CWA must develop strategies to mitigate web platform failure, as web servers are prone to a wide range of security threats. The business should consider the potential impacts of web failure, including loss of sensitive data and data protection violations (Connolly & Hoar, 2015). Increased digitalization has increased web platform failure chances (Ascenzo, 2019). Interruptions associated with failure can result in significant losses. While such incidents only take a few minutes, they can result in the loss of trust by clients, which translates into a decline in financial performance (Ascenzo, 2019). Server failures are caused by internal and external risks calling for applying appropriate strategies to address and alleviate them.
CWA should understand the sources of web platform failure to help establish effective strategies to address them. Security experts identify internal and external threats that pose significant threats to the organization. Internal threats entail the situations associated with the company’s infrastructure, employee error, and utilities. Conversely, external threats are linked to predictable events and external attacks, including disasters and accidents. Examples of internal hazards include network issues, software errors, hardware failure, power outages, or fire. Cases of internal web failure can be attributed to sabotage, hardware theft, viruses, attacks, DDoS (Distributed denial of service attack), and natural disasters (Connolly & Hoar, 2015). Internal security risk threats are easier to address when compared to external threats (Ashktorab & Taghizadeh, 2012). CWA can work on the risk of internal threats by improving its processes, such as detailed security training, fire protection measures, uninterrupted power supply, and installing high-performing servers. Disaster recovery plans are an effective way of addressing internal and external risks.
Disaster recovery plans should be implemented to ensure that data can be retrieved and normal operations can be resumed. A disaster recovery plan (DRP) refers to the structured and documented approach to how organizations can return to normal operations following unexpected incidents (Brush & Crocetti. 2022). CWA should introduce a DRP to address data loss and recover system functionality so that the organization can operate proficiently following a web platform failure (Ascenzo, 2019). The plan entails the procedures that can be used to limit the impacts of a disaster on organizations. It entails the evaluation of continuity needs and business procedures. CWA will be required to conduct a risk analysis abbreviated as (RA) and a BIA (business impact analysis). Security breaches and cybercrimes have become increasingly complex, making it imperative for companies to establish data protection and recovery strategies. The ability to address web platform failures can pave the way for the organization to limit reputational and financial damage while giving it a clear recovery plan.
CWA should consider various factors while coming up with recovery plans. When a web platform failure occurs, the recovery strategy should be introduced at the business level to establish the most powerful applications for the business (Brush & Crocetti. 2022). The RTO (recovery time objective) refers to the time that the critical applications can fail. The RPI (recovery point objective) refers to the age of the files recovered from the backup storage allowing normal operations to occur. The recovery strategy should consider various issues, including the budget, resources, insurance coverage, compliance requirements, suppliers, and the management team’s position on risk and technology.
Following the development of DR strategies, CWA should establish the best plan for the organization. DRPs are designed according to a specific environment. Examples of specific plans include virtualized disaster recovery strategies that pave the way for simple and efficient implementation (Adeshiyan et al., 2009). Cloud disaster recovery plans can vary from file backup in the cloud to complete replication. Network disaster recovery plans entail the various steps in recovery in complex situations.
Authentication and authorization are the leading strategies that CWA can use to mitigate web server failure. Proper measures should be established to determine the staff that accesses specific applications and accounts and stipulate the level of access these individuals have. Changes made to documents should be recorded as individuals’ roles. The least access principle should always be adhered to, and administration accounts should only retrieve occasionally. Notably, access to these accounts should be done by authorized persons. Export and file sharing should be disabled where technically possible (Indiana University). Two-factor login should be used for privileged users and administrators. Permission, groups, and user roles should be addressed effectively to address classification and sensitivity levels.
Data retention and backups are critical in ensuring proficient management of web platforms at CWA. Data recovery plans should be put in place to enhance continuous operations. Data backup should be in line with the regulations established by the institution and retention plans. Web server administrators should come up with a disaster recovery initiative. Concerning this disaster, backups and plans should be assessed yearly (Indiana University). Data retention should be followed, and data archived to enhance protection.
