RE: Down with DHCP!!!!

["Steve Fletcher" <safletcher () insightbb com>]

While I fully understand why you would consider disabling DHCP, I see one
major problem with number 2 below.  Just using static addresses will not
keep users from bringing in their own equipment.  If a user knows much, they
can determine the proper IP addresses for the network and assign a static
address.  So, you in the end, you have added more of a workload on the
network staff, but you really have not done much for security.

I agree with the idea of inventorying, equipment, but trying to manually
inventory each machine is going to be a nightmare for a network of that
size.  I would recommend something to automatically inventory all of the
equipment.  Other automated tools could be used to ensure all machines are
fully patched and secured.

The idea of working smarter, not harder, definitely applies in a situation
like this.

Hope this helps.

Steve Fletcher
MCSE (NT4/Win2k), MCSE: Security (Win2k), HP Master ASE, CCNA, Security+
Email:  safletcher () insightbb com
Web:  http://safletcher.home.insightbb.com

 
-----Original Message-----
From: gigabit () satx rr com [mailto:gigabit () satx rr com] 
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 12:31 PM
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Down with DHCP!!!!

i would like to propose to management that dhcp should be disabled, so 
as to force the building of a database that will hold all of the 
information needed to begin a comprehensive security policy.  the 
security group would manage the database to ensure that we are 
collecting information (such as O/S, IOS version, anti-virus 
compliance...)

i realize this will incur more work for those poor souls that have to 
deploy hardware, but i believe the benefits out-weigh the costs.  the 
benefits i see:

1.  once a branch location is staticly addressed, we have a working 
inventory of what is out there.

2.  a more secure environment.  no longer can users bring in non-
company owned devices and place them on our production network (which 
is already a policy---that isn't policed).

3.  i can setup automated scripts that check MAC addresses to IP 
addresses on the router ARP tables to check for spoofing.

our branch locations don't change very often.....some are still on 
token ring for god's sake, so i don't really see that much more 
workload.

Has anyone else dropped DHCP as a management/compliance decision?



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