Network Observability Best Practices for Cybersecurity

In today’s digital landscape, network observability is crucial for maintaining robust cybersecurity. By providing comprehensive visibility into network activities, observability helps detect and respond to threats, identify vulnerabilities, and integrate with security tools like SIEM. This article explores best practices for network observability, recent examples, and the importance of network packet brokers.

Detecting and Responding to Network Threats

Effective network observability enables real-time detection and response to networ threats. Key practices include:

1. Continuous Monitoring: Implement continuous network monitoring using tools like Zeek (formerly Bro) and Suricata to detect anomalies and potential threats promptly.
2. Automated Alerts: Use automated alert systems, such as those provided by Snort or OSSEC, to notify security teams of suspicious activities.
3. Incident Response Plans: Develop and regularly update incident response plans, incorporating playbooks for common attack scenarios and leveraging toolslike TheHive for incident management.

Using Network Data to Identify Security Vulnerabilities

Network data is a valuable resource for identifying security vulnerabilities. Best practices include:

1. Traffic Analysis: Analyze network traffic using tools like Wireshark and NetFlow analyzers to identify unusual patterns that may indicate vulnerabilities.
2. Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly scan the network for known vulnerabilities using tools like Nessus or OpenVAS and apply patches promptly.
3.  Behavioral Analytics: Use behavioral analytics platforms like Darktrace to detect deviations from normal network behavior, which could signal potential security issues.

Integrating Network Observability with SIEM

Integrating network observability with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems enhances overall security posture. Key integration practices include:

1.  Data Correlation: Correlate network data with SIEM data using platforms like Splunk or IBM QRadar to gain a comprehensive view of security events.
2.  Unified Dashboards: Use unified dashboards provided by tools like ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) to monitor network and SIEM data in a single interface.
3. Automated Responses: Implement automated responses to security incidents based on SIEM insights, leveraging SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) tools like Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR.

Learning from Recent Attacks: Why Network Observability Matters

Recent cyberattacks underscore the critical role network observability plays in defense. Let’s revisit some major incidents:

For instance, the SolarWinds attack could have been mitigated with better network observability, which would have detected unusual data flows and unauthorized access. Similarly, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack underscored the need for real-time network monitoring to detect and respond to threats swiftly

In 2024, several significant breaches could have been mitigated with improved network observability:

1. Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack: This attack caused massive disruption in the U.S. healthcare system. Better network observability could have detected the ransomware activity earlier, preventing widespread outages
2. Ivanti VPN Exploitation: The exploitation of Ivanti VPNs led to mass compromises, including U.S. government agencies. Enhanced network observability could have identified the unusual access patterns and mitigated the impact.
3. Microsoft Executive Email Breach: A Russia-aligned threat actor stole emails from Microsoft executives. Improved network observability could have detected the unauthorized access and prevented data exfiltration

Beyond 2024: Emerging Threats and the Need for Network Observability

The threat landscape continues to evolve, with new attacks emerging regularly. Here are some recent examples:

• LastPass Data Breach (2022): This breach exposed sensitive customer data,high lighting the need for robust security measures, including networ observability.
• Uber Data Breach (2022): This breach resulted in the exposure of driver and user data, emphasizing the importance of monitoring network activity for signs of compromise.
•  T-Mobile Data Breach (2023): This breach affected millions of customers, underscoring the need for proactive security measures, including network observability.

Uncompromisingly Secure Network Access for Full Network Transparency

Ensuring secure network access is essential for full network transparency. Practices include:

1. Zero Trust Architecture: Implement a Zero Trust architecture using solutions like Zscaler or Okta to verify all network access requests.
2. Encryption: Use strong encryption protocols such as TLS 1.3 and IPsec to protect data in transit and at rest.
3. Access Controls: Enforce strict access controls with tools like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to limit network access to authorized users only.

The Importance of Network Packet Brokers

Network Packet Brokers (NPBs) play a critical role in network observability by aggregating and distributing network traffic to monitoring tools. Benefits of NPBs include:

1. Traffic Optimization: Optimize network traffic for better performance and visibility using NPBs from vendors like Gigamon, NEOX NETWORKS or Ixia.
2. Scalability: Scale monitoring capabilities to handle increased network traffic, ensuring comprehensive visibility.
3.  Enhanced Security: Improve security by ensuring all network traffic is monitored and analyzed, facilitating the detection of hidden threats.

Best Practices and Tools for Securing Modern Networks

To secure modern networks, consider the following best practices and tools:

1. Comprehensive Monitoring: Use tools like Wireshark, SolarWinds, and PRTG Network Monitor for comprehensive network monitoring.
2. Threat Intelligence: Integrate threat intelligence feeds from sources like ThreatConnect or Recorded Future to stay updated on emerging threats.
3. Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits using frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001 to identify and address vulnerabilities.

How NEOX Network Can Help

NEOX NETWORKS GmbH specializes in providing advanced network visibility, monitoring, and security solutions. Their products and services can significantly enhance network observability and cybersecurity:

1. Network TAPs: NEOX offers a range of Network TAPs that allow for passive monitoring of network traffic without impacting network performance. These TAPs ensure that all data is captured and analyzed accurately.
2. Network Packet Brokers: NEOX’s Network Packet Brokers aggregate and distribute network traffic to various monitoring tools, optimizing traffic and ensuring comprehensive visibility.
3. Full Packet Capture Systems: Their full packet capture systems enable detailed analysis of network traffic, aiding in forensic investigations and real-time threat detection.
4. Advanced Packet Processing: NEOX provides advanced packet processing solutions that reduce data load on monitoring systems and protect sensitive information.
5. Data Diodes: For environments requiring high security, NEOX’s data diodes enforce unidirectional data flow, ensuring complete isolation between networks while allowing necessary data transfers.

By leveraging NEOX NETWORKS solutions, organizations can achieve unparalleled network transparency, enabling them to detect and respond to threats more effectively and maintain a robust cybersecurity posture.