Network Security: Threats and Solutions
Network Security: Threats and Solutions
SECURING NETWORKS
Networking Security 2
Reference: Cisco Academy, Networking Security v1.0 [Online],
available at: [Link]
Networks are routinely under attack. A quick internet search for Network security breaches can disrupt e-commerce, cause the
network attacks will return many articles about them. loss of business data, threaten , and
Kaspersky maintains compromise the integrity of information.
the interactive The Cisco Talos Intelligence Group website provides
Cyberthreat Real-Time comprehensive security and threat intelligence.
Map display of current
network attacks. The
attack data is
submitted from
Kaspersky network
security products that
are deployed
worldwide.
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VECTORS OF NETWORK ATTACKS DATA LOSS
Term Definition
An attack vector is a path by which a threat actor can gain
Email/Social Networking The most common vector for data loss includes instant messaging software and social
access to a server, host, or network. Attack vectors originate media sites. For instance, intercepted email or IMs could be captured and confidential
information revealed.
from inside or outside the corporate network.
Unencrypted Devices A stolen corporate laptop typically contains confidential organizational data. If the
data is not stored using an encryption algorithm, the thief can retrieve valuable
Threat actors may target a network through the internet, to confidential data.
disrupt network operations and create a denial of service Cloud Storage Devices Saving data to the cloud has many potential benefits. However, sensitive data can be
lost if access to the cloud is compromised due to weak security settings.
(DoS) attack.
Removable Media One risk is that an employee could perform an unauthorized transfer of data to a USB
drive. Another risk is that a USB drive containing valuable corporate data could be
lost.
Hard Copy Sensitive data should be disposed of thoroughly. For example, confidential data should
be shredded when no longer required. Otherwise, a thief could retrieve discarded
reports and gain valuable information.
Improper Access Control Passwords are the first line of defense. Stolen passwords or weak passwords which
have been compromised can provide an attacker easy access to data.
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or assets.
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WHO IS ATTACKING OUR NETWORK? Vulnerability refers to a weakness in your hardware, software,
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Risk acceptance This is when the cost of risk management options outweighs the cost of the
risk itself. The risk is accepted, and no action is taken. follows:
Risk avoidance This means avoiding any exposure to the risk by eliminating the activity or
A clever programmer capable of developing new programs and
device that presents the risk. By eliminating an activity to avoid risk, any coding changes to existing programs to make them more efficient.
benefits that are possible from the activity are also lost.
A network professional that uses sophisticated programming skills
Risk reduction This reduces exposure to risk or reduces the impact of risk by taking action to ensure that networks are not vulnerable to attack.
to decrease the risk. It is the most commonly used risk mitigation strategy.
This strategy requires careful evaluation of the costs of loss, the mitigation A person who tries to gain unauthorized access to devices on the
strategy, and the benefits gained from the operation or activity that is at internet.
risk.
An individual who runs programs to prevent or slow network
Risk transfer Some (or all) of the risk is transferred to a willing third party such as an access to many users, or to corrupt or destroy data on servers.
insurance company.
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EVOLUTION OF SECURITY TOOLS EVOLUTION OF SECURITY TOOLS
Categories of Tools Description
Categories of Tools Description
fuzzers
password crackers Passwords are the most vulnerable security threat. Password cracking tools are often referred to as
vulnerabilities. Examples of fuzzers include Skipfish, Wapiti, and W3af.
password recovery tools and can be used to crack or recover the password. Password crackers repeatedly
make guesses in order to crack the password and access the system. Examples of password cracking tools forensic tools White hat hackers use forensic tools to sniff out any trace of evidence existing in a particular computer
include John the Ripper, Ophcrack, L0phtCrack, THC Hydra, RainbowCrack, and Medusa. system. Example of tools include Sleuth Kit, Helix, Maltego, and Encase.
wireless hacking tools Wireless networks are more susceptible to network security threats. Wireless hacking tools are used to debuggers Debugger tools are used by black hat hackers to reverse engineer binary files when writing exploits. They
intentionally hack into a wireless network to detect security vulnerabilities. Examples of wireless hacking are also used by white hat hackers when analyzing malware. Debugging tools include GDB, WinDbg, IDA
tools include Aircrack-ng, Kismet, InSSIDer, KisMAC, Firesheep, and NetStumbler. Pro, and Immunity Debugger.
