Home > Store

Security Threat Mitigation and Response: Understanding Cisco Security MARS

Register your product to gain access to bonus material or receive a coupon.

Security Threat Mitigation and Response: Understanding Cisco Security MARS

Book

  • Sorry, this book is no longer in print.
Not for Sale

Description

  • Copyright 2007
  • Edition: 1st
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 1-58705-260-1
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-58705-260-6

Identify, manage, and counter security threats with the Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis, and Response System

Dale Tesch

Greg Abelar

While it is commonly understood that deploying network security devices is critical to the well-being of an organization’s systems and data, all too often companies assume that simply having these devices is enough to maintain the integrity of network resources. To really provide effective protection for their networks, organizations need to take the next step by closely examining network infrastructure, host, application, and security events to determine if an attack has exploited devices on their networks.

Cisco® Security Monitoring, Analysis, and Response System (Cisco Security MARS) complements network and security infrastructure investment by delivering a security command and control solution that is easy to deploy, easy to use, and cost-effective. Cisco Security MARS fortifies deployed network devices and security countermeasures, empowering you to readily identify, manage, and eliminate network attacks and maintain compliance.

Security Threat Mitigation and Response helps you understand this powerful new security paradigm that reduces your security risks and helps you comply with new data privacy standards. This book clearly presents the advantages of moving from a security reporting system to an all-inclusive security and network threat recognition and mitigation system. You will learn how Cisco Security MARS works, what the potential return on investment is for deploying Cisco Security MARS, and how to set up and configure Cisco Security MARS in your network.

“Dealing with gigantic amounts of disparate data is the next big challenge in computer security; if you’re a Cisco Security MARS user, this book is what you’ve been looking for.”

–Marcus J. Ranum, Chief of Security, Tenable Security, Inc.

Dale Tesch is a product sales specialist for the Cisco Security MARS product line for the Cisco Systems® United States AT Security team. Dale came to Cisco Systems through the acquisition of Protego Networks in February 2005. Since then, he has had the primary responsibilities of training the Cisco sales and engineering team on SIM systems and Cisco Security MARS and for providing advanced sales support to Cisco customers. 

Greg Abelar has been an employee of Cisco Systems since December 1996. He was an original member of the Cisco Technical Assistance Security team, helping to hire and train many of the team’s engineers. He has held various positions in both the Security Architecture and Security Technical Marketing Engineering teams at Cisco.

  • Understand how to protect your network with a defense-in-depth strategy
  • Examine real-world examples of cost savings realized by Cisco Security MARS deployments
  • Evaluate the technology that underpins the Cisco Security MARS appliance
  • Set up and configure Cisco Security MARS devices and customize them for your environment
  • Configure Cisco Security MARS to communicate with your existing hosts, servers, network devices, security appliances, and other devices in your network
  • Investigate reported threats and use predefined reports and queries to get additional information about events and devices in your network
  • Use custom reports and custom queries to generate device and event information about your network and security events
  • Learn firsthand from real-world customer stories how Cisco Security MARS has thwarted network attacks

This security book is part of the Cisco Press® Networking Technology Series. Security titles from Cisco Press help networking professionals secure critical data and resources, prevent and mitigate network attacks, and build end-to-end self-defending networks.

Category: Cisco Press–Security

Covers: Security Threat Mitigation

Sample Content

Online Sample Chapter

Role of CS-MARS in Your Network

Downloadable Sample Chapter

Download - 662 KB -- Chapter 2: Role of CS-MARS in Your Network

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Part I          The Security Threat Identification and Response Challenge

