Assume you have a computing environment consisting of a mix of machines running three (3) Windows platforms with the following operating systems; XP, Vista and Windows 7. There are also machines running Linux and Apple iOS. Your environment runs a mix of email and various office applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, slide presentation, database). There is regular use of internet sites both for business and some personal use. There are also laptops, mobile phones and tablets that connect wirelessly to your network. The environment is spread across a wide geographic area. While it might be tempting to have a solution that uses one type of system, such as Windows 7 this is not a possibility given the problem statement. The heterogeneity of the platforms in the environment is typical of the complexity faced by many organizations today. The environment is as defined and you must deal with the stated variation and complexity. What do you consider to be the major risks to your environment and why? Describe the risks and vulnerabilities involved in the above stated environment. There are many risks to consider.

In the given computing environment, consisting of a mix of machines running three different Windows platforms (XP, Vista, and Windows 7), as well as Linux and Apple iOS, there are several major risks and vulnerabilities that need to be considered. This heterogeneous environment, with a mix of operating systems and devices, presents a complex landscape that can be challenging to secure and protect.

One major risk in this environment is the potential for malware and viruses. With multiple operating systems in use, each with its own vulnerabilities and security weaknesses, the risk of malware spreading across the network is increased. For example, if one machine running Windows XP becomes infected with a virus, there is a possibility that it could spread to other machines running the same or different operating systems, if not properly contained. Additionally, since there are laptops, mobile phones, and tablets connecting wirelessly to the network, there is a higher likelihood of these devices being exposed to malware through external networks.

Furthermore, the use of various office applications and internet sites increases the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. For instance, if employees utilize unsecured or compromised websites, they might unknowingly expose sensitive information or allow malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the network. Additionally, the use of multiple operating systems can lead to compatibility issues, which could potentially introduce vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

Another risk to consider in this environment is the lack of centralized management and updates. With different operating systems and devices spread across a wide geographic area, it becomes challenging to ensure that all systems are up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates. This can leave systems vulnerable to known exploits and make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access or compromise the network.

Additionally, the use of wireless connections introduces the risk of unauthorized access through techniques such as eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks. Since laptops, mobile phones, and tablets are connecting wirelessly to the network, it becomes crucial to ensure that the wireless network is properly secured, with strong encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms in place.

In summary, the major risks in this computing environment include the potential for malware and viruses, data breaches and unauthorized access, compatibility issues, the lack of centralized management and updates, and the risk of unauthorized access through wireless connections. It is important to implement robust security measures, including network segmentation, regular patching and updates, employee education and awareness programs, and strong encryption for wireless networks, to mitigate these risks and protect the environment.