Intrusion detection systems (IDSs)

Tools and Softwares

There are many Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) tools and software available in the market.
Some of the best IDS tools include Snort, Suricata, Bro, OSSEC, and Security Onion1.

Snort is a free and open-source network-based IDS software that provides opportunities for automated and manual threat hunting1.

Suricata is an open-source network-based IDS software that can detect network intrusions in real-time2.

Bro is an open-source network-based IDS software that can detect intrusions by analyzing network traffic1.

OSSEC is an open-source host-based IDS software that can detect intrusions by analyzing system logs1. Security Onion is a Linux distribution for intrusion detection, network security monitoring, and log management1. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) tools and softwares

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is an application that monitors network traffic and searches for known threats and suspicious or malicious activity.

The IDS sends alerts to IT and security teams when it detects any security risks and threats1.

Most IDS solutions simply monitor and report suspicious activity and traffic when they detect an intrusion1.

Some IDS are capable of taking actions when malicious activity or anomalous traffic is detected2.

IDS Attacker

Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA) Triad

Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA) Triad

A model that helps determine how organisations address risk when implementing security systems and policies.

The CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) triad is a widely used information security model that can guide an organization’s efforts and policies aimed at keeping its data secure.

Confidentiality refers to preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure.

Integrity refers to maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data over its entire life cycle. Availability refers to ensuring that authorized users have access to information and associated assets when required.

Examples of Confidentiality include encryption, access controls, and non-disclosure agreements. Examples of Integrity include checksums, digital signatures, and version control. Examples of Availability include redundant systems, backups, and disaster recovery plans1. Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA) Triad examples.

Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP): A non-profit organization focused on improving software security

Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP): A non-profit organization focused on improving software security

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a non-profit organization focused on improving software security.

It was founded in 2001 by Mark Curphey and Denise Groves, and is headquartered in Maryland, USA. OWASP has over 100,000 members worldwide, and its mission is to “make software security everyone’s business.”

OWASP provides a variety of resources to help developers, security professionals, and businesses improve the security of their software. These resources include:

  • The OWASP Top 10, a list of the most critical web application security risks
  • The OWASP Cheat Sheet Series, a collection of concise, technical guides on a variety of security topics
  • The OWASP Project Matrix, a database of open source security tools and resources
  • The OWASP Wiki, a collaborative knowledge base on web application security
  • The OWASP Security Knowledge Framework, a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing security risks

OWASP also hosts a variety of events, including conferences, trainings, and hackathons. These events provide opportunities for developers, security professionals, and businesses to learn about and discuss security issues.

OWASP is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in improving the security of their software. Its resources are free and open to everyone, and they can help you to make your software more secure.

Here are some additional information about OWASP:

  • OWASP is a community-driven organization. Anyone can contribute to OWASP’s resources, and its projects are managed by volunteers.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber Security Framework (CSF)

A voluntary framework of standards, guidelines and best practices for managing cyber security risks.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a policy framework of computer security guidance for how private sector organizations in the United States can assess and improve their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber attacks.

The CSF consists of five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover2. The Identify function is used to develop an organizational understanding of managing cybersecurity risk to systems, people, assets, data, and capabilities.

The Protect function is used to develop and implement appropriate safeguards to ensure delivery of critical infrastructure services.

The Detect function is used to develop and implement appropriate activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event.

The Respond function is used to develop and implement appropriate activities to take action regarding a detected cybersecurity event.

The Recover function is used to develop and implement appropriate activities to maintain plans for resilience and to restore any capabilities or services that were impaired due to a cybersecurity event.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber Security Framework (CSF) functions and roles examples.

Security information and event management (SIEM)

Security information and event management (SIEM)

An application that collects and analyzes log data to monitor critical activities in an organization

Security information and event management (SIEM) is a security solution that collects, aggregates, and analyzes security logs and events from various sources, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDSs), and web application firewalls (WAFs). SIEM solutions can be used to identify security threats, investigate security incidents, and comply with security regulations.

