What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing
network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
or
A Network Firewall is a system or group of systems used to control access between two
networks -- a trusted network and an untrusted network -- using pre-configured rules or
filters.

Its primary purpose is to establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and
untrusted external networks (such as the internet).

Firewalls help protect systems from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and other
security features
Firewall is device that provides secure connectivity between networks (internal/
external).

It is used to implement and enforce a security policy for communication between

networks.

A firewall may be a hardware, software or a combination of both that is used to prevent

unauthorized program or internet users from accessing a private network or a single
computer.

All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which
examines each message & blocks those that do not meet the specified security
criteria.
 Why do we need a firewall?

To protect confidential information from those who do not explicitly need to access it.

To protect our network & its resources from malicious users & accidents that
originate outside of our network.
 Hardware Firewall
• It is a physical device.

• It can be installed between the modem and

computer.

• It can be incorporated into a broadband

router being used to share the internet
connection.

• Protects an entire network.

5
Usually more expensive, harder to configure.

E.g.- Cisco pix, Netscreen, Watchfuard etc.

6
 Software Firewall
• It is a software application.

• It is installed onto the computer system that you

wish to protect .

• Protects a single computer.

• This is usually the computer with modem

attached to it.

7
• Usually less expensive, easier to configure.

• E.g.- Norton internet security, MacAfee internet security etc.

8
 Types of Firewalls
1.Packet-Filtering Firewall
1. Function: Inspects packets of data sent between computers on a network. It
checks the packet header for the source, destination IP address, and port number.
2. Pros: Simple, fast, and effective for basic filtering.
3. Cons: Limited inspection (doesn’t examine packet content); vulnerable to attacks
that bypass header rules.
Stateful Inspection Firewall
1. Function: Tracks the state of active connections and makes decisions based on
the state of the connection, not just individual packets.
2. Pros: More secure than packet filtering; can track the context of network traffic.
3. Cons: More resource-intensive than packet-filtering firewalls.
Proxy Firewall (Application-Level Gateway)
1. Function: Acts as an intermediary between the internal network and the external
world by filtering requests at the application level (e.g., HTTP, FTP).
2. Pros: Provides deep inspection of data; can block malicious content at the
application level.
3. Cons: Can slow down traffic; requires more resources.
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
1. Function: Combines traditional firewall functions with advanced features such as
deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and application
awareness.
2. Pros: High level of security, integrates multiple security features.
3. Cons: Expensive and complex to manage.
 Firewall Functions
Traffic Filtering: Controls what traffic can pass between networks based on IP
addresses, ports, and protocols.

Intrusion Prevention: Detects and blocks potential attacks or unauthorized access

attempts.

VPN Support: Secures remote connections by encrypting data over the internet.

Logging and Monitoring: Records traffic logs for auditing and identifying suspicious
activity.

Access Control: Defines who can access certain services or data and enforces
authentication.
 What a personal firewall can do
Stop hackers from accessing your computer.

Protect your personal information.

Blocks “pop up” ads and certain cookies.

Determines which programs can access the internet.

Block invalid packets.

14
 What a personal firewall can not do
• Cannot prevent e-mail viruses
-only an antivirus product with update definitions
can prevent e-mail viruses.

• After setting it initially, you cannot forget about it

-The firewall will require periodic updates to the rule sets and the
software itself.

15
 Example Use Case:
Imagine you're running a web server that hosts your company's website. You set up a firewall on
your network perimeter to block any incoming traffic on ports other than 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS).
Rule Example: Only allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic (port 80 and 443) and block all other ports like
port 22 (SSH), port 23 (Telnet), and port 25 (SMTP). This ensures that only web traffic is allowed
in and out, protecting your server from other types of network-based attacks.

