Home > Ask the Security Experts > Network Security Questions & Answers > What kinds of network packet data can be extracted from Snort IDS?
Ask The Security Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

What kinds of network packet data can be extracted from Snort IDS?

Mike Chapple, featured expert EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Mike Chapple, featured expert

Pose a Question
Other Security Categories
Meet all Security Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 02 August 2007
Is it possible to get the following data from a Snort intrusion detection system (IDS)?
  1. Number of packets that Snort receives from one destination only
  2. Number of packets that Snort receives from all senders
  3. The time between two received packets
Is this information useful from a security perspective, or should I turn my focus toward other Snort data points?


BROWSE BY TAG
Network Security,   Network Intrusion Detection (IDS),   Network Intrusion Detection and Analysis,   Enterprise Network Security,   Open Source Security Tools and Applications,   Application and Platform Security,   VIEW ALL TAGS

Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


RELATED CONTENT
Network Security
Should enterprises be running multiple firewalls?
What are best practices for fiber optic cable security?
What is the difference between a VPN and remote control?
What are the disadvantages of proxy-based firewalls?
What are the best practices for IPS implementation?
How to prevent DDoS attacks on websites
How to configure firewall ports for webmail system implementation
Can S/MIME, XML and IPsec operate in one protocol layer?
How should service providers address VoIP security issues and threats?
How to set up a corporate cell phone management strategy

Network Intrusion Detection (IDS)
SIMs tools and tactics for business intelligence
IPS and IDS deployment strategies
Know when you need IDS, IPS or both
Trend Micro to acquire Third Brigade for virtualization, cloud security
New product aims to control rogue applications that avoid firewalls
How to perform a network forensic analysis and investigation
What is the cause of an 'intrusion attempt' message?
Host-based intrusion prevention addresses server, desktop security
Intrusion detection vs. intrusion prevention
Product review: AirDefense Enterprise 7.3
Network Intrusion Detection (IDS) Research

Open Source Security Tools and Applications
Screencast: Samurai offers pen-testing nirvana
Rootkit Hunter demo: Detect and remove Linux rootkits
When to use open source security tools over commercial products
Screencasts: On-screen demonstrations of today's IT tools
Maltego demo: Identifying a website's trust relationships
Free HP SWFScan tool detects Adobe Flash flaws
L0phtCrack returns
How to use (almost) free tools to find sensitive data
Should open source disk-encryption software be used?
Open source security concerns can trump cost savings

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
computer forensics  (SearchSecurity.com)
Diffie-Hellman key exchange  (SearchSecurity.com)
Einstein  (SearchSecurity.com)
HIDS/NIDS  (SearchSecurity.com)
network behavior analysis  (SearchSecurity.com)
ultrasound  (SearchSecurity.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary


You might be able to extract some of that information from a Snort sensor, but I'd recommend turning your focus toward other data points. For your first two requests, you should use a NetFlow aggregator. There are numerous dedicated systems designed to find these basic network statistics.

I'm not sure why you'd need to collect "the time between two received packets." Snort doesn't keep a record of every received packet unless you specifically instruct it to do so. Under Snort's primary settings, you consequently wouldn't be able to determine the time difference between two arbitrary packets. Tools like tcpdump run on the host, however, and should be able to address this third area.

Snort is an intrusion detection system, so the real question you should be asking is, "What type of unusual events does Snort detect on my network?" On any network using an IDS for the first time, you'll likely find a number of false positive reports. Your next question should then be, "Which of those alerts can I safely ignore?" Once you have the answers to those questions in hand, you can use Snort as part of your ongoing routine to monitor the network for potential security events.

More information:

  • Check out SearchSecurity.com's Snort Intrusion Detection and Prevention Guide.
  • Should Snort be configured with a FreeBSD router? Mike Chapple explains.




  • Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
    Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
    Browse our Expert Advice



    Find Security Solutions for Your Business
    Targeted Security Channel Tips for Resellers, Integrators and Consultants
    TechTarget Security Media
    Information Security View this month\\'s issue and subscribe today.
    Information Security Decisions Apply online for free conference admission.
    SearchSecurity.com
    HomeNewsMagazineMultimediaWhite PapersLearningAdviceTopicsEventsAbout Us

    About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
    TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

    TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




    All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
      TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts