IDS, IPS, SIEM, and SOC

In this article we will introduce the Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Security Operation Centre (SOC). In addition, we will explain the difference and the synergy between them.

IDS

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a hardware or software application that monitors a network or system for malicious activity and policy violations detection. It is a passive monitoring solution for detecting cybersecurity threats to an organization. When the IDS detects a possible intrusion, it sends out an alert to security staff, who then look into the matter and take appropriate action.

For threat detection, IDS could use detection techniques as follows:

  1. Signature-based detection: Detects attacks by looking for specific patterns in network traffic or via signatures of known security threats.  Signature-based IDS are great for detecting known cyberthreats but struggle to defend against novel security threats.  
  2. Anomaly-based detection: classifies system activity as either normal or abnormal in order to detect computer and network intrusions and misuse. In reaction to the quick emergence of new threat types, this kind of security solution was created to identify unknown attacks. This kind of IDS usually compares new behaviour to the baseline after using machine learning to build a model of reliable activity. A security operations centre (SOC) or security professional receives an alert when there is a disparity. Compared to signature-based IDS, anomaly-based detection has superior generalised features because it may be trained on a particular network. However, it experiences more false positives, which is a drawback.
  3. Hybrid detection: combines signature-based detection with anomaly-based detection to enhance detection performance.

IPS

The acronym for an Intrusion Prevention System is IPS. It is a tool for network security that also monitors devices and network data to detect malicious activity. In contrast to an IDS, an IPS could take automatic measures in real time to stop or prevent attacks. An IPS can, for instance, reset the connection, restrict traffic from the originating address, drop malicious packets, or set up firewalls to stop similar attacks in the future. An intrusion prevention system functions as an active system that monitors and analyses all network traffic flows in the direct communication path between the source and the destination.

IDS vs IPS

Security tools like IDS and IPS can assist in identifying and averting intrusions. They both use similar techniques to identify malicious activity: signature-based detection or anomaly-based detection. To enhance security posture and look into the causes and effects of an attack, both IDS and IPS can additionally offer logs and reports.

Their placement and purpose throughout the network are the primary distinctions between IDS and IPS. To monitor incoming and outgoing traffic without impairing network performance, an intrusion detection system (IDS) is typically placed behind the firewall, outside the network perimeter. To filter out hostile traffic before it reaches other security devices or controls, an intrusion prevention system (IPS) is typically placed inside the network perimeter, in front of the firewall.

IDSs are placed outside of the mainstream of traffic. To evaluate threats, they usually mirror traffic and analyse a duplicate stream of data to maintain network performance. The IDS is guaranteed to remain a non-disruptive observer with this configuration.

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Figure 1. IDS network location

In contrast to the IDS, network traffic passes directly in front of the IPS. This enables the IPS to examine and respond to threats in real time. The IPS, which is usually placed just outside the firewall, analyses incoming data and, if required, initiates automated actions. To stop assaults, IPS systems could block source addresses, send out notifications, remove malicious data, and reset connections.

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Figure 2. IPS network location

The type of intervention is another distinction between IPS and IDS. An intrusion detection system (IDS) does not impede network traffic; it merely identifies and warns about threats. To react to the alerts and take the necessary action, human interaction is necessary. An IPS interacts with network traffic in addition to identifying and warning about risks. Based on preset rules or regulations, it automatically takes action to stop or prevent threats.

An IDS is designed to only provide an alert about a potential incident, which enables a security operations center (SOC) analyst to investigate the event and determine whether it requires further action. An IPS, on the other hand, acts itself to block the attempted intrusion or otherwise remediate the incident.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) open-source tools are as follows:

  • Suricata: A powerful network intrusion detection system (IDS/IPS) engine that provides threat detection, protocol analysis, and deep packet inspection. It has an extensive rule set and allows for scripting to create unique detection logic.
  • Snort: a well-known and established IDS/IPS platform with a large rule-based detection engine. It provides alerts on suspicious activities as well as real-time traffic analysis.
  • Zeek (formerly Bro): High-level comprehension and analysis of network traffic is the main emphasis of this robust network security monitor. It is excellent at finding irregularities, spotting intrusions, and producing thorough logs for forensic examinations.