Real-World Example:
Scenario: You want to block external access to your internal network from specific IP addresses that
are known to belong to malicious actors or are simply not supposed to have access.
Firewall Action: The firewall will block the traffic from these IPs, preventing them from
communicating with your network.
 Next-Generation Firewall
Feature Packet Filtering Stateful Inspection Proxy Firewall
(NGFW)

Layer of Operation Network Layer (Layer 3) Transport Layer (Layer 4) Application Layer (Layer 7) Multiple layers (Layer 3–7)

No (Proxy only handles Yes (Advanced state

Tracks Connection State No Yes
requests) tracking)

Header and connection Full content (Application Deep Packet Inspection

Packet Inspection Header only
state Layer) (DPI)

Allowing only established

Blocking traffic on a specific Intercepting and filtering Blocking Facebook app
Example connections (e.g., only HTTP
port (e.g., port 23) web requests traffic, detecting malware
responses)

High (filters at application Very high (integrates IPS,

Security Level Basic Moderate
level) DPI, and app filtering)

Moderate (slower due to

Performance Impact Low (Fast) Moderate High (resource-intensive)
proxying)
Firewall Settings

18
 Introduction to IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems)

What is IDS?: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are tools that monitor networks,
computers, or applications to find signs of suspicious or harmful activity.

Why IDS?: The goal is to catch bad activities (like hacking or malware) before they can
cause damage.

IDS is more like a watchdog or security monitor.

Instead of blocking traffic like firewalls, it monitors traffic for suspicious activity (like
unusual patterns, known attack signatures, or abnormal behavior).

IDS can alert you if an attack is happening, even if it hasn't been blocked by the firewall.

It works by analyzing traffic for signs of attacks that could slip through the firewall.
 Host-Based IDS (HIDS)
• It is a security system that is installed on an individual computer (or "host") to monitor and protect it.
• It focuses on what's happening inside the computer, like changes to files, system settings, or any
activity that could indicate a security threat.
 Example of Real-World Usage
Monitoring a Server:
1. Consider a web server running a website. The server might have important files that handle
sensitive data.
2. A HIDS installed on the server can watch for changes in the files (e.g., changes to the
database or configuration files) or abnormal login attempts (like someone trying to guess the
admin password).
3. If a hacker tries to alter files, HIDS will detect that and raise an alarm, enabling the
administrator to take immediate action before the hacker can cause any damage.

Home Computer Protection:

1. On your personal computer, HIDS can protect against malicious software, unauthorized users
trying to access your personal files, or any system settings being altered by a virus.
2. For example, if a ransomware program tries to encrypt your personal files, HIDS will detect the
changes and alert you to stop the process before it spreads.
 Advantages of HIDS

Detailed Monitoring: HIDS focuses on the internal behavior of a host, making it ideal for detecting
suspicious activity that might not be visible from the outside (e.g., through the network).
Real-Time Alerts: It gives immediate alerts when something suspicious happens on the host, like a file
being changed or unauthorized access attempts.
Focus on System-Level Threats: It’s great for detecting attacks like malware infections, privilege
escalation (where an attacker gains higher permissions), and other local threats.

Limitations of HIDS

While HIDS is great for protecting individual computers, it does have some limitations:
Cannot Protect Against Network-Based Attacks: If a hacker attacks your network (e.g., by exploiting
vulnerabilities in the router or other devices), HIDS on an individual computer won’t be able to detect
it until the attack reaches the computer itself.
Resource-Intensive: HIDS can consume a lot of system resources, especially if it’s monitoring
multiple activities constantly. This could slow down the performance of the system.
 What is APIDS (Application-Based IDS)?
An Application-Based IDS (APIDS) is a security system that focuses specifically on
monitoring applications (like web servers or other software applications) to detect and
protect against attacks targeting those apps.

What it does: It looks for malicious activity or attacks happening within applications.
Why it's important: Applications are often a target for hackers because they can have
vulnerabilities. APIDS helps to detect attacks that try to exploit these weaknesses.

Examples:

Monitoring HTTP traffic for web application vulnerabilities.

Detecting malicious activity within an email server.
Identifying unauthorized access to a database.
 Advantages of APIDS
Protects Web Applications: APIDS is specifically designed to protect web servers and apps, focusing on
attacks that target the software itself, like SQL injection, XSS, etc.
Real-Time Detection: It can catch attacks as they happen and alert security teams in real time, preventing
damage.
Can Be Configured to Specific Applications: APIDS can be customized for specific apps or websites,
making it highly effective at monitoring unique threats that may affect those particular systems.
Detects Complex Attacks: APIDS is good at spotting more sophisticated attacks that may be harder for
other security systems (like firewalls) to notice.
Limitations of APIDS
Limited to Applications: APIDS only protects the applications it’s monitoring. It doesn’t protect the network
or the operating system. If an attacker targets the network or operating system, APIDS won’t catch it.
Resource-Intensive: Since it focuses on monitoring applications in detail, APIDS can use a lot of system
resources, especially on large or complex websites, which could slow down performance.
False Positives: Sometimes, APIDS might raise alerts for legitimate actions that seem suspicious (false
positives), requiring security teams to investigate whether the alert is a real threat or not.
Requires Regular Updates: To stay effective, APIDS needs to be updated frequently to detect new types of
attacks. If the system isn’t updated, it may miss new vulnerabilities.
 What is NIDS (Network-Based IDS)?
A Network-Based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) is a security tool that monitors the entire network
of computers and devices to detect suspicious or malicious activity.
What it does: It watches over the "traffic" (data moving between devices) on a network to identify bad
behavior that could affect multiple devices.
Why it's important: It helps detect and stop attacks that target the network itself or try to spread from one
device to another.
 How Does NIDS Work?
NIDS works by monitoring all the data (called network traffic) passing through your network, looking for
signs of malicious activity. It checks for things like:
Unusual Network Traffic:
If there’s a sudden surge of traffic, NIDS might detect that as an indication of a Denial of Service (DoS)
attack where the network is being flooded with excessive requests.
Suspicious Behavior:
NIDS looks for behaviors that don’t match the normal activity of the network.
For example, if a device suddenly starts sending data to many other devices at once, NIDS could flag
this as unusual.
Known Attack Signatures:
NIDS compares network traffic against known attack patterns (like certain types of malware or
hacking attempts). If it detects any matches, it sends an alert.
Spreading Malware:
If malware is trying to spread across the network (e.g., trying to infect multiple devices), NIDS can
catch it early and alert the security team before it spreads too much.
 Example of How NIDS Works
Imagine you have a company network with several computers and servers connected to the internet.
Scenario 1: DDoS Attack (Distributed Denial of Service):
1. A hacker tries to overload your network by sending massive amounts of data to your servers.
2. Without NIDS: The servers might get overwhelmed and crash, affecting your entire business.
3. With NIDS: NIDS detects the sudden surge in traffic and immediately alerts the security team to
take action, such as blocking the malicious traffic or redirecting it.

Scenario 2: Malware Spreading Across the Network:

1. A malware infection starts on one computer and tries to spread to other devices on the network.
2. Without NIDS: The malware could infect several devices before anyone notices.
3. With NIDS: NIDS detects the unusual network behavior (e.g., one computer trying to
communicate with too many devices) and sends an alert, stopping the spread of the malware early.
 Advantages of NIDS
Network-Wide Protection:
NIDS monitors everything happening on the network. It’s like a security camera that
watches all the traffic between devices to make sure nothing bad happens.
Can Detect Spread of Attacks:
If an attack is trying to spread across the network (e.g., from one infected computer to
others), NIDS can detect it and raise an alert before the damage is done.
Scalability:
NIDS works well for networks with many devices, making it great for organizations with
large, complex networks.
Real-Time Alerts:
NIDS provides immediate alerts if it detects something unusual, so the security team
can respond quickly to stop any potential damage.
 Limitations of NIDS
Can’t See Inside Encrypted Traffic:
If the data on the network is encrypted (for example, if someone is using HTTPS or VPNs), NIDS can’t
read the content of that traffic. It can only see the patterns, so it might miss certain types of attacks
hidden inside encrypted data.
False Positives:
Sometimes, NIDS might incorrectly flag legitimate behavior as suspicious (called a false positive). For
example, a large file transfer between two devices might look like an attack, even though it’s just a big
file being shared normally.
Cannot Monitor Internal Attacks:
NIDS primarily looks at network traffic. It won’t catch attacks that happen entirely on a single device,
such as an attacker accessing a computer without moving any data over the network.
Needs Proper Configuration:
To be effective, NIDS needs to be properly configured to know what normal network traffic looks like.
Otherwise, it might miss some attacks or generate too many alerts.
Feature HIDS APIDS NIDS
Individual host Applications (e.g., web Network traffic (across
What it Monitors
(computer/server) servers) devices)
Application-specific Network-based attacks
File changes, logins, local
What it Detects attacks (SQL injection, (DoS, port scans,
malware
XSS, etc.) spreading malware)
Malware installed on a SQL injection in a web Denial of Service (DoS)
Example
host application attack
Detecting local threats Detecting attacks that
Protecting web apps from
Best For (e.g., malware on a affect the network or
specific exploits
computer) multiple devices
Detects internal threats, Detects app-specific Monitors entire network,
Pros user behavior, file vulnerabilities, good for detects spread of
changes web servers malware, DoS attacks
Limited to application Can’t see encrypted
Limited to one device,
Cons layer, can generate false traffic, misses internal
resource-intensive
positives device attacks
 Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a crucial technology that ensures secure and private
communication over public and untrusted networks.

In today’s digital world, where cyber threats, data surveillance, and privacy breaches
are increasing, VPNs provide a shield against malicious actors, unauthorized access,
and network monitoring.

By creating an encrypted tunnel between a user's device and a remote server, VPNs
mask IP addresses, prevent data interception, and allow users to browse the internet
anonymously.
 Communication Without a VPN

Without a VPN, when a user accesses the internet, the following happens:

User Request: A user sends a request to visit a website (e.g., www.example.com) from
their device (computer, smartphone, etc.).

Data Transmission via ISP: The request first travels through the user’s router and is sent
to their ISP. The ISP acts as a gateway, forwarding the request to the appropriate web
server.

ISP Monitoring and Tracking: The ISP can see and log all browsing activity, including
visited websites, search queries, and personal data.
Data Sent to the Web Server: The ISP routes the request to the website’s server, which
processes the request and sends the webpage data back.

Response Back to the User: The website’s data returns through the ISP and router to the
user’s device.
 Without a VPN: Security and Privacy Risks

Data Interception and Hacking: Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, airports, and hotels, are
often unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept data using tools like packet sniffers. Sensitive information,
including login credentials and financial details, can be stolen.

ISP and Government Surveillance: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and governments can monitor browsing
activities, track user behavior, and store internet usage data. In some countries, government agencies
impose strict surveillance, limiting online freedom and privacy.

Geo-Restrictions and Censorship: Many streaming services, news websites, and applications are
restricted based on geographic location. Users in censored regions may be unable to access certain
websites due to government-imposed restrictions.
Phishing and Identity Theft: Without encryption, cybercriminals can launch phishing attacks and steal
users’ personal information, such as banking credentials, emails, and credit card details, leading to identity
theft and financial fraud.

Workplace and Remote Access Risks: Employees working remotely without a VPN expose their company’s
sensitive data to cyber threats. Hackers can exploit weak network security to launch attacks, compromising
corporate information.

Online Activity Tracking and Targeted Ads: Many websites track users' online activities using cookies and IP
addresses, creating detailed user profiles. This data is often sold to advertisers, leading to excessive targeted
ads and loss of online anonymity.
 Communication With a VPN

User Request Through VPN Client: The user initiates a request through a VPN
application, which encrypts all outgoing traffic before sending it.

Data is Encrypted Before Reaching ISP: Instead of sending unprotected data to

the ISP, the VPN encrypts all communication, making it unreadable to third parties.

Data Travels Through the VPN Server: The encrypted request is sent to a secure
VPN server, which acts as an intermediary between the user and the destination
website.
ISP Cannot See Activity: The ISP can only see an encrypted data stream going to the
VPN server, but it cannot read the contents or determine the final destination (e.g.,
the website the user is visiting).

VPN Server Forwards Request: The VPN server decrypts the request and sends it to
the destination website (e.g., www.example.com).

Website Response Sent Securely: The website sends back the requested data to the
VPN server, which then encrypts it and forwards it securely to the user.

User Receives Secure Data: The VPN application on the user’s device decrypts the
data so they can access the website.
 Understanding How a VPN Works

A VPN functions by rerouting internet traffic through a secure server before it reaches
its final destination.

When a user connects to a VPN, their internet request is first encrypted and sent to a
VPN server.