hacking operating systems Hacking operating systems are specially designed operating systems preloaded with tools and technologies
network scanning and hacking Network scanning tools are used to probe network devices, servers, and hosts for open TCP or UDP ports. optimized for hacking. Examples of specially designed hacking operating systems include Kali Linux, SELinux,
tools Examples of scanning tools include Nmap, SuperScan, Angry IP Scanner, and NetScanTools. Knoppix, Parrot OS, and BackBox Linux.
packet crafting tools encryption tools
packets. Examples of such tools include Hping, Scapy, Socat, Yersinia, Netcat, Nping, and Nemesis. use algorithm schemes to encode the data to prevent unauthorized access to the data. Examples of these
tools include VeraCrypt, CipherShed, Open SSH, OpenSSL, OpenVPN, and Stunnel.
packet sniffers Packet sniffer tools are used to capture and analyze packets within traditional Ethernet LANs or WLANs.
Tools include Wireshark, Tcpdump, Ettercap, Dsniff, EtherApe, Paros, Fiddler, Ratproxy, and SSLstrip. vulnerability exploitation tools These tools identify whether a remote host is vulnerable to a security attack. Examples of vulnerability
exploitation tools include Metasploit, Core Impact, Sqlmap, Social Engineer Tool Kit, and Netsparker.
rootkit detectors A rootkit detector is a directory and file integrity checker used by white hat hackers to detect installed root
kits. Example tools include AIDE, Netfilter, and PF: OpenBSD Packet Filter. vulnerability scanners These tools scan a network or system to identify open ports. They can also be used to scan for known
vulnerabilities and scan VMs, BYOD devices, and client databases. Examples of these tools include Nipper,
Securia PSI, Core Impact, Nessus, SAINT, and Open VAS.
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TYPES OF MALWARE
Malware is short for malicious software or malicious code. It is
code or software that is specifically designed to damage,
disrupt, steal, or generally inflict some other
MALWARE
illegitimate action on data, hosts, or networks.
End devices are especially prone to malware attacks.
Three most common types of malware are:
virus
worm
Trojan horse
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OTHER MALWARE COMMON MALWARE BEHAVIORS
Type of Malware Description Computers infected with malware often exhibit one or more of
Spyware Used to gather information about a user and send the information to another entity without the following symptoms:
Appearance of strange files, programs, or desktop icons
and key loggers.
Adware Displays annoying pop-ups to generate revenue for its author. The malware may analyze Antivirus and firewall programs are turning off or reconfiguring
user interests by tracking the websites visited. It can then send pop-up advertising pertinent settings
to those sites.
Scareware Includes scam software which uses social engineering to shock or induce anxiety by creating Computer screen is freezing or system is crashing
the perception of a threat. It is generally directed at an unsuspecting user and attempts to Emails are spontaneously being sent to your contact list without
persuade the user to infect a computer by taking action to address the bogus threat.
your knowledge
Phishing Attempts to convince people to divulge sensitive information. Examples include receiving an
email from their bank asking users to divulge their account and PIN numbers.
Files have been modified or deleted
Increased CPU and/or memory usage
Rootkits Installed on a compromised system. After it is installed, it continues to hide its intrusion and
provide privileged access to the threat actor.
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Trust Exploitation In a trust exploitation attack, a threat actor uses unauthorized privileges to gain access to a
system, possibly compromising the target.
Port redirection In a port redirection attack, a threat actor uses a compromised system as a base for attacks
against other targets.
Man-in-the-Middle In a man-in-the-middle attack, the threat actor is positioned in between two legitimate
entities in order to read or modify the data that passes between the two parties.
Buffer Overflow In a buffer overflow attack, the threat actor exploits the buffer memory and overwhelms it
Attack with unexpected values. This usually renders the system inoperable, resulting in a DoS attack.
