Intrusion Detection System using Snort - Technical & Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This guide provides detailed instructions for setting up an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Snort. Snort is an open-source network intrusion prevention and detection system capable of performing real-time traffic analysis and packet logging.
1.2 Scope
This IDS will monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and provide alerts for potential security breaches. It is designed for enterprise networks and small-to-medium-sized businesses.
1.3 Definitions & Acronyms
|
Acronym |
Definition |
|
IDS |
Intrusion Detection System |
|
IPS |
Intrusion Prevention System |
|
NIDS |
Network Intrusion Detection System |
|
Snort |
Open-source Intrusion Detection System by Cisco |
|
NAT |
Network Address Translation |
|
DB |
Database |
2. System Architecture
The architecture of the Intrusion Detection System using
Snort includes:
- **Snort Engine**: Analyzes network packets and applies rule sets.
- **Rule Sets**: Predefined patterns to identify known threats.
- **Logging System**: Records suspicious activities.
- **Alerting System**: Sends real-time alerts to administrators.
- **Frontend Interface**: Displays logs and alerts through a dashboard.
3. Key Features
3.1 Real-Time Traffic Analysis
Monitor network packets in real-time and analyze them against preconfigured rule sets.
3.2 Customizable Rules
Create or modify Snort rules to detect specific threats or suspicious patterns.
3.3 Alerting Mechanisms
Configure alerts via email, SMS, or integration with SIEM solutions.
4. Implementation Steps
1. **Installation**: Download and install Snort on a
compatible system (e.g., Linux).
2. **Configuration**: Set up the snort.conf file to define network interfaces
and logging locations.
3. **Rule Setup**: Install and configure rule sets (e.g., Emerging Threats,
Snort VRT).
4. **Testing**: Use tools like Wireshark or nmap to simulate network traffic
and verify detection.
5. **Integration**: Connect Snort with visualization tools like Splunk or
Kibana.
5. Security Considerations
1. Ensure Snort is running on a secure and updated OS.
2. Regularly update rule sets to detect the latest threats.
3. Protect logs and alerts with encryption.
4. Use separate network interfaces for Snort to avoid performance impacts.
6. Testing and Validation
1. Validate Snort's ability to detect known threats using
sample traffic.
2. Perform stress testing to evaluate Snort's performance under heavy traffic.
3. Test alerting mechanisms to ensure timely notifications.
7. Tools and Technologies
- **Snort**: Core IDS tool
- **Visualization Tools**: Splunk, Kibana
- **Traffic Simulators**: Wireshark, nmap
- **Operating Systems**: Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS)
- **Rule Sets**: Emerging Threats, Snort VRT