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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 is concerned with the day-to-day practices necessary to first deploy and later maintain a secure system.
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
The effectiveness of an operations security solution can be tested without waiting for a real threat to take place. Network security testing makes this possible.
22.1.3 Types of Network Tests
After a network is operational, you must access its security status. Many security tests can be conducted to assess the operational status of the network
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. Password policies must include guidelines to prevent weak passwords.
Log review
- System administrators should review security logs to identify potential security threats. Filtering software to scan lengthy log files should be used to help discover abnormal activity to investigate.
Integrity checkers
- An integrity checking system detects and reports on changes in the system. Most of the monitoring is focused on the file 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
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
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
Nmap is a commonly used, low-level scanner that is available to the public. It has an array of excellent features which can be used for network mapping and reconnaissance.
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
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
22.2.4 SIEM
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.