The VPN server then assigns the user a new IP address and forwards their request to
the intended website or online service.

As a result, the user's real IP address remains hidden, and all transmitted data is
encrypted, making it difficult for hackers, government agencies, or internet service
providers (ISPs) to track or intercept online activities.
The encryption used in VPNs is a vital security mechanism. Most modern VPNs use
robust encryption standards such as AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with a
256-bit key) to ensure that data remains secure even if intercepted.

Additionally, different VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, and

IKEv2/IPSec determine how data is encrypted, transmitted, and secured across
networks.
 With a VPN: Security and Privacy Protection

Data Encryption and Secure Browsing: VPNs encrypt internet traffic using strong
encryption protocols like AES-256, preventing hackers, ISPs, and government agencies
from intercepting sensitive information. Even on public Wi-Fi, users remain protected
from cyber threats.

Anonymity and IP Masking: A VPN hides the user’s real IP address and assigns a new one
from a different location, preventing websites, ISPs, and third parties from tracking online
activities. This ensures anonymity and privacy.

Bypassing Geo-Restrictions and Censorship: Users can access blocked content, such
as streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer), social media, and news websites, by
connecting to VPN servers in different countries.
Protection Against Phishing and Cyber Threats: VPNs reduce the risk of phishing
attacks by encrypting login credentials and preventing man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
Some VPN services offer built-in security features like ad blockers and malware
protection.

Secure Remote Access for Employees: VPNs allow employees to securely access
company resources, databases, and cloud applications from remote locations. This
protects sensitive business data from cyberattacks and unauthorized access.

Prevention of Online Tracking and Advertising Profiling: VPNs prevent websites from
tracking users' online behavior, blocking targeted ads and maintaining digital privacy. This
reduces unwanted advertisements and data collection.
 Types of VPNs and Their Applications

The Remote Access VPN is widely used by individuals and employees to securely access
company networks from remote locations.

It establishes a secure tunnel between a user’s device and an enterprise network,

ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.

Site-to-Site VPNs connect multiple networks, allowing organizations with different office
locations to securely share data and communicate as if they were on the same local
network.

Mobile VPNs are specifically designed for users who frequently switch between
networks, ensuring seamless connectivity without losing VPN protection.

Additionally, Cloud VPNs are increasingly being adopted by businesses that rely on
cloud-based applications, offering scalable security solutions
 Remote Access VPN

Allows individual users to securely connect to a private network over the internet.
Users install VPN client software on their devices, which establishes an encrypted connection to a VPN
server.
Use Cases:
•Employees working remotely.
•Securing public Wi-Fi connections.
•Bypassing geographical restrictions on content.
Limitations:

Performance Issues: Encryption overhead can slow down internet speed.

Server Dependence: If the VPN server is compromised or goes down, users lose access.
Limited Security on Compromised Devices: If a user's device is infected with malware, VPN alone
cannot prevent data breaches.
 Site-to-Site VPN
Connects entire networks (e.g., corporate offices) over the internet securely.
Typically used by businesses to ensure secure communication between different office
locations.
Use Cases:
Connecting headquarters with branch offices.
Secure inter-office communication.
Limitations:

Complex Setup: Requires VPN gateways (firewalls/routers) at each site, making

deployment challenging.
Less Flexibility: Not suitable for individual remote users.
High Cost: Dedicated hardware and network management increase expenses.
 Mobile VPN (mVPN)

•Designed for users who move across different networks (e.g., from Wi-Fi to mobile data)
while maintaining a secure VPN connection.

Use Cases:

Emergency services (police, medical personnel).

Delivery drivers needing secure access to logistics systems.
Limitations:

High Battery Consumption: Constantly maintaining a secure tunnel drains mobile

battery.
Interrupted Sessions: May disconnect when switching networks.
 Cloud VPN

•A VPN service hosted in the cloud, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure.
•Managed by third-party providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.

Use Cases:

•Businesses running cloud-based applications.

•Secure remote access to cloud storage and databases.

