Ensuring Successful Firewall Hardening

C.

After configuring the new firewalls with the correct configuration and disabling unnecessary services, the network engineer should perform additional steps to ensure that the firewalls are hardened successfully. The correct answer depends on the specific security requirements of the organization and the deployment scenario. However, the following explanation provides general guidance on the options presented in the question.

A. Ensure an implicit permit rule is enabled An implicit permit rule allows traffic to pass through the firewall if it is not explicitly blocked by a firewall rule. This option assumes that the firewall's default configuration is to deny all traffic, and the engineer wants to ensure that there are no unintended gaps in the security posture. However, enabling an implicit permit rule could create a potential security risk if the engineer does not carefully review the traffic that is allowed through the firewall. For example, the implicit permit rule could allow unauthorized traffic to enter the network, bypassing the configured firewall rules. Therefore, before enabling an implicit permit rule, the engineer should carefully review the firewall rules to ensure that they allow only the desired traffic.

B. Configure the log settings on the firewalls to the central syslog server Firewall logs provide valuable information about network traffic and security events. By configuring the log settings on the firewalls to the central syslog server, the engineer can ensure that all firewall events are logged centrally and can be analyzed in real-time or in the future. This option can help the organization to detect and respond to security incidents more effectively, as well as to monitor compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements. However, the engineer should ensure that the syslog server is properly secured and that the logs are protected from unauthorized access or modification.

C. Update the firewalls with current firmware and software Firmware and software updates can provide bug fixes, security patches, and new features to the firewalls. By updating the firewalls with current firmware and software, the engineer can ensure that the firewalls are running the latest version of the software and that any known vulnerabilities are addressed. This option can help to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and improve the overall performance and functionality of the firewalls. However, the engineer should follow a well-defined change management process and ensure that the updates are properly tested before deployment.

D. Use the same complex passwords on all firewalls Using the same complex passwords on all firewalls can simplify the password management process for the engineer, but it can also create a security risk if the password is compromised. If an attacker gains access to one firewall, they could potentially use the same credentials to access other firewalls in the network, compromising the entire network. Therefore, the engineer should use strong, unique passwords for each firewall and follow the organization's password policy. In addition, the engineer should consider using a password manager or a secure key management system to store and distribute the passwords.

In conclusion, while all the options presented in the question could contribute to the hardening of the firewalls, the most appropriate choice depends on the specific security requirements and constraints of the organization. Configuring the log settings to a central syslog server, updating the firewalls with current firmware and software, and using strong, unique passwords are generally more effective and secure options than enabling an implicit permit rule or using the same password on all firewalls.