shared folder permissions, LMSAdmin account credentials: Username: LMSAdmin, Password: Pa\$\$w0rd).
- Check network connectivity by pinging NAS01 from Amirah’s desktop and confirming the IP address (192.168.1.253).
- Ensure Amirah’s desktop has the correct network path (\\NAS01) and SMB protocol enabled.
2. **User B (Office Administrators) - Network Printer Disappears**
- **Issue**: The network printer frequently disappears from the list of available printers. It sometimes reappears after a restart, but usually requires manual reconnection.
- **Likely Cause**: The printer’s IP address may be dynamically assigned by DHCP (within 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200), causing conflicts or changes that disrupt printer discovery. Alternatively, network instability or printer driver issues could be factors.
- **Solution**:
- Assign a static IP address to the printer outside the DHCP scope (e.g., 192.168.1.201) to prevent IP conflicts.
- Update printer drivers on affected computers to ensure compatibility.
- Verify printer connectivity by pinging its IP address and checking network switch/wireless stability.
- Configure the printer as a shared network device with consistent discovery settings (e.g., enable SNMP or Bonjour).
3. **User C (Hybrid Workers) - Unable to Send/Receive Emails in Office**
- **Issue**: Office-based staff (desktop and laptop users) cannot send or receive emails through the company’s email client, receiving a “Unable to connect to the mail server. Connection timed out” error. This issue occurs only inside the office network; staff working from home via VPN are unaffected.
- **Likely Cause**: The firewall policy allows IMAP (port 143) and SMTP (port 25) traffic, but the mail server may be external, and the SOHO router’s firewall or NAT configuration may block outbound connections to the mail server from the office network. Alternatively, incorrect DNS settings on the SOHO router could prevent mail server resolution.
- **Solution**:
- Verify the mail server’s IP address and ensure the firewall allows outbound IMAP (port 143) and SMTP (port 25) traffic to the specific mail server address (not just “Any” destination).
- Check DNS settings on the SOHO router to ensure it resolves the mail server’s domain correctly (e.g., test with nslookup).
- Test connectivity to the mail server from an office computer using telnet (e.g., `telnet mail.example.com 25`).
- If the mail server uses secure protocols (e.g., IMAPS on port 993 or SMTPS on port 587), update the firewall policy to allow these ports and ensure the email client is configured accordingly.
### Additional Issues Identified from Scenario and Control Documents
4. **Weak SOHO Router Security**
- **Issue**: The SOHO router uses default administrator credentials (Username: admin, Password: admin), making it vulnerable to unauthorized access.
- **Likely Cause**: Lack of proper configuration during setup, increasing the risk of insider or external threats.
- **Solution**:
- Change the router’s administrator username and password to a strong, unique combination (e.g., Username: NexaTechAdmin, Password: S3cur3R0ut3r!2025).
- Disable remote management access to the router’s web interface unless required.
5. **Insecure Wireless Network**
- **Issue**: The wireless network (SSID: LMS_Wireless_Network) uses WPA encryption with a weak passphrase (LMSWireless1), which is easily guessable.
- **Likely Cause**: Poor security practices in configuring the wireless network.
- **Solution**:
- Upgrade to WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for better security.
- Change the passphrase to a stronger one (e.g., N3xaT3ch$3cur3W1F12025).
- Consider hiding the SSID to reduce visibility to unauthorized users.
6. **Shared Administrator Account for NAS**
- **Issue**: The NAS uses a shared administrator account (LMSAdmin, Pa\$\$w0rd) for all users, which is a security risk and complicates access control.
- **Likely Cause**: Simplified setup from the home office environment, not updated for the larger office.
- **Solution**:
- Create individual user accounts on the NAS with role-based access controls.
- Disable the shared LMSAdmin account or restrict its use to IT administrators.
- Implement stronger password policies (e.g., minimum 12 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
7. **All Users Have Local Administrator Access**
- **Issue**: All users have local administrator accounts on their devices, enabling unauthorized software installation and increasing security risks.
- **Likely Cause**: Lack of access control policies in the network setup.
- **Solution**:
- Restrict local administrator privileges to IT staff only.
