Home > Articles

Threats to Security

This chapter is from the book

Detection and Mitigation Techniques

While 100% prevention of cyberattacks isn’t possible unless a system is isolated from Internet access, there are measures that organizations can take to help reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. One of the first documented signature-based antivirus programs, created in 1987 by Bernd Robert Fix, was used to remove the Vienna virus. This virus infected .com files on DOS-based systems. The antivirus would then only alert on things that it had already seen. As malware and viruses evolved, antivirus software evolved. Next-generation antivirus (NGAV) protects against a group of behaviors, using predictive analytics driven by machine learning (ML) and AI to detect and protect against threats.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions emerged around 2013, creating a new category for responding to threats. EDR merged legacy AV capabilities with AI and ML. This allowed teams to analyze behaviors on specific endpoints (such as laptops or mobile phones) and respond to issues at any given time.

As the attack surface for organizations expanded and more data was being collected and processed, extended detection and response (XDR) was born. XDR gives organizations a look at threats across their entire technology ecosystem, including endpoint, network, and cloud. Organizations now have the ability to respond to threats and issues in near real time. With XDR sensors on all devices from the perimeter to the endpoint, security teams can get the full picture of what happened in one location.

In addition to implementing antivirus software, regularly updating and patching systems is critical to protecting data. The patches supplied by vendors typically include security fixes for vulnerabilities found in the software. Not applying patches leaves systems vulnerable to attacks. Threat actors can use these holes to gain unauthorized access to systems and data, take over all the systems, or launch attacks on other systems.

Detection Tools

Key Topic icon

There are many ways to detect and mitigate network-based attacks. One way to do this is to use an intrusion detection system (IDS). An IDS (hardware or software) monitors computer network traffic and sends alerts when it detects malicious activity or unauthorized access to systems as data enters and exits the network, in real time. An IDS analyzes network traffic, log files, and other data sources to detect suspicious activity associated with known threats. This is considered a network intrusion detection system IDS (NIDS). Whereas host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) are directly on the host system or endpoint and monitor the traffic for that specific host vs. the entire network.

To boost security, organizations can deploy an intrusion prevention system (IPS) within their network traffic flow. An IPS, whether in hardware or software form, actively monitors for suspicious activity and blocks it as necessary. When a threat is detected and blocked, an alert is immediately sent to the system administration for further investigation.

These detection and prevention systems add an additional layer of protection when used along with firewalls.

Key Topic icon

Firewalls are network security devices that sit at the edge of a network, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic to identify and block potential cyber threats based on predetermined security policies. Hardware or software firewalls act as a barrier between the internal network and the public Internet. The original firewalls were designed to inspect data packets as they traversed the network. Over time, firewalls improved, addressing application vulnerabilities and utilizing machine learning for advanced detection and prevention.

As illustrated in Figure 3-2, firewalls can be broken up into two categories:

  • Host-based firewall: Firewall on the endpoint that protects that specific device

  • Network-based firewall: Firewall on the network that protects the entire network

FIGURE 3.2

Figure 3.2 Host-Based Versus Network-Based Firewalls

Firewalls come in various types, each with distinct capabilities. Some of these types include

  • Packet filtering firewalls

  • Proxy, application-aware firewalls

  • Web application firewalls

  • Next-generation firewalls (NGFW)

Packet filtering firewalls inspect data packets as they traverse the network based on a predefined set of rules. These firewalls inspect the surface-level data, such as source and destination IP addresses and ports, to decide whether to allow or drop a packet. Any packet that fails inspection is dropped. Inspections are based on security policies and firewall rules similar to the example rule presented in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2 Sample Firewall Rule

Direction

Protocol

Source Address

Destination Address

Source Port

Destination Port

Action

Inbound

TCP

Any

22.34.145.6

Any

80

Allow

Inbound

TCP

Any

Any

Any

Any

Deny

With most firewalls, the order of the rules matters. Each rule inspects packets until one proves true. Once an action is taken, no other inspections are done on that packet. The rule outlined in Table 3-2 will allow incoming traffic to 22.34.145.6 over port 80 while denying all other traffic.

Because packet filtering firewalls inspect only surface-level data, they provide only basic levels of protection and are easier to bypass.

Packet filtering firewalls can be either of the following types:

  • Stateless: Inspect each packet individually

  • Stateful: Track connections and use previous data packets to make a final decision

A proxy, application-aware firewall operates at the application layer of the OSI model. These devices monitor application traffic between a client and server for malicious activity based on the content or payload of the packet in addition to the source and destination IP information.

When a client wants to establish a connection with a server, the proxy firewall first authenticates the client and then forwards the request to the server on behalf of the client. This allows the firewall to inspect and filter all traffic between the client and server, reducing the risk of malicious traffic reaching the server or client.

Web application firewalls (WAFs) are similar to proxy firewalls but are specific to protecting against web-based server attacks such as SQL (structured query language) injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). WAFs monitor and filter HTTP traffic between the web server and the Internet. They offer features such as user-defined policies, traffic logging and alerting, and rule sets that can be customized to provide the appropriate level of protection for a specific web application.

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) take the detection and protection game a step further and introduce machine learning (ML) and behavior analytics to allow or deny traffic. These devices conduct deep packet inspection (DPI) to determine whether the packet should be allowed or denied. NGFWs are the most popular firewall type today and provide various services and features in addition to firewall services. These services include malware scanning and filtering, network address translation (NAT) services, advanced threat intelligence, and more.

Individually, all the systems can be utilized during an investigation by reviewing the logs from each system. These logs can also be sent to a Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) platform that enables analysts and engineers to gather data from all the sources in one location for more efficient and improved security investigations.

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Pearson IT Certification products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.pearsonitcertification.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020