In this video, we discuss detective controls in cybersecurity as it is covered on the Information Systems and Controls ISC CPA exam.
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Detective controls are essential security measures aimed at identifying and alerting on ongoing threat activities, as well as facilitating the investigation and audit processes post-incident. Here's an explanation of each type of detective control with examples for clarity:
Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS): NIDS serves as a security guard for network traffic, constantly monitoring for patterns or activities that match known threats. When it spots something suspicious, it alerts the system administrators. Example: Consider a NIDS in an office network that identifies a sudden, unusual spike in traffic to a specific server, indicating a potential DDoS attack. The system alerts the IT team, allowing them to take immediate action.
Antivirus Software Monitoring: This type of software acts like a health inspector for your computer files, continuously scanning them against a database of known malware signatures. If it finds a match, the software either removes the threat or isolates it for further investigation. Example: Antivirus software on a user's laptop detects a file infected with ransomware during a routine scan and quarantines it, preventing the malware from encrypting the user's files and demanding a ransom.
Network Monitoring Tools: These tools are akin to traffic analysts for network data, scrutinizing the flow and quality of traffic across the network. They help identify issues like excessive traffic, signal loss, or unauthorized access attempts. Example: A packet sniffer tool identifies an unexpected amount of traffic being sent to an unused IP address within the network, suggesting a potential internal data breach attempt.
Log Analysis: This process involves collecting and examining log files (records of system or network activity) to spot unusual behavior or patterns. Example: Log analysis software detects multiple failed login attempts from a foreign IP address to a high-privileged user account within a short period, indicating a possible brute-force attack attempt.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Similar to a watchtower, an IDS scans the network or system landscape for signs of unauthorized attempts to access resources. It alerts administrators about these attempts in real or near real-time but does not prevent the intrusion. Example: An IDS detects an anomaly in network traffic that resembles the signature of a known malware spreading method, alerting the security team to investigate and respond to the potential threat before it can cause harm.
Each of these detective controls plays a crucial role in the security strategy of an organization, providing the means to detect and respond to threats promptly, thereby minimizing potential damage and aiding in the recovery process following a security incident.
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