SIEM solutions typically have the following features:

  • Log collection: SIEM solutions collect logs from various sources, such as firewalls, IDSs, and WAFs.
  • Log aggregation: SIEM solutions aggregate logs from various sources into a single repository.
  • Log analysis: SIEM solutions analyze logs to identify security threats.
  • Security incident investigation: SIEM solutions can be used to investigate security incidents.
  • Security compliance: SIEM solutions can be used to comply with security regulations.

SIEM solutions can be a valuable tool for organizations of all sizes. They can help organizations to identify security threats, investigate security incidents, and comply with security regulations.

Here are some of the benefits of using a SIEM solution:

  • Increased visibility into security events: SIEM solutions can provide a single view of all security events across an organization, which can help security teams to identify and respond to threats more quickly.
  • Improved threat detection: SIEM solutions can use advanced analytics to identify threats that may not be detected by traditional security tools.
  • Reduced false positives: SIEM solutions can use machine learning to reduce the number of false positives, which can save security teams time and resources.
  • Improved compliance: SIEM solutions can help organizations to comply with security regulations by providing a centralized repository of security logs.

If you are looking for a way to improve your organization’s security, a SIEM solution may be a good option for you.

Sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII)

Sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII)

A specific type of PII that falls under stricter handling guidelines

Sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII) is a type of personal information that, if lost, stolen, or disclosed without authorization, could result in significant harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to an individual. SPII requires stricter handling guidelines because of the increased risk to an individual if the data is inappropriately accessed or compromised.

Some examples of SPII include:

  • Social Security number (SSN)
  • Driver’s license or state identification number (ID)
  • Credit card number
  • Bank account number
  • Medical information
  • Ethnic or racial origin
  • Sexual orientation
  • Religious beliefs
  • Political affiliation
  • Genetic information
  • Biometric data

SPII can be collected and used by a variety of organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and healthcare providers. It is important for organizations to take steps to protect SPII from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These steps may include:

  • Encrypting SPII
  • Limiting access to SPII to authorized personnel
  • Implementing strong password policies
  • Monitoring access to SPII
  • Conducting regular security audits

By taking these steps, organizations can help to protect SPII and the individuals whose information it represents.

Center for Internet Security (CIS)

Center for Internet Security (CIS)

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization that provides best practices, tools, and resources to help improve cybersecurity.

CIS was founded in 2000 by a group of security professionals who were concerned about the increasing number of cyberattacks. CIS’s mission is to “enable organizations to improve their security posture, reduce risk, and protect their most critical assets.” CIS offers a variety of resources to help organizations improve their cybersecurity. These resources include:
  • Benchmarks: CIS benchmarks are a set of security controls that organizations can implement to improve their security posture. CIS benchmarks are available for a variety of systems and applications, including Windows, Linux, and web applications.
  • Controls: CIS controls are specific security measures that organizations can implement to improve their security posture. CIS controls are aligned with CIS benchmarks and are designed to address specific security risks.
  • Tools: CIS provides a variety of tools to help organizations improve their cybersecurity. These tools include security assessment tools, vulnerability scanning tools, and penetration testing tools.
  • Resources: CIS provides a variety of resources to help organizations improve their cybersecurity. These resources include articles, whitepapers, and training courses.
CIS’s resources are used by organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. CIS’s resources are also used by governments and educational institutions. CIS is a trusted resource for cybersecurity best practices and is a valuable resource for organizations of all sizes. Here are some of the benefits of using CIS resources:
  • Increased security: CIS resources can help organizations to improve their security posture and reduce their risk of being attacked.
  • Reduced costs: CIS resources can help organizations to save money by avoiding costly security breaches.
  • Improved compliance: CIS resources can help organizations to comply with security regulations.
  • Increased confidence: CIS resources can help organizations to gain confidence in their security posture.
If you are looking for a way to improve your organization’s cybersecurity, CIS resources may be a good option for you.