SIEM

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), is a cybersecurity methodology that combines:

·        Log data is gathered for analysis by security information management (SIM), which notifies accountable parties of security events and threats.

·        SEM, or security event management, which monitors systems in real time, creates event correlations, and alerts network administrators to critical problems.


The core components of a SIEM include:

  • Log event collection and management 
  • Ability to analyze events and other data from different sources
  • Operational capabilities like incident management, dashboards, and reporting
  • Support for threat intelligence feeds
  • Compliance and security incident management 

 

https://medium.com/@imaneakhamal/into-the-siem-architecture-and-data-flow-0a35c528f537

An intrusion detection system (IDS) and a security information and event management (SIEM) solution vary primarily in that IDS only detects and reports events, but SIEM capabilities enable users to take preventive measures against cyberattacks.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) open-source tools are as follows:

  • Wazuh: a multi-platform, highly scalable SIEM solution that is excellent at threat detection, log analysis, incident response, and compliance monitoring. It has an active community, thorough documentation, and an easy-to-use interface.
  • Security Onion: a Linux distribution created especially for log management, security monitoring, and intrusion detection. It offers a complete platform for network security monitoring by combining a number of potent open-source technologies, including OSSEC, Zeek (previously Bro), Suricata, and Snort.

IDS vs SIEM

Typically, SIEM and IDS work together to identify and protect the data from being exposed or accessed by unauthorised parties.

An IDS can maintain event logs, just like a SIEM. They are unable to centralise and correlate event data from various systems, though. For this reason, a SIEM is alerted when malicious or suspicious behaviour is detected by IDS tools. The data can then be analysed centrally by the incident response team to determine whether it is a threat.

SOC

An organization's Security Operation Centre (SOC) is a centralised function that uses technology, processes, and people to prevent, identify, analyse, and respond to cybersecurity incidents while also continuously monitoring and enhancing the organization's security posture.
By collecting telemetry from every component of an organization's IT infrastructure, including its networks, devices, appliances, and information stores, regardless of where those assets are located, a SOC serves as the hub or central command post. Gathering context from a variety of sources is crucial given the rise in sophisticated threats. In essence, the SOC serves as the point of correlation for each event that is recorded within the monitored organisation. The SOC is responsible for determining how each of these events will be handled and solved.

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IDS vs SOC

A network intrusion detection system (IDS) is a cybersecurity solution designed to identify and generate alerts regarding potential intrusions. These alerts are sent to the corporate security operations center (SOC), which can take action to address the threat.

SOC vs SIEM

While they employ different approaches to network environment monitoring, a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and a Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) platform complement one other to assist businesses prevent data breaches and notify them of possible ongoing cyber-events.

A SOC is required for network security in a data centre or big company setting. The SOC is frequently a physical space in the company's office where a number of staff members keep an eye on network activity, warnings, and data visualisations that could be utilised to address a possible cyber-event. The SOC differs from a Network Operation Centre (NOC) in that it concentrates on network security rather than network performance and utilisation; nonetheless, SOC and NOC staff may share a physical space.

SOC engineers examine network events and traffic in close collaboration with a SIEM platform. A SOC employee's capacity to promptly identify whether a threat has compromised the network and take direct action to contain it is greatly aided by the SIEM. Multiple threats could compromise resources in an unmonitored network environment, but an intelligent SIEM gives SOC staff the knowledge and alarm system they need to recognise them.

Security analysts utilise SIEM platforms in their daily job, and they are utilised within a SOC. SOC automation is one component of a SIEM. Artificial intelligence (AI) is incorporated into certain SIEM solutions to automate intrusion detection and prevention. The SIEM will examine network traffic, maybe block access, and notify a security analyst to do additional investigation into the incident, but a SOC analyst is still required for threat containment and elimination.

By actively looking for threats, security analysts can use log data to identify a compromise. A SIEM's threat hunting capabilities assist with recently discovered threats that may not be well-known. For instance, a new malware version in the environment might be unnoticed by antivirus software at the moment, but a SIEM might spot odd traffic probing a network resource and notify SOC analysts so they can investigate the matter further.‍

What is an SOC Analyst & What Do They Do? (Duties & Education)

 

 

 

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