Chapter 1   Understanding SIM and STM

Understanding Security Information Management Legacy Threat Response

Understanding Security Information Management

Meeting the Needs of Industry Regulations

Understanding the Unified Security Platform

Introduction to Security Threat Mitigation

Leveraging Your Existing Environment

Summary

Chapter 2   Role of CS-MARS in Your Network

The Self-Defending Network and the Expanding Role of CS-MARS

Understanding the Self-Defending Network

Enhancing the Self-Defending Network

CS-MARS: Filling the Gaps in the Self-Defending Network

CS-MARS as an STM Solution

Reasons for an STM

Day-Zero Attacks, Viruses, and Worms

Monitoring and Enforcing Security Policy

Insight, Integration, and Control of Your Network

Auditing Controls

Monitoring Access Control

Using CS-MARS to Justify Security Investment

The STM Deployment

Summary

Chapter 3   Deriving TCO and ROI

Fact, FUD, and Fiction

FUD vs. Reality

Real Threats to Enterprises

Attack Impact

Tangible Costs

Intangible Costs

Emerging Threats

Impact of Attacks and Probability of Reoccurrence

Total Cost of Ownership

Using CS-MARS to Ensure ROI and Protect Your Assets

Cost of Recovery Without CS-MARS

Cost of Recovery Using CS-MARS

Summary

Part II         CS-MARS Theory and Configuration

Chapter 4   CS-MARS Technologies and Theory

Technical Introduction to the CS-MARS Appliance

CS-MARS at a Glance

CS-MARS Product Portfolio and Hardware Specifications

CS-MARS Terminology

CS-MARS Technologies

Database Storage and Utilization

CS-MARS Database Structure

CS-MARS Data Archiving

Network Topology Used for Forensic Analysis

CS-MARS Topology Information

Understanding Attack Diagrams and Attack Vectors

CS-MARS Network Discovery

NetFlow in CS-MARS

Understanding NetFlow

Using NetFlow in CS-MARS

Conducting Behavioral Profiling Using CS-MARS

Positive Alert Verification and Dynamic Vulnerability Scanning

Understanding False Positives

Understanding Vulnerability Analysis

Methodology of Communication

Communication Methods

Use of Agents

Incident Reporting and Notification Methods

Summary

Chapter 5   CS-MARS Appliance Setup and Configuration

Deploying CS-MARS in Your Network

Network Placement

CS-MARS Security Hardening

CS-MARS Initial Setup and Quick Install

Complete the Initial CS-MARS Configuration

Enter System Parameters Using the CS-MARS Web Interface

CS-MARS Reporting Device Setup

Adding Devices

Creating Users and Groups

Configuring NetFlow and Vulnerability Scanning

Configuring CS-MARS System Maintenance

Configuring System Parameters

Summary

Chapter 6         Reporting and Mitigative Device Configuration

Identifying CS-MARS–Supported Devices

Types of Devices and the Information They Provide

The Difference Between Reporting and Mitigation Devices

Table of CS-MARS–Supported Devices

Configuring Devices to Communicate with CS-MARS

Configuring Routers

Configuring Switches

Configuring Firewalls

Enabling IDS and IPS in a CS-MARS Environment

Operating Systems and Web Servers

Configure VPN 3000

Configure VPN 3000 Series Concentrators to Communicate with CS-MARS

Add VPN 3000 Series Concentrators to the CS-MARS Device Database

Antivirus Hosts and Servers

Database Servers

Oracle

Summary

Part III        CS-MARS Operation

Chapter 7   CS-MARS Basic Operation

Using the Summary Dashboard, Network Status Graphs, and My Reports Tab

Reading Incidents and Viewing Path Information

Using the HotSpot Graph and Attack Diagram

Interpreting Events and NetFlow Graphs and False Positive Graphs

Understanding Data on the Information Summary Column

Interpreting the X, Y Axis Graphs

Using the Network Status Tab

Using My Reports

Using the Incidents Page

Using the Incidents Page

Using the Incident ID to View Data

Simple Queries

Setting the Query Type

Instant Queries

On-Demand Queries and Manual Queries

Summary

Chapter 8   Advanced Operation and Security Analysis

Creating Reports

Report Formats

Using Predefined Reports

Creating Custom Reports

Methods of Report Delivery

Creating Rules

The Two Types of Rules

Active vs. Inactive Rules

Creating Custom System Inspection Rules

Using the Query Tool to Create a Rule

Complex and Behavioral Rule Creation

Summary

Part IV       CS-MARS in Action

Chapter 9   CS-MARS Uncovered

State Government

Detection

Action

Resolution

Large University

Detection

Action

Resolution

Hospital

Detection

Action

Resolution

Enterprise Financial Company

Detection

Action

Resolution

Small Business

Detection

Action

Resolution

Summary

Part VAppendixes

Appendix A      Useful Security Websites

Security Links and Descriptions

General Security

Governmental Security Controls and Information

Tools and Testing

Cisco Security Sites

Appendix B      CS-MARS Quick Data Sheets

Quick Hardware and Protocol Specifications for CS-MARS

CS-MARS Technology Facts

NetFlow Platform Guide

 NetFlow Performance Information

NetFlow Memory Allocation Information

V4.1 Product Support List

Appendix C      CS-MARS Supplements

CS-MARS Evaluation Worksheet

Security Threat Mitigation

Technical Evaluation Worksheet

Sample Seed File

ISS Configuration Scripts

ISS Network Sensor

ISS Server Sensor

IOS and CATOS NetFlow Quick Configuration Guide

Configuring NetFlow Export on a Cisco IOS Device

Configuring NetFlow on a Cisco CATOS Switch

Appendix D      Command-Line Interface

Complete Command Summary

CS-MARS Maintenance Commands

Appendix E      CS-MARS Reporting

CS-MARS V4.1 Reports

Appendix F      CS-MARS Console Access

Using Serial Console Access

Appendix G     CS-MARS Check Point Configuration

Configuring Check Point NG FP3/AI and CS-MARS

Check Point–Side Configuration

CS-MARS Configuration

Modifying the Communications to the SmartDashboard/CMA

Known Open and Closed Issues

Configuring Check Point Provider-1 R60

Index

Foreword

Download - 49 KB -- Book Foreword: Interview with authors Dale Tesch, Jr., and Greg Abelar

Index

Download - 72.6 KB -- Index

Updates

Submit Errata

More Information

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020