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SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS
Social engineering is an access attack that attempts to
manipulate individuals into performing actions or divulging Social Description
confidential information. Engineering
Social Engineering Description Attack
Attack Tailgating This is where a threat actor quickly follows
Pretexting A threat actor pretends to need personal or financial data to confirm the identity of the recipient. an authorized person into a secure
Phishing A threat actor sends fraudulent email which is disguised as being from a legitimate, trusted source to location to gain access to a secure area.
trick the recipient into installing malware on their device, or to share personal or financial
Shoulder This is where a threat actor inconspicuously
information.
surfing
Spear phishing A threat actor creates a targeted phishing attack tailored for a specific individual or organization. their passwords or other information.
Spam Also known as junk mail, this is unsolicited email which often contains harmful links, malware, or
deceptive content. Dumpster This is where a threat actor rummages
Something for diving through trash bins to discover confidential
Something party in exchange for something such as a gift. documents.
Baiting A threat actor leaves a malware-infected flash drive in a public location. A victim finds the drive and
unsuspectingly inserts it into their laptop, unintentionally installing malware.
Impersonation In this type of attack, a threat actor pretends to be someone else to gain the trust of a victim.
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drawing attention to the fact that a single unknown destination is serving as the destination
for large amounts of network traffic.
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Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer They must attend training and workshops.
(CISO), Security Operations (SecOps) Manager, Chief They must subscribe to real-time feeds regarding threats.
Security Officer (CSO), Security Manager, and Network They must peruse security websites daily.
Security Engineer. They must maintain familiarity with network security organizations.
These organizations often have the latest information on threats
and vulnerabilities.
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NETWORK INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITIES NETWORK SECURITY CERTIFICATIONS
SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security (SANS) Institute Certifications for network security professionals are offered by
Mitre Corporation the following organizations:
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)
International Information System Security Certification
SecurityNewsWire Consortium (ISC)2
International Information Systems Security Certification Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
Consortium (ISC2) International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
Center for Internet Security (CIS) Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNP)
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BUSINESS POLICIES SECURITY POLICY
Policy Description Security policies are used to inform users, staff, and managers
Company policies These policies establish the rules of conduct and the responsibilities of both employees
and employers. requirements for protecting technology
Policies protect the rights of workers as well as the business interests of employers. and information assets.
Depending on the needs of the organization, various policies and procedures establish
rules regarding employee conduct, attendance, dress code, privacy and other areas A security policy also specifies the mechanisms that are
related to the terms and conditions of employment.
Employee policies These policies are created and maintained by human resources staff to identify needed to meet security requirements and provides a baseline
employee salary, pay schedule, employee benefits, work schedule, vacations, and from which to acquire, configure, and audit computer systems
more.
They are often provided to new employees to review and sign. and networks for compliance.
Security policies These policies identify a set of security objectives for a company, define the rules of
behavior for users and administrators, and specify system requirements.
These objectives, rules, and requirements collectively ensure the security of a network
and the computer systems in an organization.
Much like a continuity plan, a security policy is a constantly evolving document based
on changes in the threat landscape, vulnerabilities, and business and employee
requirements.
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Categories of Tools Description Data Security Platforms (DSP) are an integrated security
debuggers Debugger tools are used by black hats to reverse engineer binary files when writing solution that combines traditionally independent tools into a
exploits. They are also used by white hats when analyzing malware. Debugging tools
include GDB, WinDbg, IDA Pro, and Immunity Debugger. suite of tools that are made to work together.
hacking operating Hacking operating systems are specially designed operating systems preloaded with One such DSP is the Helix platform from
systems tools and technologies optimized for hacking. Examples of specially designed hacking
FireEye. FireEye Helix is a cloud-based
operating systems include Kali Linux, SELinux, Knoppix, Parrot OS, and BackBox Linux.
encryption tools
security operations platform that enables
transmitted. Encryption tools use algorithm schemes to encode the data to prevent organizations to integrate many security
unauthorized access to the data. Examples of these tools include VeraCrypt, CipherShed, functionalities into a single platform
Open SSH, OpenSSL, OpenVPN, and Stunnel.
vulnerability exploitation These tools identify whether a remote host is vulnerable to a security attack. Examples of Another integrated DSP is Cisco SecureX. The
tools vulnerability exploitation tools include Metasploit, Core Impact, Sqlmap, Social Engineer Cisco Secure portfolio consists of a broad set
Tool Kit, and Netsparker.
of technologies that function as a team -
vulnerability scanners These tools scan a network or system to identify open ports. They can also be used to
scan for known vulnerabilities and scan VMs, BYOD devices, and client databases. providing interoperability with the security
Examples of these tools include Nipper, Securia PSI, Core Impact, Nessus, SAINT, and infrastructure, including third-party
Open VAS.
technologies.
