Network attacks –
Overview, prevention, monitoring, tips

View IT security as a task that never ends

Technology is in a constant state of development. Software versions have more and more new functions. When one security loophole is closed, another one pops up elsewhere. It seems like whenever new security software is released, there is already a hacker who knows how to crack it. As a result, companies must view IT security as an ongoing process, or a task that never ends.

Create comprehensive security to thwart network attacks

A comprehensive approach is vital. In today’s world, you need much more than just virus scanners and firewalls. IT security has expanded to include updates, training sessions, monitoring, intelligent security tools, and even collaboration with other companies in your sector to address current developments surrounding IT security issues.

Reduce complexity

By simplifying IT structures and keeping the number of tools you use to a minimum, you will already be doing a great deal to ward off potential attacks. All software creates gateways, either by itself or when run with other programs. By keeping things simple, you will close off potential gateways and thus prevent hackers from finding a way inside. A rule of thumb: the more complex your infrastructure, the more vulnerable your system.

Make IT security a key issue

IT security should be a major consideration when starting any new project - and not just for those in charge of security and data protection. IT administrators and software developers must also be up to speed. And while management may pass on specific tasks, it should likewise stay informed of all security developments.

Stick to “state-of-the-art” technology

The law requires that companies use “state-of-the-art” technology, but allows for exceptions in certain situations. Companies must therefore stay up-to-date on all developments with regard to technology. However, because the provisions are quite vague and spread out amongst several different regulations, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a legal professional.

Get employees on the same page

Employee training should also be part of your security model. Your biggest challenge will be to entice employees who have little or no interest in IT security. Because your task is neverending, employee training should become an increasingly proactive part of the model.

Jack up expenses for hackers

Professional hackers have expenses and seek to make profits. They’re always on the lookout for lucrative targets that cost little to infiltrate. Companies can reduce attacks by using encryption, access control systems, and modern security solutions to boost the expenses hackers have to pay to get through.

Network attack routes

Other routes for network attacks include open ports, conventional email attachments with viruses, and Trojan horses or drive-by attacks when visiting malware-infected websites. Firewalls and antivirus software are recommended for blocking these routes. Gone are the days when you could just scan for signatures. Simple pattern matching no longer cuts it in the fight against network attacks.

Prevention of security loopholes

Today’s antivirus programs search for similarities to previous intrusions, shut down software suspected of dangerous activity, and allow for the safe encapsulation of malware. Clouds should also be checked on a regular basis. Automated behavior analysis is a must, for the speed with which new threats arise can no longer be matched by humans on their own resources. But even machine learning tools require human know-how. Nowadays, firewalls may also come with prevention components that search for suspicious patterns.

The need for technical instruments

But with systems continually gaining in complexity and attack vectors becoming more and more intelligent, even modern virus scanners and firewalls are no longer sufficient. Above all else, negligent workers offer hackers the possibility to bypass security programs and access the company network directly. Special technical instruments are therefore required to root out malware that has made its way into the network undetected.

Intrusion detection system

Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are used to identify suspicious network traffic. These systems may start with switches (for example), where they will skim through data traffic and check for malware. Intrusion prevention systems (IPSs) can also be used to remove malware. The downside of these systems is that they must connect to your system to function. An IPS itself can therefore become an attractive target for hackers. To avoid false alarms during the detection process, the IDS should be incorporated into the company’s security strategy.

PRTG as an early warning system

PRTG network monitoring software acts as an early warning system against suspicious activity and anomalies in your network traffic. PRTG seeks to prevent malware which has already infiltrated a network from doing any further damage. While PRTG cannot be used a substitute for an intrusion detection system, it comes with many functions that help to protect against network attacks:

• PRTG monitors your entire network: servers, storage devices, connected devices such as routers, computers, and printers, traffic, etc.
• An “all-in-one” solution, PRTG lets you do away with the weak spots which tend to crop up when using a variety of different programs
• Network recording lets you check your data for anomalies
• The recorded data serves as a database for IT security systems
• PRTG checks the functionality of firewalls, virus scanners, security software, and backups, as well as access rights to server rooms and other spaces.

Identify network bottlenecks

To measure network traffic, PRTG uses SNMP, packet sniffing, and NetFlow. SNMP makes it possible to monitor all the traffic in your network, and to sort this traffic by port. Packet sniffing and NetFlow/sFlow/jFlow offer a more detailed analysis of your network traffic. These methods allow you to sort network traffic by IP address or protocol. As a result, you will be able to quickly identify potential network bottlenecks, spot unusual spikes in activity, and shut down applications and computers.

Custom notifications

Network traffic recording makes it easier to determine if a computer is affected by malware. It can help out, for example, when you know what you are looking for but don't exactly know which computer is affected. PRTG warns you in the event of downtime that may be putting the security of your network at risk. Faulty backups are also recorded. Thanks to custom PRTG notifications, you can intervene before further damage occurs.

Keep an eye on your network data and IT infrastructure

An easy-to-read dashboard provides an overview of your monitoring data. You can also have interrelated data displayed on your dashboard to establish correlations and draw conclusions.

Customize sensors to detect threats

The powerful PRTG API provides monitoring that is tailormade for your network’s infrastructure. Sensors can be added with just a few clicks. Thanks to PRTG alerts, you'll be prepared for potential threats to the company network.

All-in-one software provides for high-performance monitoring

PRTG effectively monitors all the parameters in your monitoring environment. As a result, problems can be found faster, and prevented in the future proactively. This saves both time and money.

Reduce risks and complexity with centralized monitoring

When it comes to monitoring network traffic, PRTG is more effective at reducing risks and complexity than several individual tools working together. Risks arising from weak spots and compatibility problems between tools therefore become obsolete.

Monitoring as an early warning system in the event of suspicious activity

With PRTG, network traffic anomalies are recorded and traced. Furthermore, hackers who have already infiltrated the network are prevented from causing additional damage.

Identify affected computers more easily

Thanks to the recorded network traffic data, it is easier to identify computers that have been affected by an attack, and to recover these computers one-by-one via countermeasures or the restoring of a backup or image.

Protect your security tools

By monitoring firewalls, antivirus software, and other security tools, PRTG can warn you in the event of downtime that may be posing a security risk to your network. Faulty backups are also recorded. You can therefore take action before things go awry.