Cloud Access Logging and Alert System (AWS/GCP) - Technical & Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This guide outlines the development of a Cloud Access Logging and Alert System. The system monitors cloud access activities, logs events, and generates real-time alerts for suspicious behaviors. It leverages cloud-native tools and services from AWS or GCP.
1.2 Scope
The project is targeted at organizations using AWS or GCP to monitor user activities, ensure compliance, and respond promptly to potential security incidents. It integrates seamlessly with existing cloud services.
2. Features
- **Real-Time Logging**: Captures user activities and system
events.
- **Alert Mechanism**: Sends notifications for predefined suspicious patterns.
- **Integration with Cloud Tools**: Utilizes AWS CloudWatch or GCP Stackdriver.
- **User Management**: Tracks access permissions and roles.
- **Compliance Reporting**: Provides insights for audit purposes.
3. System Requirements
1. **Cloud Platform**: AWS or GCP account with
administrative permissions.
2. **Software Tools**: Python 3.9 or later, Terraform for infrastructure
automation.
3. **Services**:
- For AWS: CloudTrail, CloudWatch,
SNS.
- For GCP: Audit Logs, Monitoring,
Pub/Sub.
4. **Hardware**: Cloud-hosted virtual machines or functions.
4. Architecture and Design
4.1 System Architecture
The system comprises:
- **Event Source**: CloudTrail (AWS) or Audit Logs (GCP) for capturing events.
- **Processor**: Lambda functions (AWS) or Cloud Functions (GCP) for analyzing
logs.
- **Notifier**: SNS (AWS) or Pub/Sub (GCP) for alerting.
- **Storage**: S3 (AWS) or Cloud Storage (GCP) for logs.
4.2 Workflow
1. Configure logging services to capture all access events.
2. Develop functions to parse logs and identify suspicious patterns.
3. Set up notification mechanisms for real-time alerts.
4. Store logs securely for analysis and auditing.
5. Implementation Steps
5.1 Configuration
- Enable CloudTrail (AWS) or Audit Logs (GCP).
- Define log storage policies and retention settings.
5.2 Development
- Develop serverless functions to process logs.
- Use predefined templates for suspicious activity detection.
- Implement notification triggers for high-risk events.
5.3 Deployment
- Deploy the solution using Terraform or CloudFormation
templates.
- Validate the system with test cases simulating unauthorized access.
6. Testing and Validation
1. **Unit Testing**: Verify individual components like log
parsing and alerting.
2. **Integration Testing**: Ensure seamless interaction between services.
3. **Security Testing**: Validate that logs and alerts are tamper-proof.
7. Maintenance
1. Regularly update the system to include new threat
patterns.
2. Monitor performance and optimize alerting thresholds.
3. Provide periodic training for users on the system.