Limitations:

Dependence on Third Parties: Users rely on external providers for security and
performance.
Higher Latency: Data must pass through cloud VPN servers, which can introduce
delays.
 Challenges and Limitations of VPNs

While VPNs provide numerous benefits, they also come with certain challenges. One of
the primary concerns is speed reduction, as encryption and rerouting of traffic through
VPN servers can introduce latency.

Additionally, some VPN providers keep logs of user activities, raising concerns about
trust and data privacy.

Another challenge is that VPNs are banned or restricted in certain countries, such as
China, Russia, and the UAE, where governments impose strict internet control
measures.

Furthermore, configuring a VPN correctly requires technical expertise, and any

misconfiguration can weaken security, making the system vulnerable to attacks.
 VPN Installed on the User’s Device (Client-Side VPN)

The VPN client software is installed on a PC, smartphone, tablet, or router.

The device encrypts outgoing traffic before sending it to the VPN server.

Common in personal use, remote work, and mobile security.

Examples: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, OpenVPN, WireGuard.

 VPN Installed on an External Entity (Server-Side VPN)

The VPN is set up on a corporate server, cloud, or dedicated VPN appliance.

Users connect remotely to this central VPN server for secure access.

Used in corporate networks, banks, and government agencies.

Examples: Cisco AnyConnect, OpenVPN Server, Fortinet VPN.

 VPN Installed on a Router (Network-Wide Protection)

A VPN-enabled router automatically encrypts traffic from all connected

devices.

No need to install VPN software on each device separately.

Useful for home networks, offices, and IoT security.

 Conclusion

For individuals, VPN is typically installed on personal devices.

For businesses and banks, VPN is deployed on servers and routers to secure
remote employees and sensitive data.

For whole-network security, a VPN-enabled router is an efficient solution.

 What is wireshark

o Wireshark is a network packet analyzer.

o A network packet analyzer will try to capture network packets and tries to display that
packet data as detailed as possible.

o In the past, such tools were either very expensive, proprietary, or both.

o However, with the advent of Wireshark, all that has changed.

o Wireshark is perhaps one of the best open source packet analyzers available today.
 Why people use Wireshark

o Network administrators use it to troubleshoot network problems

o Network security engineers use it to examine security problems

o Developers use it to debug protocol implementations

o People use it to learn network protocol internals

o Beside these examples, Wireshark can be helpful in many other situations

too.
 Feature

o Available for UNIX and Windows.

o Capture live packet data from a network interface.

o Display packets with very detailed protocol information.

o Open and Save packet data captured.

o Import and Export packet data from and to a lot of other capture programs.

o Filter packets on many criteria.

o Search for packets on many criteria.

o Colorize packet display based on filters.

o Create various statistics.

 Disadvantage

o Wireshark is not an intrusion detection system.

o It will not warn you when someone does strange things on your network that he/she is
not allowed to do.

o Wireshark will not manipulate things on the network, it will only "measure" things from
it.

o Wireshark doesn't send packets on the network or do other active things

 Introduction to Honeypots

o A honeypot is a security mechanism that acts as a decoy system to detect,

analyze, and learn about cyber threats.

o It is designed to lure attackers into interacting with a seemingly real but isolated and
monitored environment.

o The goal of a honeypot is to study the attack patterns, tools, and techniques used
by cybercriminals and enhance security measures accordingly.

o Honeypots are essential for cyber defense, security research, and forensic
analysis.

o By observing attackers in a controlled setting, organizations can strengthen their

network security and respond proactively to threats.
 Key Objectives of a Honeypot

o Detect unauthorized access attempts before they reach real systems.

o Analyze hacker behavior to understand new attack techniques.

o Identify zero-day vulnerabilities by monitoring novel exploit attempts.

o Improve intrusion detection systems (IDS) and firewalls by gathering attack

signatures.

o Divert attackers away from actual assets to reduce the risk of real data breaches.
 Types of Honeypots

Honeypots can be classified based on interaction level and deployment environment.

Classification Based on Interaction Level

A. Low-Interaction Honeypots

o Simulates a few services such as open ports, weak credentials, or basic network
responses.

o Minimal risk, lightweight, and easy to deploy.

o Mostly used to detect and log automated attacks like botnets and brute-force
attacks.

o Example Use Case: Identifying common passwords used in brute-force attacks.

