Abstract:
The increasing reliance on digital infrastructure in educational institutions has raised significant concerns about network security, particularly as cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency. This study focuses on the “Implementation of a secure campus network at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK)”, addressing the institution’s specific vulnerabilities. The research begins with a comprehensive analysis of the current network infrastructure, identifying weaknesses in security protocols. Based on this assessment, a robust security architecture is designed, incorporating SSHs, intrusion detection systems, encryption mechanisms, and multi-factor authentication. The implementation of these security measures is followed by rigorous testing, including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, to evaluate their effectiveness in mitigating potential cyber threats.
During the data collection we have documentation and observations, in network topology Start and network design model CCDA during the implementation I used the router to help distributing the internet into the entire network design, switches for helping in the creation of the subnetting network which means the creation of VLAN basing the network specification and laptop and Desktop acting the Endpoint of the network connectivity after the getting the internet through the switches and router coming from internet provider and the software which used while designing the network environment is Packet trace for simulation performance.
The results demonstrate significant improvements in network resilience, data protection, and overall system security, contributing to a safer digital environment for UNILAK’s academic, administrative, and research functions. The study highlights the importance of proactive security measures in educational institutions and offers insights that can be applied to similar institutions facing network security challenges.
