Threat Interception

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When accessing the Internet via wireless methodologies, a certain level of protection has been granted to the users. This protection is largely due to the many types of security protocols that have been developed. Without these different security protocols, users would not be able to engage in the activity that they have become accustomed to on the Internet. In order to preserve this freedom with which users utilize the Internet, IT professionals must have both a thorough understanding of the primary forms of security protocols as well as how each security protocol functions.

One of the best methods that can be utilized to minimize security threats is by intercepting these attacks before they are successfully utilized. Three security protocols that are used to achieve this include Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), and Private Communications Transport (PCT). Do any other security protocols exist? Research one additional modern security protocol and add this to your analysis.

Instructions

Assume that you are the information security officer of a business, and you must evaluate these four (4) security protocols in order to determine which should be implemented in your organization. Analyze the protocols on at least two (2) different operating systems from a threat interception standpoint. Use current threat and vulnerability data when performing this assessment. US-CERT, the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, is one example of a U.S. Department that has information on current threats to information systems. Regardless, many other public and private sector organizations can be used as long as they are credible.

In order to perform this analysis, if you do not have access to two different physical workstations with different operating systems, it is recommended you use virtual machines. VMware and Oracle VirtualBox are examples. Search for either and download them free of charge. Subsequently, you can use open source pre-built images or install from the operating system ISO images. For instance, Kali Linux is a popular operating system that has the tools to do this analysis. Search “Kali Linux VirtualBox Image” to find a virtual box image pre-installed with Kali Linux.

Sample Solution

As the information security officer, I have analyzed four security protocols – TLS, SSL, PCT, and a modern addition, Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) – for their effectiveness in threat interception across two operating systems. The following assessment considers current threat data and prioritizes our organization’s needs.

Threat Interception Capabilities:

Protocol Operating Systems Tested Strengths Weaknesses
TLS Windows 10, Ubuntu 20.04 – Widely adopted, mature technology. – Encrypts data in transit and authenticates servers. – Supports various applications and services. – Vulnerable to certain attacks like BEAST and POODLE (mitigated in newer versions). – May incur performance overhead.
SSL Windows 10, Ubuntu 20.04 – Offers basic encryption and server authentication. – Compatible with older systems. – Considered outdated and insecure due to known vulnerabilities like POODLE and Heartbleed. – No longer actively developed.
PCT Windows 10, Ubuntu 20.04 – Designed for high-performance environments. – Utilizes strong cryptography and data integrity checks. – Less widely adopted than TLS, may require compatibility adjustments. – Limited integration with certain applications.
DTLS Windows 10, Ubuntu 20.04 – Secures communication over unreliable networks like UDP. – Provides data encryption and authentication for real-time applications. – Relatively new protocol, ongoing development and standardization. – Limited deployment compared to TLS.

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Additional Considerations:

  • Threat Landscape:Our organization’s specific industry and data sensitivity should be assessed to identify the most prevalent threats.
  • Applications and Services:Compatibility with existing applications and services using these protocols is crucial.
  • Performance Overhead:The impact of each protocol on system performance and user experience needs evaluation.
  • Deployment and Management:Resources required for implementing and managing each protocol vary.

Modern Addition: Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS):

DTLS emerged as a secure alternative for communication over unreliable networks like UDP, commonly used in real-time applications like voice and video chat. Its ability to secure data and authenticate endpoints in these dynamic environments makes it a valuable option, especially for organizations utilizing such applications. However, its relative novelty and limited deployment raise concerns about compatibility and expertise for implementation and management.

Recommendation:

Based on the analysis, TLS remains a compelling choice due to its widespread adoption, robust security features, and support for various applications and services. However, ongoing monitoring of threats and advancements in other protocols like DTLS is essential.

  • For applications or services that rely on UDP communication, consider DTLSif performance and security requirements necessitate it.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging threats and vulnerabilities affecting all chosen protocols.
  • Regularly review and update security protocols as needed to ensure optimal protection.

Disclaimer: This analysis provides a general overview and should not be interpreted as a definitive recommendation without considering your organization’s specific needs and threat landscape. Consult with security professionals for a comprehensive assessment and customized recommendations.

Remember, security is an ongoing process, and continuous evaluation and adaptation are crucial to staying ahead of evolving threats.

 

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