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Module 22: Network Security Testing - Coggle Diagram
Module 22: Network Security Testing
22.1 Network Security Testing Techniques
22.1.1 Operations Security
Operations security starts with the planning and implementation process of a network. During these phases, the operations team analyzes designs, identifies risks and vulnerabilities, and makes the necessary adaptations. The actual operational tasks begin after the network is set up and include the continual maintenance of the environment. These activities enable the environment, systems, and applications to continue to run correctly and securely.
Regardless of the type of testing, the staff that sets up and conducts the security testing should have significant security and networking knowledge in these areas:
Operating systems
Basic programming
Networking protocols, such as TCP/IP
Network vulnerabilities and risk mitigation
Device hardening
Firewalls
IPSs
22.1.2 Testing and Evaluating Network Security
Security testing provides insight into various administrative tasks, such as risk analysis and contingency planning. It is important to document the results of security testing and make them available for staff involved in other IT areas.
ST&E is an examination of the protective measures that are placed on an operational network.
Objectives of ST&E include the following:
Uncover design, implementation, and operational flaws that could lead to the violation of the security policy.
Determine the adequacy of security mechanisms, assurances, and device properties to enforce the security policy.
Assess the degree of consistency between the system documentation and its implementation.
22.1.3 Types of Network Tests
Penetration testing
Network penetration tests, or pen testing, simulate attacks from malicious sources.
Network scanning
Includes software that can ping computers, scan for listening TCP ports, and display which types of resources are available on the network.
Vulnerability scanning
This includes software that can detect potential weaknesses in the tested systems.
Password cracking
This includes software that is used to test and detect weak passwords that should be changed.
Log review
System administrators should review security logs to identify potential security threats.
Integrity checkers
An integrity checking system detects and reports on changes in the system.
Virus detection
Virus or antimalware detection software should be used to identify and remove computer viruses and other malware.
22.1.4 Applying Network Test Results
Network security testing results can be used in several ways:
To define mitigation activities to address identified vulnerabilities
As a benchmark to trace the progress of an organization in meeting security requirements
To assess the implementation status of system security requirements
To conduct cost and benefit analysis for improvements to network security
To enhance other activities, such as risk assessments, certification and authorization (C&A), and performance improvement efforts
As a reference point for corrective action
22.2 Network Security Testing Tools
22.2.1 Network Testing Tools
Software tools that can be used to perform network testing include:
Nmap/Zenmap
This is used to discover computers and their services on a network, therefore creating a map of the network.
SuperScan
This port scanning software is designed to detect open TCP and UDP ports, determine what services are running on those ports, and to run queries, such as whois, ping, traceroute, and hostname lookups.
SIEM (Security Information Event Management)
This is a technology used in enterprise organizations to provide real time reporting and long-term analysis of security events.
GFI LANguard
This is a network and security scanner which detects vulnerabilities.
Tripwire
This tool assesses and validates IT configurations against internal policies, compliance standards, and security best practices.
Nessus
This is a vulnerability scanning software, focusing on remote access, misconfigurations, and DoS against the TCP/IP stack.
L0phtCrack
This is a password auditing and recovery application.
Metasploit
This tool provides information about vulnerabilities and aids in penetration testing and IDS signature development.
22.2.2 Nmap and Zenmap
The basic functionality of Nmap allows the user to accomplish several tasks, as follows:
Classic TCP and UDP port scanning -This searches for different services on one host.
Classic TCP and UDP port sweeping - This searches for the same service on multiple hosts.
Stealth TCP and UDP port scans and sweeps - This is similar to classic scans and sweeps, but harder to detect by the target host or IPS.
Remote operating system identification - This is also known as OS fingerprinting.
22.2.3 SuperScan
SuperScan is a Microsoft Windows port scanning tool. It runs on most versions of Windows and requires administrator privileges.
SuperScan version 4 has a number of useful features:
Adjustable scanning speed
Support for unlimited IP ranges
Improved host detection using multiple ICMP methods
TCP SYN scanning
UDP scanning (two methods)
Simple HTML report generation
Source port scanning
Fast hostname resolution
Extensive banner grabbing capabilities
Massive built-in port list description database
IP and port scan order randomization
A selection of useful tools, such as ping, traceroute, and whois
Extensive Windows host enumeration capability
22.2.4 SIEM
SIEM combines the essential functions of SIM and SEM to provide:
Correlation - Examines logs and events from disparate systems or applications, speeding detection of and reaction to security threats.
Aggregation - Aggregation reduces the volume of event data by consolidating duplicate event records.
Forensic analysis - The ability to search logs and event records from sources throughout the organization provides more complete information for forensic analysis.
Retention - Reporting presents the correlated and aggregated event data in real-time monitoring and long-term summaries.