- Configure user accounts as standard users with limited permissions.
- Implement Group Policy (if using Windows) to enforce software installation restrictions.
8. **Lack of VPN Security for Remote Access**
- **Issue**: The VPN server (VPN01) relies on user account credentials without mention of multi-factor authentication (MFA) or encryption standards, making it vulnerable to credential theft.
- **Likely Cause**: Inadequate security configuration for remote access.
- **Solution**:
- Enable MFA for VPN access to add an extra layer of security.
- Ensure the VPN uses strong encryption protocols (e.g., OpenVPN or IPsec).
- Regularly update VPN server software (Windows Server 2019) to patch vulnerabilities.
9. **No Monitoring or Logging for Insider Threats**
- **Issue**: The IT team suspects an insider threat due to unauthorized software installations, but there’s no mention of network monitoring or logging to detect such activities.
- **Likely Cause**: Absence of security monitoring tools in the current setup.
- **Solution**:
- Enable logging on the SOHO router and firewall to track access and configuration changes.
- Implement network monitoring software (e.g., Nagios or Zabbix) to detect suspicious activity.
- Conduct regular audits of user activity and software installations.
### Fault-Finding Investigation Report (6 Marks)
To score high marks, your report should:
- **Identify Root Causes**: Clearly link each issue to its cause (e.g., firewall policy blocking SMB for NAS access, dynamic IP for printer issues).
- **Recommend Solutions**: Provide specific, actionable fixes (e.g., update firewall rules, assign static IP to printer).
- **Consider Security Implications**: Highlight how weak router credentials and shared accounts contribute to vulnerabilities.
- **Be Concise and Structured**: Use headings (e.g., “Issue 1: NAS Access Failure”) and bullet points for clarity.
**Sample Structure**:
- **Introduction**: Briefly describe the investigation’s purpose (investigate NexaTech’s cybersecurity issues).
- **Issue Analysis**:
- Issue 1: NAS access failure (firewall blocks SMB, possible misconfiguration).
- Issue 2: Printer disappears (dynamic IP conflicts).
- Issue 3: Email connectivity (firewall/DNS issues).
- Additional issues: Router security, wireless passphrase, etc.
- **Recommendations**: List solutions for each issue.
- **Conclusion**: Summarize findings and emphasize improved security.
### Test Plan (16 Marks)
Your test plan must be detailed and include all required elements (user details, test dates, computer specs, proposed tests, expected/actual outcomes, changes, investigation record, user acceptance). To achieve A* quality:
- **Be Comprehensive**: Cover all issues with specific tests (e.g., ping NAS01, telnet to mail server).
- **Include Troubleshooting Steps**: Detail how to verify fixes (e.g., check firewall logs after updating rules).
- **Ensure Reusability**: Write the plan so other team members can follow it for similar issues.
- **Format Clearly**: Use a table for each test, as shown below.
**Sample Test Plan Table** (Repeat for each issue):
| **Field** | **Details** |
|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **User Details** | Amirah, Marketing Advisor, Desktop User |
| **Test Date** | May 10, 2025 |
| **Computer Specification** | Windows 10, IP: 192.168.1.50, SMB protocol enabled |
| **Software** | File Explorer, NAS client software |
| **Proposed Test** | 1. Ping 192.168.1.253 (NAS01).<br>2. Access \\NAS01 with LMSAdmin account.<br>3. Check firewall rule for SMB (ports 139/445). |
| **Expected Outcome** | 1. Ping successful.<br>2. NAS access granted.<br>3. SMB rule allows traffic. |
| **Actual Outcome** | (To be recorded during testing, e.g., “Ping failed, rule updated”). |
| **Changes Made** | Updated firewall to allow SMB from 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to 192.168.1.253. |
| **Investigation Record** | Firewall blocked SMB; rule updated; NAS permissions verified. |
| **User Acceptance** | Amirah confirms NAS access works (signature/date). |
### Tips for A* Grade
- **Follow Presentation Guidelines** (Page 4):
- Use Arial 12pt, black font, save as PDF (e.g., Smith_J_123456789_Task1.pdf).