 Types of Honeypots

Medium-Interaction Honeypots

o Simulates more complex services without exposing a full-fledged operating system.

o Provides deeper insight into attacker behavior and techniques.

o Logs more details on malware execution and exploit attempts.

o Example Use Case: Analyzing attack vectors used by malware and ransomware.
 High-Interaction Honeypots
Fully functional real systems that attackers can interact with.

Provides extensive data on advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day

attacks.

Requires significant monitoring and risk mitigation as attackers may attempt to

use the honeypot as a launchpad for real attacks.

Example Use Case: Studying sophisticated hackers and cyber espionage

groups.
Classification Based on Deployment Environment

Production Honeypots

o Placed in real-world enterprise networks to detect attacks targeting an

organization’s assets.

o Used to identify insider threats and external attack patterns.

o Often implemented with IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems).

o Example: A honeypot disguised as a fake admin login panel to detect

unauthorized access attempts.
.
Research Honeypots

o Used primarily by security researchers and analysts to study emerging cyber

threats.

o Deployed in isolated environments to capture new malware, botnets, and

hacking techniques.

o Helps in developing security patches and threat intelligence feeds.

o Example: A honeypot designed to capture ransomware and analyze

encryption methods.
 How Honeypots Work (Step-by-Step Process)

Step 1: Deployment

o A honeypot is strategically placed within a network and designed to look like a

real system.
o It may mimic a web server, database, IoT device, or corporate workstation.

Step 2: Attack Detection

o The honeypot logs all incoming connections and interactions.

o Any access attempt is considered malicious since legitimate users are not
supposed to interact with it.
Step 3: Data Collection & Analysis
o All attacker actions are recorded, including:
o IP addresses
o Commands executed
o Malware uploaded
o Exploits attempted
o Analysts use this data to identify new vulnerabilities and attacker
behaviors.

Step 4: Threat Mitigation

o Security teams use honeypot data to:
o Update firewalls and IDS/IPS systems.
o Blacklist malicious IPs.
o Develop stronger authentication and encryption mechanisms.
 Real-World Examples of Honeypots

Example 1: Detecting Brute-Force Attacks

o A fake SSH server is deployed with weak credentials (e.g., username: admin,
password: 123456).

o Attackers repeatedly attempt to log in using brute-force scripts.

o The honeypot captures the most commonly used passwords, which helps in
enforcing stronger password policies.
.
Example 2: Studying Ransomware Behavior
o A research honeypot is set up to allow ransomware to execute in a controlled
environment.

o The honeypot logs encryption patterns, ransom notes, and network traffic.

o Security experts use this data to develop decryption tools and mitigation
strategies.

Example 3: Tracking Cybercriminals in the Dark Web

o A high-interaction honeypot is designed as a fake online banking login page.

o Attackers enter stolen credentials, thinking they are breaching a real system.

o The security team collects IP addresses and attacker details, which helps in
law enforcement investigations.
 Advantages

Detect Unknown Threats – Identifies zero-day vulnerabilities and emerging attack

methods.

Reduce False Positives – Unlike traditional IDS, honeypots only log real attacks.

Improve Threat Intelligence – Helps security teams understand attacker motives and
techniques.

Divert Attackers – Protects actual assets by misleading hackers into a fake

environment.
 Limitations

Can Be Detected – Skilled hackers can recognize honeypots using fingerprinting

techniques.

Does Not Prevent Attacks – Honeypots only collect data but do not actively stop
threats.

Risk of Exploitation – If not properly isolated, an attacker could use the honeypot to
launch attacks on real systems.
Honeypot Detection Techniques (How Hackers Identify Honeypots)

Cybercriminals often use advanced honeypot detection techniques to avoid being

trapped:
o Latency Analysis – If the system responds too quickly, it may be a honeypot.

o Service Fingerprinting – Hackers compare system responses to known honeypot

signatures.

o Reverse DNS Lookups – Checking if the domain is associated with cybersecurity

research groups.

o Behavioral Analysis – If the system does not behave like a real-world service,
hackers suspect a honeypot.

o Honeypot-Specific Responses – Some honeypots leave default logs or

responses, making them detectable.