IDS and IPS

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Characteristics

• Passive monitoring system

• Focuses on network and system surveillance

• Reactive in nature

• Vulnerability scanning capabilities

Key Functions

• Monitors for suspicious activities

• Detects authentication failures

• Issues alerts for potential security incidents

• System vulnerability assessment

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Characteristics

• Active monitoring and response system

• Dynamic traffic analysis

• Signature-based threat detection

• Real-time intervention capabilities

Key Features

• Dynamic threat response

• Automated IP blacklisting

• Deep system monitoring through agents

• Proactive threat mitigation

System Architecture Components

Agent Deployment

• Local system installation

• Deep access monitoring

• System-level visibility

• Real-time data collection

Log Collection Mechanisms

• CloudWatch integration

• S3 storage capability

• Third-party SIEM integration (e.g., Splunk)

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) functionality

AWS Logging Services Comparison

CloudWatch

• Primary Purpose: Service event logging

• Scope: Comprehensive AWS service monitoring

• Focus: Operational monitoring

• Features:

  • Multi-account logging

  • Indefinite log storage

  • 14-day alarm retention

  • High-level monitoring capabilities

CloudTrail

• Primary Purpose: API activity tracking

• Scope: AWS service API interactions

• Focus: Activity auditing

• Features:

  • Granular activity logging

  • Multi-account support

  • Long-term storage via S3

  • Integration with CloudWatch for alarming

Implementation Best Practices

Log Aggregation

1. Establish dedicated logging account

2. Implement restricted access controls

3. Enable multi-account logging

4. Maintain log integrity

Alarm Configuration

1. Set up CloudWatch alarms for critical events

2. Configure CloudTrail integration with CloudWatch

3. Establish notification channels (SNS)

4. Implement response procedures

Security Architecture

1. Position IDS/IPS within appropriate subnets

2. Deploy monitoring agents across infrastructure

3. Configure automated response mechanisms

4. Establish notification workflows

Integration Strategies

SIEM Integration

• Configure log forwarding

• Establish data retention policies

• Implement analysis rules

• Set up alerting mechanisms

Response Automation

1. Configure SNS notifications

2. Establish incident response workflows

3. Implement automated remediation

4. Document response procedures

Monitoring Considerations

Operational Monitoring

• Service performance metrics

• Resource utilization

• System health indicators

• Operational alerts

Security Monitoring

• API activity tracking

• Authentication attempts

• Suspicious behavior patterns

• Security incidents

Best Practices

1. Regular system updates

2. Continuous monitoring configuration review

3. Periodic alarm testing

4. Log retention policy maintenance

5. Access control review

6. Response procedure updates

This document provides a foundation for understanding intrusion detection and prevention systems along with AWS logging services. Regular updates based on emerging threats and AWS service enhancements are recommended.