- Include page numbers (e.g., Page 1 of 5) and an External Assessment Cover Sheet.
- Label all work with task number and student details.
- **Demonstrate Technical Depth**: Show understanding of networking concepts (e.g., DHCP scope, firewall rules, SMB protocol).
- **Address All Marks**: Ensure the fault-finding report (6 marks) and test plan (16 marks) cover all issues and required elements.
- **Use Control Documents**: Reference specific details (e.g., NAS IP: 192.168.1.253, firewall rules in Table 1).
- **Avoid Plagiarism**: Write in your own words and follow the plagiarism guidance (Page 3).
- **Time Management**: Complete the task within 2 hours 30 minutes, allocating time for investigation (1 hour), report writing (45 minutes), and test plan creation (45 minutes).
### Submission Checklist
- **Single PDF Document** containing:
- Fault-finding investigation report (addressing all 9 issues).
- Test plan (covering all issues with detailed tables).
- **File Name**: Surname_Initial_student number_Task1.pdf.
- **Signed Cover Sheet**: Include the External Assessment Cover Sheet with authenticity declaration.
- **Submit to Supervisor**: Hand over at the end of the session.
By addressing all nine issues (three user-reported, six additional), providing clear solutions, and creating a detailed test plan, you’ll demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for an A* grade. Good luck!
Firewall specifically
The firewall policy at NexaTech IT Solutions, as outlined in Control Document C, has specific issues that are causing problems for users and creating security risks. Below, I’ll explain these issues in simple terms, focusing on what’s wrong and how to fix them, to help you understand and address them clearly in your T Level Task 1 submission for an A* grade.
### Firewall Issues Explained Simply
The firewall is like a security guard for NexaTech’s network, controlling what data can come in or go out based on rules. If the rules are wrong or incomplete, it can block important tasks (like accessing files or emails) or leave the network vulnerable. Here are the issues with the firewall:
1. **Blocking Access to the NAS (Network-Attached Storage)**
- **What’s Wrong**: User A (Amirah) can’t access the NAS (a shared storage device) because the firewall blocks the SMB protocol (used for file sharing) from user computers (IP range: 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200) to the NAS (IP: 192.168.1.253) on ports 139 and 445. The firewall rule explicitly says “Deny” for this traffic.
- **Why It’s a Problem**: This stops users from accessing shared files, causing the “Network Path Not Found” error Amirah sees.
- **How to Fix It**:
- Change the firewall rule to “Allow” SMB traffic from 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to 192.168.1.253 on ports 139 and 445.
- Test the connection by trying to access \\NAS01 from a user’s computer after updating the rule.
2. **Email Connection Problems in the Office**
- **What’s Wrong**: Office-based users (User C) can’t send or receive emails, getting a “Connection timed out” error. The firewall allows IMAP (port 143) and SMTP (port 25) traffic to “Any” destination, but this might not work if the company’s email server is external (outside the network) and the firewall or router’s settings (like NAT or outbound rules) are blocking or misconfigured. The rules don’t account for secure email protocols like IMAPS (port 993) or SMTPS (port 587), which the email server might use.
- **Why It’s a Problem**: Users in the office can’t use email, but remote users (via VPN) can, suggesting the firewall is blocking office traffic to the email server.
- **How to Fix It**:
- Confirm the email server’s address and ensure the firewall allows outbound traffic to it on ports 143 (IMAP) and 25 (SMTP). If the server uses secure protocols, add rules for ports 993 (IMAPS) and 587 (SMTPS).
- Check if the SOHO router’s DNS settings are resolving the email server’s address correctly (e.g., use `nslookup mail.example.com`).
- Test by connecting to the email server from an office computer (e.g., `telnet mail.example.com 25`).
3. **Default “Allow All” Policy is Risky**
- **What’s Wrong**: The firewall’s default setting is to allow all network traffic unless a specific rule denies it. This is mentioned in Control Document C, which says “by default, all network traffic is permitted.”
- **Why It’s a Problem**: This is like leaving all doors unlocked unless you specifically lock one—it makes the network vulnerable to unauthorized access or attacks, especially since the IT team suspects an insider threat.
