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Assignment 1 September 2023 Semester
Assignment 1 September 2023 Semester
LEVEL : BACHELOR
ACADEMIC :
FACILITATOR
There is a growing concern of Internet safety for all internet users nowadays.
Elaborate the statement above with any THREE (3) basic methods of securing your computer
from harm, especially from hackers and virus creators.
[15 Marks]
Answer:
Internet security refers to the measures and practices taken to protect computer systems,
networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage on the internet.
Securing your computer from potential harm, especially from hackers and virus creators, is
crucial to protect your personal and sensitive information. Here are three basic methods to
enhance the security of your computer:
i. Encryption:
Additionally, encryption protocols like SSL/TLS secure online communications, while Virtual
Private Networks (VPNs) use encryption to establish secure connections over the internet. By
incorporating encryption into a comprehensive security strategy, individuals and organizations
can safeguard their sensitive data and enhance the overall resilience of their computer systems
against potential threats.
ii. Firewalls:
a) There are several ways to categorize an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) depending on
the type and location of the sensors and the engine’s methodology to generate alerts.
Based on Figure 1, elaborate how sensors, console and engine are implemented in IDS.
Figure 1
Answer:
1. Console:
The console is the component of the IDS that provides the user interface and management
functionality. It allows security administrators to configure and customize the IDS, view alerts
and reports, and manage the overall system.Security administrators use the console to define
detection policies, set up alert thresholds, and customize responses to specific types of
incidents. The console serves as the central point of control for the IDS and provides a user-
friendly interface for monitoring and managing the security of the network or system.
2. Sensors:
Sensors are responsible for collecting and analyzing data from the monitored network or
system. In a network-based IDS (NIDS), sensors are strategically placed at various points on
the network to capture and inspect network traffic. In a host-based IDS (HIDS), sensors are
deployed on individual hosts or devices to monitor activities occurring on those specific
systems. Sensors pass the collected data to the detection engine for analysis. They play a
crucial role in detecting anomalies or patterns indicative of a security incident.
3. Engine:
The detection engine is the core of the IDS, responsible for analyzing the data collected by
sensors and making decisions about whether a particular activity is normal or indicates a
security threat. The engine uses predefined rules and signatures to compare the observed
behavior against known attack patterns or deviations from normal behavior. If the engine
identifies suspicious or malicious activity based on its analysis, it generates alerts and, in some
cases, can initiate automated responses or notifications to security personnel. The detection
engine is continuously updated with new signatures and rules to stay current with emerging
threats.
Figure 2
[10 Marks]
[Total : 15 Marks]