When it comes to security, system detection is one of the most important areas to focus on. It is critical to have the right systems in place to detect breaches and vulnerabilities, in order to protect sensitive data and keep users safe. Without proper detection, organizations risk leaving themselves vulnerable to attack.
This guide will look at different techniques to help you prevent security breaches, using system detection. You will learn best practices and methods to detect and respond to threats quickly and effectively.
Types of System Detection
System detection encompasses a range of processes and techniques which are used to detect threats that come into a system. Some of the main types of system detection are as follows:
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): IDSs are designed to identify attempts from external sources (hackers) to gain unauthorised access to a system. They monitor the system for suspicious activity, such as unusual user behaviour or requests, and alert you when there is potential for a breach.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): IPSs are designed to stop any malicious activity from taking place, rather than simply alerting you to the threat. This can include blocking suspicious requests, or disabling certain functions or features that could potentially be used to gain access.
Application Security: Application Security includes measures to detect and prevent threats that come into your system via web applications and services. This includes techniques such as input validation, session management, and identity management.
Best Practices
Knowing the different types of system detection is a great start, but it is important to develop best practices to ensure you are using each type effectively, in order to prevent security breaches. Here are some of the basic steps you should take:
Implement strong authentication measures and account controls. Ensure that user accounts are secure and passwords are regularly changed. Implement two-factor authentication, if possible.
Ensure the system is always updated with the latest security patches. Outdated software is more vulnerable to security threats, and it is important to keep up with the latest releases to ensure your system is secure.
Regularly run scans to detect any malicious files or activities. Regularly scan the system for known malware, malicious code and other threats.
Monitor user behaviour. Regularly monitor user behaviour to detect any suspicious or malicious activities. Look for red flags, such as multiple failed login attempts, or unusually large downloads.
Implement a ‘least privilege’ policy. This means giving users only the permissions they need to do their job. It helps to reduce the attack surface, as users cannot access any resources they do not need.
FAQ
What is Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a system used to detect attempts from external sources to gain unauthorised access to a system. It monitors the system for suspicious activity, such as unusual user behaviour or requests, and alerts you when there is potential for a breach.
What is Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?
An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is designed to stop any malicious activity from taking place, rather than simply alerting you to the threat. It can include blocking suspicious requests, or disabling certain functions or features that could potentially be used to gain access.
What is application security?
Application security includes measures to detect and prevent threats that come into your system via web applications and services. This includes techniques such as input validation, session management, and identity management.
What is least privilege policy?
Least privilege policy is a technique that involves giving users only the permissions they need to do their job. It helps to reduce the attack surface, as users cannot access any resources they do not need.
What are the best practices to prevent security breaches?
The best practices to prevent security breaches include implementing strong authentication measures and account controls, ensuring the system is always updated with the latest security patches, regularly running scans to detect any malicious files or activities, monitoring user behaviour, and implementing a ‘least privilege’ policy.