Data protection should be ensured as it is one of the best strategies that ensure web platform safety. Web administrators should assess the forms of data that should be collected and documented in the system. Because the system involves the storage and collection of data, the infrastructure applied should meet the classification standards (Indiana University). Users should have received appropriate compliance training to ensure they are competent in web server administration. The management of a collection of financial data should be done in line with the required stipulations. Third-party disclosing or sharing data should be done following the signing of proper documents. The agreement should be updated and signed regularly to enhance compliance. It is recommended that the level of institutional data to be stored should be communicated to the clients. Further, the level of sensitivity should be communicated for departmental data.
Log monitoring and scans should be done effectively to document interactions between applications and web servers. Sensitive data should be monitored closely. Auditing on attempted logins should entail geolocation data. Successful and unsuccessful logins should be documented while accessing sensitive data. Additionally, the data should be assessed to track deletions and modifications (Indiana University). Weekly logs should be reviewed to establish unusual activity and required compliance stipulations. Before making significant website changes or conducting application or website migration, frequent vulnerability scans should be done.
CWA should ensure that the team in charge of web server administration has the proper training and technical knowledge to perform its duties effectively. The organization should create and distribute tutorials that explain to users the proper website use and the procedures applied in a data application. Professionals involved in web management should be trained adequately based on the roles that they will perform (Indiana University). Training should be reviewed annually to ensure that changes in the company data policy are considered. Additionally, records should be reviewed and updated annually per the recommended storage term.
Privacy should be a critical consideration for CWA to ensure that sensitive data cannot be accessed by unauthorized data and is protected from different forms of loss (Ascenzo, 2019). The website should have features that pave the way for storing information that can be used to identify personal information and establish processes that protect and track data. The employees should be reminded about data protection policies when contractors or personnel access data, and appropriate privacy, non-disclosure, and access agreements should be obtained. Third parties and personnel should constantly be reminded about data protection measures to enhance web platform effectiveness. Site managers and content owners should collaborate to share a link that can be seen on the home page of the websites and the pages that ask for user information that informs users on how the data will be disclosed and used (Indiana University). A practice notice should be developed for the websites responsible for tracking and collecting data subjects.
Server and physical security should be applied as one of the most effective strategies for mitigating web platform failure. These risks can be addressed by placing servers behind firewalls. Antivirus software should be used in the systems that are used in the management of different applications. Annual risk assessments should be done to establish the factors contributing to web platform failure (Indiana University). Information breaches should be reported promptly, as well as suspicious activity, to safeguard the security and privacy of data.
The discussion has outlined some practical strategies CWA can apply to address web platform failure. The business should come up with a tailor-made DRP depending on the nature of the threat and its impacts on its reputation and profitability. The decision should be based on a cost-benefit analysis for recovery and continuous business operations. CWA should continue working on its web platform to mitigate failure associated with a wide range of threats.
References
Adeshiyan, T., Attanasio, C. R., Farr, E. M., Harper, R. E., Pelleg, D., Schulz, C. & Tomek, L. A. (2009). Using virtualization for high availability and disaster recovery. IBM Journal of Research and Development, 53(4), 8-1
Ascenzo, W. (2019, June 22). Server Disaster Recovery: Creating a Plan | Gillware Inc. Gillware | Data Recovery Company | Creating a Server Disaster Recovery Plan. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://www.gillware.com/data-recovery- company/server-disaster-recovery-plan-template/
Ashktorab, V., & Taghizadeh, S. R. (2012). Security threats and countermeasures in cloud computing. International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM), 1(2), 234-245.
Brush, & Crocetti. (2022, May 1). What is a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), and How Do You Write One? Disaster Recovery. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://www.techtarget.com/searchdisasterrecovery/definition/disaster-recovery-plan
Connolly, & Hoar. (2015). Fundamentals of Web Development: Ch01 Presentation Distilled. In Computer Science Resources | Pearson. Pearson.
Indiana University. Indiana University Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://kb.iu.edu/d/bgki
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