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SECURITY SERVICES
Threat intelligence and security services allow the exchange of
threat information such as vulnerabilities, indicators of
compromise (IOC), and mitigation techniques. As threats
MITIGATING COMMON NETWORK ATTACKS
emerge, threat intelligence services create and distribute
firewall rules and IOCs to the devices that have subscribed to
the service.
One such service is the Cisco Talos Threat
Intelligence Group. Talos is one of the largest
commercial threat intelligence teams in the
world. Cisco Security products can use Talos
threat intelligence in real time to provide fast
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and effective security solutions.
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MITIGATING WORMS MITIGATING RECONNAISSANCE ATTACKS
Phase Response
Reconnaissance attacks are typically the precursor to other
1. Containment The containment phase involves limiting the spread of a worm infection to areas of the network
that are already affected. This requires compartmentalization and segmentation of the network attacks that are designed to gain unauthorized access to a
to slow down or stop the worm and to prevent currently infected hosts from targeting and
infecting other systems. Containment requires using both outgoing and incoming ACLs on routers
network or disrupt network functionality. You can detect when a
and firewalls at control points within the network. reconnaissance attack is underway by receiving notifications
2. Inoculation The inoculation phase runs parallel to or subsequent to the containment phase. During the from preconfigured alarms. These alarms are triggered when
inoculation phase, all uninfected systems are patched with the appropriate vendor patch. The
inoculation process further deprives the worm of available targets. certain parameters are exceeded, such as the number of ICMP
3. Quarantine The quarantine phase involves tracking down and identifying infected machines within the requests per second.
contained areas and disconnecting, blocking, or removing them. This isolates these systems
appropriately for the treatment phase.
4. Treatment The treatment phase involves actively disinfecting infected systems. This can involve terminating the
worm process, removing modified files or system settings that the worm introduced, and patching
the vulnerability the worm used to exploit the system. Alternatively, in more severe cases, the
system may need to be reinstalled to ensure that the worm and its by-products are removed.
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bob1967 Name and birthday of the user To have administrator access to all IOS commands
including configuring a device, you must gain
Blueleaf23 Simple words and numbers
privileged EXEC mode access. To secure privileged
EXEC access, use the enable secret password
Strong Password Why it is Strong
global config command.
b67n42d39c Combines alphanumeric characters
To secure vty lines, enter line vty mode using the line
12^h u4@1p7 Combines alphanumeric characters, symbols, and includes vty 0 15 global config command. Specify the vty
a space password using the password password command.
Enable vty access using the login command.
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SECRET PASSWORD ALGORITHMS
MD5 hashes are no longer considered secure because
attackers can reconstruct valid certificates. This can allow
attackers to spoof any website. The enable secret password CONFIGURE ENHANCED SECURITY FOR
uses an MD5 hash by default. It is now recommended that you VIRTUAL LOGINS
configure all secret passwords using either type 8 or type 9
passwords. Type 8 and type 9 were introduced in Cisco IOS
15.3(3)M. Type 8 and type 9 use SHA encryption.
To enter an unencrypted password, use the enable algorithm-
type command syntax:
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ENABLE LOGIN ENHANCEMENTS LOG FAILED ATTEMPTS
To help a Cisco IOS device provide DoS detection, use the There are three commands that can be configured to help an
login block-for command, which must be issued before any administrator detect a password attack. Each lets a device to
other login command. The login block-for command monitors generate syslog messages for failed or successful login
login device activity and operates in two modes: attempts. The first two commands, login on-success log and
Normal mode - Also called watch mode, the router keeps count of login on-failure log, generate syslog messages for successful
the number of failed login attempts within an identified amount of and unsuccessful login attempts. An alternative to the login
time. on-failure log command is the security authentication
Quiet mode Also called the quiet period. If the number of failed failure rate command can be configured to generate a log
logins exceeds the configured threshold, all login attempts using message when the login failure rate is exceeded.
Telnet, SSH, and HTTP are denied for the time specified in the
login block-for command.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS