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4.0 Security Operations.md

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Security Operations.

Given a scenario, apply common security techniques to computing resources.

  • Secure Baselines

    • Establish
      • Define a standard security configuration for systems, including settings for firewalls, patch levels, and operating system versions. This serves as a foundation for system security.
    • Deploy
      • Implement the established baseline configurations across all relevant systems, ensuring consistency in security measures.
    • Maintain
      • Regularly update and audit baselines to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring ongoing protection.

  • Hardening Targets

    • Mobile Devices
      • Enforce strong authentication, enable device encryption, and apply regular security updates to protect against unauthorized access and malware.
    • Workstation
      • Disable unnecessary services, apply the principle of least privilege, clean desk, and install reputable security software to reduce attack surfaces.
    • Network Devices (Switches/Routers)
      • Change default credentials, implement ACLs, and regularly update firmware to prevent unauthorized access and exploits.
    • Cloud Infrastructure
      • Configure security groups, manage identity and access management (IAM) roles carefully, and monitor for unusual activities to protect cloud resources.
    • Servers
      • Regularly patch OS and applications, restrict administrative access, and monitor logs for suspicious activities.
    • ICS/SCADA Systems
      • Isolate from general IT networks, apply strict access controls, and monitor for anomalies to protect critical industrial processes.
    • Embedded Systems and IoT Devices
      • Change default passwords, disable unused features, and ensure devices receive firmware updates to mitigate vulnerabilities.

  • Wireless Devices

    • Installation Considerations
      • Site Surveys
        • Conduct assessments to determine optimal placement of wireless access points, minimizing interference and ensuring coverage.
      • Heat Maps
        • User visual tools to represent wireless signal strength across areas, aiding in identifying weak spots and potential security risks.

  • Mobile Solutions

    • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
      • Utilize MDM solutions to enforce security policies, manage device configurations, and remotely wipe lost or stolen devices.
    • Deployment Models
      • Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
        • Allow employees to use personal devices while enforcing security policies to protect organizational data.
      • Corporate-Owned, Personally Enable (COPE)
        • Provide company-owned devices that employees can use personally, maintaining control over security configurations.
      • Choose Your Own Device (CYOD)
        • Offer a selection of approved devices for employees to choose from, balancing user preference with security requirements.
    • Connection Methods
      • Cellular
        • Ensure data transmitted over cellular networks is encrypted and monitor for unauthorized access.
      • Wi-Fi
        • Use secure Wi-Fi configurations, such as WPA3, to protect wireless communications.
      • Bluetooth
        • Disable when not in use and implement security measures to prevent unauthorized connections.

  • Wireless Security Settings

    • Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
      • Implement WPA3 to provide enhanced encryption and protection against brute-force attacks.
    • AAA/Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)
      • User RADIUS for centralized authentication of users accessing the network, enhancing access control.
    • Cryptographic Protocols
      • Employ strong encryption protocols to protect data in transit over wireless networks.
    • Authentication Protocols
      • Implement robust authentication methods to verify users identities before granting access.

  • Application Security

    • Input Validation
      • Ensure that all input is validated to prevent injection attacks and data corruption.
    • Secure Cookies
      • Set cookies with secure attributes to prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.
    • Static Code Analysis
      • Analyze source code for vulnerabilities before deploying to identify and mitigate potential security issues.
    • Code Signing
      • Digitally sign code to verify integrity and authenticity, ensuring it hasn’t been tampered with.

  • Sandboxing

    • Run applications in isolated environments to prevent them from affecting other system components or accessing sensitive data without authorization

  • Monitoring

    • Continuously observe systems and networks for signs of security incidents, performance issues, or policy violations, enabling prompt response to potential threats.

Explain the security implications of proper hardware, software, and data asset management

  • Acquisition/Procurement Process

    • During the acquisition phase, it’s essential to source hardware and software from reputable vendors to mitigate the risk of introducing compromised or counterfeit components into the organization’s environment. Implementing stringent procurement policies helps prevent supply chain attacks, where malicious actors may tamper with products before they reach the organization. Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers of hardware tampering in the global supply chain, emphasizing the need for vigilance during procurement.

  • Assignment/Accounting

    • Ownership
      • Assigning clear ownership of assets ensures accountability. When individuals or departments are responsible for specific assets, it reduces the likelihood of neglect, unauthorized use, or mismanagement.
    • Classification
      • Classifying assets based on sensitive and criticality allows organizations to apply appropriate security controls. For instance, sensitive data may require encryption and restricted access, while less critical information might have more lenient controls.

  • Monitoring/Asset Tracking

    • Inventory
      • Maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of all hardware, software, and data assets is fundamental. This practice aids in identifying unauthorized devices or applications, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements, and facilitating timely updates or patches
    • Enumeration
      • Regularly enumerating assets involves listing and identifying all components within the organization’s infrastructure. This process supports risk assessments and security planning by providing a clear overview of the assets that need protection.

  • Disposal/Decommissioning

    • Sanitization
      • Before disposing of or repurposing hardware, it’s crucial to thoroughly erase all data to prevent unauthorized access. Techniques such as data wiping, degaussing, or cryptographic erasure ensure that data cannot be recovered.
    • Destruction
      • In cases where sanitization isn’t sufficient or feasible, physically destroying the hardware (e.g., shredding hard drives) ensures that data cannot be retrieved.
    • Certification
      • Obtaining formal certification of asset destruction provides documented proof that assets have been securely disposed of, which is essential for compliance and auditing purposes.
    • Data Retention
      • Establishing and adhering to data retention policies dictate how long data should be stored before it is archived or deleted. Proper data retention ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and reduces the risk of data breaches by minimizing the amount of sensitive information stored unnecessarily.

Explain various activities associated with vulnerability management.

  • Identification Methods

    • Vulnerability Scanning
      • Utilizing automated tools to assess systems for known vulnerabilities, such as open ports, outdated software, or misconfigurations. Regular scanning helps in early detection of potential gaps.
    • Application Security Testing
      • Static Analysis
        • Examining source code without execution to identify vulnerabilities like coding errors or insecure practices.
      • Dynamic Analysis
        • Assessing applications during runtime to detect issues that manifest during execution, such as memory leaks or runtime errors.
      • Package Monitoring
        • Keeping track of third-party libraries and dependencies to ensure they are up-to-date and free from known vulnerabilities
    • Threat Intelligence Feeds
      • Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
        • Gathering publicly available information to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
      • Proprietary/Third-Party Sources
        • Participating in groups that share threat information, such as ISACs, to benefit from collective insights.
      • Dark Web Monitoring
        • Observing underground forums and marketplaces for discussions or data related to potential vulnerabilities.
    • Penetration Testing
      • Conducting simulated attacks on systems to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of security controls.
    • Responsible Disclosure Programs
      • Bug Bounty Programs
        • Encouraging external security attacks on systems to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of security controls.
    • System/Process Audits
      • Performing comprehensive reviews of systems and processes to ensure compliance with security policies and identify potential weaknesses.

  • Analysis

    • Confirmation

      • False Positive

        • Identifying alerts that indicate a vulnerability where none exists, to avoid unnecessary remediation efforts.

      • False Negatives

        • Recognizing missed vulnerabilities to improve detection mechanisms.
    • Prioritization
      • Assessing vulnerabilities based on factors like severity, exploitability, and potential impact to determine remediation urgency.
    • Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)
      • Using standardized framework to assess the severity to determine remediation urgency.
    • Common Vulnerability Enumeration (CVE)
      • Referencing a standardized identifier for publicly known vulnerabilities to facilitate information sharing and tracking.
    • Vulnerability Classification
      • Categorizing vulnerabilities to understand their nature and potential impact, assisting in targeted remediation efforts.
    • Exposure Factor
      • Estimating the potential loss or impact resulting from the exploitation of a vulnerability.
    • Environment Variables
      • Considering factors such as system configurations, network architecture, and existing security controls that may influence the vulnerability of impact.
    • Industry/Organizational Impact
      • Evaluating how vulnerabilities could affect the organization’s operations, reputations, and compliance status.
    • Risk of Tolerance
      • Aligning vulnerability management efforts with the organization’s acceptable level of risk to make informed remediation decisions.

  • Vulnerability Response and Remediation

    • Patching
      • Applying updates to software or systems to fix identified vulnerabilities.
    • Insurance
      • Transferring risk by obtaining cyber insurance to mitigate financial impact from potential security incidents.
    • Segmentation
      • Dividing the network into isolated segments to contain potential breaches and limit lateral movement.
    • Compensating Controls
      • Implementing alternative security measures when primary controls are not feasible, to reduce vulnerability risk.
    • Exceptions and Exemptions
      • Formally acknowledging situations where certain vulnerabilities cannot be remediated immediately, documenting the rationale and planned actions.

  • Validation of Remediation

    • Rescanning
      • Performing follow-up scans to confirm that vulnerabilities have been effectively addressed.
    • Audits
      • Conducting thorough examinations to ensure remediation efforts comply with policies and effectively mitigate risks.
    • Verification
      • Validating that applied fixes have resolved the vulnerabilities without introducing new issues.

  • Reporting

    • Documenting findings, remediation actions, and outcomes to inform stakeholders, support compliance requirements, and guide future vulnerability management activities.

Explain security alerting and monitoring concepts and tools.

  • Monitoring Computing Resources

    • Systems
      • This involves tracking the performance and security status of individual devices such as servers, workstations, and network devices. Key metrics include CPU usage, memory utilization, disk activity, and network performance. Deviations from established baselines can indicate potential security issues.
    • Applications
      • Monitoring applications focuses on their performance, availability, and security. It includes tracking response times, error rates, and user activities to identify anomalies that may suggest security vulnerabilities or breaches.
    • Infrastructure
      • This encompasses the broader IT environment, including physical and virtual components like servers, networks, VMs, containers, and cloud services. Monitoring infrastructure provides insights into network traffic, bandwidth usage, and device status, helping to identify potential security threats.

  • Key Activities

    • Log Aggregation
      • Collecting and consolidating log data from various sources into a central location aids in troubleshooting, performance monitoring, security analysis, and compliance. It provides a holistic view of system events for identifying issues and correlations.
    • Alerting
      • Setting up notifications for specific events or conditions is critical for proactive issue resolution, incident detection, and regulatory compliance. Alerts can be triggered based on thresholds or anomalies and delivered through various channels, such as email, SMS, or push notifications.
    • Scanning
      • Regularly examining systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and issues is essential. This includes vulnerability scanning, configuration scanning, and code scanning to maintain system health, security, and optimal performance.
    • Reporting
      • Generating summaries or detailed reports based on collected and analyzed data provides insights into system performance, security incidents, compliance status, and more. Reporting is essential for compliance and continuous improvement.
    • Archiving
      • Involves long-term storage of data, including log data, performance data, and incident data. Archiving ensures data is retained for future reference, analysis, auditing, or compliance, which is important for legal and regulatory requirements.
    • Alert Response and Remediation/Validation
      • Quarantine
        • Isolating potentially compromised systems or devices prevents the spread of threats and limits potential impact.
      • Alert Tuning
        • Adjusting alert parameters to reduce false positives and negatives improves alert relevance, making them more actionable.

  • Tools

    • Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP)
      • A suite of open standards that enhances the automation of vulnerability management, measurement, and policy compliance evaluation of systems deployed in an organization.
    • Benchmarks
      • Standardized guidelines or best practices for security provide a detailed checklist that can be used to secure systems to a specific baseline.
    • Agents/Agentless Monitoring
      • Agent-Based
        • Involves installing software agents on each system to collect and send log data, providing real-time data and detailed information.
      • Agentless
        • Collects log data directly from systems using standard protocols, reducing maintenance but may not collect real-time or detailed data.
    • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
      • A solution for real-time or near-real-time analysis of security alerts generated by network hardware and applications. SIEM helps correlate various events and incidents from system logs.
    • Antivirus
      • Designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. It generates data like malware detection logs, system scans, and updates, which can be sent to SIEM for aggregation and correlation.
    • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
      • Monitors and controls data endpoints, network traffic, and cloud-stored data to prevent data breaches. DLP generates data on potential data leak incidents, policy violations, and suspicious user activities, flagging attempts to send sensitive data outside the organization.
    • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Traps
      • Alerts generated by network devices provide information about events like device failures or security incidents.
    • NetFlow
      • A network protocol used for collecting and monitoring data about network traffic flow, helping to identify unusual patterns that may indicate security issues.
    • Vulnerability Scanners
      • Tools that systematically scan networks, systems, or applications to identify known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or policy violations.

Given a scenario, modify enterprise capabilities to enhance security.

  • Firewall Enhancements

    • Rules and Access Lists
      • Regularly review and update firewall rules and access control list to ensure they align with current security policies and minimize exposure to threats.
    • Ports/Protocols
      • Restrict open ports and allow protocols to only those necessary for business operations, reducing potential entry points for attackers.
    • Screened Subnets (DMZs)
      • Implement screened subnets to isolate public-facing services from the internal network, adding an extra layer of security.

  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

    • Trend Analysis
      • Utilize IDS/IPS to monitor network traffic patterns and identify anomalies that may indicate security incidents.
    • Signature Updates
      • Keep IDS/IPS signatures up-to-date to detect known threats effectively.

  • Web Filtering

    • Agent-Based and Centralized Proxy
      • Deploy web filtering solutions, either agent-based or through centralized proxies, to monitor and control web access.
    • URL Scanning and Content Categorization
      • Implement URL scanning and content categorization to block access to malicious or inappropriate websites.
    • Block Rules and Reputation
      • Establish block rules based on website reputation scores to prevent access to high-risks sites.

  • Operating System Security

    • Group Policy
      • Use Group Policy in Windows environments to enforce security settings across multiple devices consistently.
    • SELinux
      • For Linux systems, implement Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) to enforce mandatory access controls and enhance security.

  • Secure Protocol Implementation

    • Protocol and Port Selection
      • Choose secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS, SFTP) and assign them to appropriate ports to protect data in transit.
    • Transport Methods
      • Ensure secure transport methods are used for data transmission, such as VPNs or encrypted tunnels.

  • DNS Filtering

    • Implement DNS filtering to block access to malicious domains, preventing phishing attacks and malware distribution.

  • Email Security

    • DMARC, DKIM, SPF
      • Configure Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to authenticate email senders and reduce phishing risk.
    • Email Gateway
      • Deploy email gateways to filter incoming and outgoing messages for threats and sensitive data.

  • File Integrity Monitoring

    • Use file integrity monitoring tools to detect unauthorized changes to critical system files, indicating potential security breaches.

  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

    • Implement DLP solutions to monitor and control the transfer of sensitive information, preventing data breaches.

  • Network Access Control (NAC)

    • Deploy NAC to enforce security policies on devices seeking network access, ensuring only compliant devices can connect.

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)/Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

    • Utilize EDR/XDR solutions to monitor endpoints for suspicious activities, providing advanced threat detection and response capabilities.

  • User Behavior Analysis

    • Apply user behavior analytics to establish baselines and detect anomalies in user activities, identifying potential insider threats.

Given a scenario, implement and maintain Identity and Access Management (IAM).

  • Provisioning/Deprovisioning User Accounts

    • Provisioning
      • Establish a streamlined process for creating user accounts, assigning appropriate permissions, and ensuring timely access to necessary resources upon onboarding.
    • Deprovisioning
      • Implement procedures to promptly revoke access and deactivate accounts when users leave the organization or change roles, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

  • Permissions Assignments and Implications

    • Principle of Least Privilege

      • Assign users the minimum level of access required to perform their duties, reducing potential attack surface.

    • Regular Access Reviews

      • Conduct periodic audits to verify that permissions align with current job responsibilities and adjust as needed.

  • Identify Proofing

    • Verification Process
      • Utilize robust methods to confirm the identities of users before granting access, such as government-issued IDs, biometric verification, or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

  • Federation

    • Trust Relationship
      • Establish trust between different organizations or domains to allow users to access resources across them using their primary credentials, enhancing collaboration while maintaining security.

  • Single Sign-On (SSO)

    • Centralized Authentication
      • Implement SSO solutions to enable users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials, improving user experience and reducing password fatigue.
      • Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
        • Utilize LDAP for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over a network.
      • Open Authorization (OAuth)
        • Employ OAuth to applications to access user data from another service without exposing credentials.
      • Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
        • Use SAML for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly in web browsers SSO scenarios.

  • Interoperability

    • System Compatibility
      • Ensure IAM solutions can integrate seamlessly with existing and future systems, applications, and services within the organization.

  • Attestation

    • Access Certification
      • Regularly validate and document that users have appropriate access rights, complying with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

  • Access Controls

    • Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
      • Enforce strict policies where the system restricts access based on information sensitivity and user clearance levels.
    • Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
      • Allow data owners to control access to their resources, granting permissions at their discretion.
    • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
      • Assign access permissions based on user roles within the organization, streamlining permission management.
    • Rule-Based Access Control
      • Define access permissions based on specific rules, such as time of day or location.
    • Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
      • Grant access based on attributes (e.g., department, job title) and environmental conditions, offering fine-grained control.
    • Time-of-Day Restrictions
      • Restrict access to resources during specific times to enhance security.
    • Least Privilege
      • Ensure users have only the access necessary to perform their tasks, minimizing potential security risks.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

    • Implementations
      • Biometrics
        • Use fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scan to verify user identity.
      • Hard/Soft Authentication Tokens
        • Deploy physical devices or software-based tokens that generate time-sensitive codes.
      • Security Keys
        • Utilize hardware devices that provide cryptographic proof of identity.
    • Factors
      • Something you know
        • Passwords or PINs.
      • Something you have
        • Smart cards, tokens, or mobile devices.
      • Something you are
        • Biometric characteristics.
      • Somewhere you are
        • Geolocation-based authentication.

  • Password Concepts

    • Best Practices

      • Length and Complexity

        • Enforce policies requiring long and complex passwords to enhance security.

      • Reuse and Expiration

        • Discourage password reuse and set expiration policies to compel regular updates.

      • Age

        • Implement a minimum password age policies to prevent rapid changes that could circumvent password history requirements.
    • Password Managers
      • Encourage the use of password managers to securely generate, store, and manage complex passwords.
    • Passwordless Authentication
      • Explore methods such as biometrics or hardware tokens to reduce reliance on traditional passwords.

  • Privileged Access Management (PAM) Tools

    • Just-in-Time Permissions
      • Grant elevated access rights only when needed and revoke them afterward to minimize exposure.
    • Password Vaulting
      • Store privileged account credentials securely and monitor their use.
    • Ephemeral Credentials
      • Use temporary credentials that expire after a short period, reducing the risk of misuse.

Explain the importance of automation and orchestration related to secure operations.

  • Use Cases of Automation and Scripting

    • User Provisioning
      • Automating the creation, management, and deactivation of user accounts ensures timely control and reduces the risk of human error.
    • Resource Provisioning
      • Automatically allocating and configuring computing resources as needed enhances operational efficiency and scalability.
    • Guardrails
      • Implementing automated policies and controls ensures that security standards are consistently enforced across the organization.
    • Security Groups
      • Dynamically managing security group memberships based on predefined criteria helps maintain appropriate access controls.
    • Ticket Creation and Escalation
      • Automating the generation and prioritization of incident tickets ensures prompt attention to security events.
    • Enabling/Disabling Services and Access
      • Automatically adjusting service availability and user access in response to security policies or detect threats enhances protection.
    • Continuous Integration and Testing
      • Integrating automated security testing into the development pipeline ensures vulnerabilities are identified and addressed early.
    • Integrations and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
      • Leveraging APIs for seamless integration between security tools facilitates efficient data sharing and coordinated responses.

  • Benefits

    • Efficiency/Time Saving
      • Automation reduces manual workloads, allowing security personnel to focus on more strategic tasks.
    • Enforcing Baselines
      • Consistently applying security configurations and policies across all systems ensures a uniform security posture.
    • Standard Infrastructure Configuration
      • Automated deployment of standardized configurations reduces inconsistencies and potential vulnerabilities.
    • Scaling in a Secure Manner
      • Automation enables organizations to scale operations without compromising security, as controls are applied uniformly.
    • Employee Retention
      • By reducing repetitive tasks, automation enhances job satisfaction among security staff, aiding in retention.
    • Reaction Time
      • Automated responses to security incidents minimize the window of exposure and potential damage.
    • Workforce Multiplier
      • Automation amplifies the effectiveness of the security team, allowing them to manage more with less.

  • Other Considerations

    • Complexity
      • Implementing automation and orchestration can introduce complexity, requiring careful planning and management.
    • Cost
      • Initial investments in automation tools and training can be significant, though they often yield long-term savings.
    • Single Point of Failure
      • Reliance on automated systems necessitates robust fail-safes to prevent systemic failures.
    • Technical Debt
      • Poorly implemented automation can lead to technical debt, complicating future maintenance and updates.
    • Ongoing Supportability
      • Continuous support and updates are essential to maintain the effectiveness and security of automated systems.

Explain appropriate incident response activities.

  • Incident Response Process

    • Preparation

      • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and tools to handle potential incidents. This includes establishing an incident response team, defining communication strategies, and conducting regular training sessions.

    • Detection and Analysis

      • Monitor systems to identify anomalous activities that may indicate security incidents. Once detected, analyze the incident to understand its nature, scope, and potential impact.

    • Containment

      • Implement short-term and long-term strategies to prevent the incident from causing further damage. This may involve isolating affected systems or networks to halt the spread of malicious activity.

    • Eradication

      • Identify and eliminate the root cause of the incident. This could involve removing malware, closing vulnerabilities, or addressing misconfigurations that led to the incident.

    • Recovery

      • Restore and validate system functionality to return to normal operations. This includes testing systems to ensure they are free from threats and monitoring them for any signs of residual issues.

    • Lessons Learned

      • Conduct a post-incident review to assess the effectiveness of the response and identify areas for improvement. Document findings and update the incident response plan accordingly.

  • Training

    • Regular training ensures that the incident response team is well-prepared to handle incidents efficiently. This includes familiarizing team members with the incident response plan, tools, and procedures, as well as conducting drills to simulate real-world scenarios.

  • Testing

    • Tabletop Exercises
      • Simulated discussions where team members can walk through hypothetical incident scenarios to assess the effectiveness of the incident response plan and identify gaps.
    • Simulations
      • Live exercises that mimic actual incidents, allowing teams to practice their response in real-time and evaluate their readiness.

  • Root Cause Analysis

    • A systematic process to determine the underlying cause of an incident. Understanding the root cause helps in implementing corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

  • Threat Hunting

    • Proactively searching for threats that may have evaded existing security measures. This involves analyzing system and network data to identify indicators of compromise and mitigate potential threats before they cause harm.

  • Digital Forensics

    • The process of collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in a manner that is legally admissible. Key components include:
    • Legal Hold
      • Ensuring that all relevant data is preserved when litigation is anticipated.
    • Chain of Custody
      • Maintaining a documented history of who has handled the evidence, ensuring its integrity and admissibility in legal proceedings.
    • Acquisition
      • Collecting digital evidence in a forensically sound manner to prevent alteration or loss.
    • Preservation
      • Protecting the integrity of the evidence throughout the investigation.
    • Analysis
      • Examining the evidence to uncover relevant information related to the incident.
    • Reporting
      • Documenting the findings of the forensic analysis in a clear and concise manner.
    • E-Discovery
      • Identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information in response to legal proceedings.

Given a scenario, use data sources to support an investigation.

  • Log Data

    • Firewall Logs
      • These logs record inbound and outbound traffic, detailing allowed and blocked connections, and flagging suspicious activities. They are crucial for identifying unauthorized access attempts and monitoring network traffic patterns.
    • Application Logs
      • Generated by software applications, these logs capture events such as user interactions, errors, and transaction details. They help in tracing application-level issues and detecting anomalies that may indicate security breaches.
    • Endpoint Logs
      • Collected from devices like computers and mobile devices, these logs provide information on user activities, system changes, and security events. They are vital for identifying compromised devices and understanding the scope of an incident.
    • Operating System Security Logs
      • These logs document events related to system security, including login attempts, privilege changes, and policy modifications. They assist in detecting unauthorized access and policy violations.
    • Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) Logs
      • Monitor network or system activities for malicious actions or policy violations, providing alerts and details about potential threats. They are essential for real-time threat detection and response.
    • Network Logs
      • These logs capture data on network traffic, including source and destination IP addresses, protocols used, and data transfer details. They help in analyzing communication patterns and identifying unusual or unauthorized activities.
    • Metadata
      • Metadata provides contextual information about data, such as timestamps, file sizes, and creation dates. In investigations, metadata can help establish timelines and understand the characteristics of data involved in an incident.

  • Additional Data Sources

    • Vulnerability Scans
      • Regular scans identify known vulnerabilities within systems and applications. The results guide investigators in understanding potential exploitation paths used by attackers.
    • Automated Reports and Dashboards
      • These tools aggregate and present data from various sources, offering a consolidated view of security metrics and incident statuses. They aid in monitoring trends and quickly assessing the security posture.
    • Packet Captures
      • Packet capturing involves recording network traffic data packets for analysis. This data is crucial for deep-diving into network communications to identify malicious activities, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access.