Intrusion detection systems (IDS) play a crucial role in cybersecurity by protecting networks and systems from unauthorised access. There are three principal categories of intrusion detection systems: network-based (NIDS), host-based (HIDS), and application-based (AIDS).
Focusing on HIDS, the Linux ecosystem’s Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment (AIDE) arises as a potent tool. AIDE is designed to monitor and analyse system files, identifying any unauthorised changes or suspicious activities.
Utilising Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment (AIDE), Linux users can strengthen their security measures and protect their systems from potential breaches.
Table of Content
What are the 3 types of intrusion detection systems?
Network-based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS)
Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS)
Application-based Intrusion Detection Systems (AIDS)
What is the use of AIDE in Linux?
File Integrity Checking
System Verification
Detection of Intrusions and Unauthorized Changes
File and Directory Monitoring
What is AIDE in it?
How does HIDS work?
Log Monitoring
File Integrity Checking
System Call Monitoring
Anomaly Detection
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What are the 3 types of intrusion detection systems?
Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are vital components of cybersecurity frameworks that help protect networks and systems from unauthorized access and malicious activities. There are three primary types of IDS, each serving a distinct purpose:
Network-based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS): One such system is the network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS), placed at critical nodes to monitor real-time data transmissions.
They examine data packets passing through the network to detect intrusion attempts for any unusual behaviour. Network intrusion detection systems can spot threats, including port scans, Denial of Service assaults, and malware distribution.
Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS): Second, there are HIDS, or host-based intrusion detection systems, which are placed on specific hosts or endpoints.
They pay special attention to host-based activity logs, file integrity checks, user monitoring, and process tracking. Insider threats, intrusion attempts, and unusual changes to a system are all easy targets for HIDS to sniff out.
Application-based Intrusion Detection Systems (AIDS): Third, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are tailored to keep an eye on and defend applications and their constituent parts.
The team examines data like application logs, network traffic, and user actions for signs of intrusion. Web applications, databases, and other software components are all within the scope of AIDS’s detection capabilities.
By combining these IDS types, organisations can create a robust defence mechanism against various security threats. HIDS gives clear visibility into individual hosts, while AIDS concentrates on preventing assaults against mission-critical software.
Together, these IDS varieties improve a company’s ability to proactively detect and respond to security problems, reducing the likelihood that an attack would be successful.
What is the use of AIDE in Linux?
AIDE (Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment) is a powerful tool used in Linux systems to enhance security and detect unauthorised modifications or suspicious activities. AIDE works as a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS), primarily focusing on monitoring system files and directories.
AIDE’s principal function is to monitor and alert on any changes to essential system files, configurations, or folders. AIDE can detect modifications, additions, deletions, and permissions changes by comparing the system’s present state to a previously constructed database of file signatures.
Here are some key features and uses of AIDE in Linux:
File Integrity Checking: First, AIDE uses cryptographic hashes like MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 to generate a unique digital signature for every file in the system, which is then used to verify the file’s authenticity.
The database will keep these signatures for future use. If AIDE detects a change in a file’s signature from a previous scan, it will recalculate the signature and compare it to the original to determine whether or not the file has been tampered with.
System Verification: AIDE’s second function is system verification, which checks the legitimacy of fundamental system files such as configuration files, binaries, libraries, and mandatory directories. Potential security issues, such as unauthorised changes or file corruption, can be uncovered using this checking procedure.
Detection of Intrusions and Unauthorized Changes: Third, AIDE can detect intrusions and unauthorised changes by generating a report detailing file modifications without permission. Potential security incidents can be quickly investigated and dealt with using this data.
File and Directory Monitoring: Fourth, AIDE may be set up to keep tabs on any files, folders, or even entire filesystems for alterations. By receiving instant alerts whenever there is a change, administrators may concentrate on the most critical parts of the system.
What is AIDE in it?
AIDE is a robust and versatile host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) used in cybersecurity. Specifically designed for Linux systems, AIDE serves as a valuable tool to enhance security measures and identify potential unauthorised modifications or suspicious activities.
AIDE performs file integrity checks by compiling a database of cryptographic hash values and metadata for important Linux system files and directories as a starting point. These hash values are like fingerprints; they represent the exact state each file is in.
AIDE verifies the system files against the information in the baseline database during routine scans and on-demand inspections. Indicators of tampering or security breaches include variations in file size, permissions, timestamps, or hash values.
There are many useful features and advantages to using AIDE. First, it protects crucial system files and folders from being tampered with or otherwise compromised. AIDE helps administrators respond quickly to security threats by identifying unauthorised changes.
In addition, AIDE has customizable settings that let users select which files, folders, or properties to keep an eye on. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor AIDE to meet their unique compliance and security needs.
To help with investigations and incident response, AIDE produces in-depth reports that shed light on the alterations found during the scan. Administrators can use the information in these reports to pinpoint the origin of changes and evaluate the severity of any security breaches.
Linux users can improve their system’s upkeep and troubleshooting capabilities and their environment’s security by adopting AIDE as part of their routine security procedures.
How does HIDS work?
Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS) are designed to monitor and protect individual hosts or endpoints, such as servers or workstations, from unauthorized access and malicious activities. HIDS employ various techniques to detect and respond to potential intrusions effectively.
Log Monitoring: To identify malicious actions, HIDS first examines system logs such as event logs, application logs, and the system log. An anomaly is any occurrence in the records that isn’t expected, such as a failed login attempt, an elevation of privilege, or strange activity on the system.
File Integrity Checking: Second, HIDS monitors system file integrity by taking baseline snapshots of critical files or computing their checksums.
The cryptographic hash values or digital signatures of files in their verified state are captured in these snapshots. To detect any unauthorised changes or manipulation, HIDS routinely or on-demand compares the current state of files with the baseline data.
System Call Monitoring: Thirdly, HIDS monitors system calls, which are made by processes or applications on the host and are intercepted and analysed by the HIDS.
By monitoring system calls, HIDS can detect malicious activity, such as attempts to access restricted resources, inject code into other processes, and make unauthorised network connections.
Anomaly Detection: HIDS first establish this standard through behavioural analytic techniques to detect deviations from the usual host behaviour. This entails keeping an eye on things like network traffic and user behaviour.
Any data that strays too far from the norm is immediately reported as an anomaly that needs further analysis. A compromise may be indicated by, for instance, an abrupt increase in network traffic or an odd access pattern from a user account.
By combining these techniques, HIDS provides a layered defense mechanism to monitor and protect individual hosts from various threats. They offer granular visibility into host activities, aiding in the early detection and response to potential security incidents, thus enhancing the overall security posture of the system.
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