- **How to Fix It**:
- Change the default firewall policy to “Deny All” and only allow specific traffic needed for work (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, SMB, email protocols).
- Review and remove unnecessary “Allow” rules to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
4. **No Logging or Monitoring**
- **What’s Wrong**: The firewall policy doesn’t mention logging or tracking network activity. Without logs, you can’t see who’s accessing what or spot suspicious behavior, like unauthorized software installations.
- **Why It’s a Problem**: This makes it hard to investigate security incidents or insider threats, which NexaTech is worried about.
- **How to Fix It**:
- Enable logging on the firewall to record all allowed and denied traffic.
- Regularly check logs for unusual activity (e.g., multiple failed login attempts).
- Consider adding a network monitoring tool (like Nagios) to alert IT staff to problems.
### Why These Issues Matter
- **User Impact**: The firewall’s SMB rule blocks file access (User A), and email issues (User C) stop office staff from working efficiently.
- **Security Risks**: The “Allow All” default and lack of logging make the network easy to attack, especially with weak router credentials (admin/admin) and shared NAS accounts.
- **A* Grade**: Addressing these firewall issues in your fault-finding report and test plan shows you understand networking and cybersecurity, which is key to scoring high marks.
### How to Include in Your Submission
- **Fault-Finding Investigation Report** (6 marks):
- Mention each firewall issue (e.g., “The firewall denies SMB traffic to the NAS, causing User A’s access failure”).
- Explain the cause (e.g., “Deny rule for SMB on ports 139/445”) and solution (e.g., “Allow SMB traffic to 192.168.1.253”).
- Highlight security risks (e.g., “Default Allow All policy increases vulnerability”).
- **Test Plan** (16 marks):
- Include tests for each firewall fix, like:
- **Test for NAS**: Check SMB rule, try accessing \\NAS01, confirm access works.
- **Test for Email**: Verify IMAP/SMTP rules, test email client connection, check DNS resolution.
- **Test for Security**: Confirm default policy is Deny All, check logs for activity.
- Use a table format with user details, test dates, expected/actual outcomes, etc., as shown in the previous response.
- **Presentation**: Follow the guidelines (Arial 12pt, PDF format, named correctly like Smith_J_123456789_Task1.pdf) to ensure your work is professional.
### Simple Test Plan Example for Firewall Issues
| **Field** | **Details** |
|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **User Details** | Amirah, Marketing Advisor, Desktop User |
| **Test Date** | May 10, 2025 |
| **Computer Specification** | Windows 10, IP: 192.168.1.50 |
| **Software** | File Explorer |
| **Proposed Test** | 1. Check firewall rule for SMB to 192.168.1.253.<br>2. Access \\NAS01.<br>3. Ping 192.168.1.253. |
| **Expected Outcome** | 1. Rule allows SMB.<br>2. NAS access successful.<br>3. Ping responds. |
| **Actual Outcome** | (Record after test, e.g., “Rule updated, NAS accessible”). |
| **Changes Made** | Added SMB Allow rule for 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to 192.168.1.253. |
| **Investigation Record** | Firewall blocked SMB; rule updated; NAS access confirmed. |
| **User Acceptance** | Amirah confirms NAS works (signature/date). |
Repeat similar tables for email issues, default policy, and logging.
### Quick Tips for A* Grade
- **Be Clear**: Use simple language to explain firewall issues (e.g., “The firewall stops file sharing by blocking SMB”).
- **Cover All Issues**: Include all four firewall problems (SMB block, email block, default policy, no logging).
- **Show Solutions**: Suggest practical fixes (e.g., “Add IMAPS port 993 rule for email”).
- **Test Thoroughly**: Your test plan should check each fix works and is repeatable.
- **Follow Rules**: Stick to the 2-hour 30-minute time limit, save as PDF, and submit with the cover sheet.
By explaining these firewall issues and their fixes clearly in your report and test plan, you’ll show a strong understanding of cybersecurity, helping you secure an A* grade. Let me know if you need help with drafting the report or test plan!
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