PACE-IT: Network Hardening Techniques (part 1)
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The document outlines various network hardening techniques aimed at enhancing network security, including the use of secure protocols like SSH, SNMP v.3, and TLS. It discusses the importance of anti-malware software options and proper password management through hashing algorithms like MD5 and SHA. Additionally, it emphasizes switch and router security measures such as VLAN settings and access control lists to safeguard network communications.
PACE-IT: Network Hardening Techniques (part 1)
- 2. Page 2 Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College Areas of expertise Industry Certifications PC Hardware Network Administration IT Project Management Network Design User Training IT Troubleshooting Qualifications Summary Education M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions. Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.
- 3. Page 3 PACE-IT. – Using secure protocols. – Using anti-malware software. – Implementing switch and router security.
- 4. Page 4 Network hardening techniques I.
- 5. Page 5 Network security is always an ongoing process because the threats to it keep changing. Although security threats are continually evolving, administrators can use some techniques to harden the base network structure to help ease the ever shifting security landscape. These hardening techniques establish a good security foundation that can be further built upon, making the network that much harder to crack. Network hardening techniques I.
- 6. Page 6 Network hardening techniques I. – SSH (Secure Shell). » A protocol that is used to create an encrypted communications session between devices. • Commonly used to create a secure virtual terminal session. – SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) v.3. » A protocol used to manage and configure devices remotely on the network. It is more secure than the prior two versions. – SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). » A protocol used to transfer data (files) and manage file structures (directories) in a secure manner through the use of an SSH session. • It is a better option than FTP, which requires user authentication, but does not encrypt the communication.
- 7. Page 7 Network hardening techniques I. – TLS (Transport Layer Security). » A cryptographic protocol used to encrypt online communications. It uses certificates and asymmetrical cryptography to authenticate hosts and exchange security keys. • It is a better option than SSL (Secure Socket Layer), which functions in a similar manner. – HTTPS (Hypertext Transport Protocol Secure). » A protocol that is used to secure the communication channel between a Web browser and a Web server. • It uses either TLS or SSL technology. – IPsec (Internet Protocol Security). » A network layer (Layer 3) IP security protocol suite that can use multiple methods to mutually authenticate both ends of the communications channel. It also will encrypt all data transmissions. • Unlike most other protocols, it can provide end-to-end security for any application.
- 8. Page 8 Network hardening techniques I.
- 9. Page 9 Network hardening techniques I. – Anti-malware software options. » Anti-malware applications help to protect networks and network resources against malware intrusions (e.g., spyware, viruses, and worms). There are three main options when using anti- malware software. • Host-based anti-malware: the application is installed on the individual machines and only protects those nodes on which it resides. It is easily tuned to the needs of the individual host, but requires the user to keep it up to date. • Network-based anti-malware: the application is installed within the local network and served to the individual clients that require it. It is easily administered, but harder to tune for the individual hosts. • Cloud-based anti-malware: the application resides in the cloud (outside of the local network) and is served to the clients inside the local network as needed. This service has a very small footprint on the local machines and tends to be kept more current than the other options.
- 10. Page 10 Network hardening techniques I.
- 11. Page 11 When is using a password not secure? The answer is when the password is kept in clear text. One solution to this is to save passwords and other sensitive information as hashes. Hashing is a cryptographic process that uses an algorithm to derive a set value (the hashed value) from the sensitive data. The hash can be used to verify that data is coming from where it is supposed to and that it has not been intercepted or changed in transit. The most popular hashing algorithms are MD5 (message-digest algorithm) and SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm). Of the two, SHA is the more secure. Network hardening techniques I.
- 12. Page 12 Network hardening techniques I. – Switch port security measures. » Switch port security should be enabled. » The native VLAN should be changed from its default value. • All active ports should be assigned to non-native VLANs. • All non-active switch ports should be assigned to an unused non-native VLAN. • VLANs should be created to clearly segment the network into logical areas. » MAC address filtering should be considered. This will only allow specific MAC addresses to connect to specific ports. » DHCP snooping should be enabled. This will only allow DHCP responses from an administrator defined switch port. » Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) should be enabled. This process is combined with DHCP snooping to restrict the opportunity for ARP cache poisoning to occur. All ARP requests are compared against the ARP table contained in the administratively defined DHCP server.
- 13. Page 13 Network hardening techniques I. – Router security measures. » Each interface on a router should have an access control list (ACL) in place to control and filter traffic. • Each interface can actually have two ACLs—one on the inbound side of the interface and one on the outbound side. » An ACL is a set of rules that is used to govern and filter the flow of network traffic into and out of a network. • The ACL examines packets against its established rules, beginning from the first rule at the top of the list. The rules either allow or deny the packet from continuing. • Once the packet matches a rule, the rule is enforced and the ACL process is exited. • ACL rules can be based on protocols and ports, IP addresses, source addresses, destination addresses, etc. • All ACLs end with an implicit deny—meaning that if it isn’t specifically allowed, then a packet is discarded. » The ACL can be time based (e.g., day of the week or time of day) and can fulfill a specific function based on the reason it is created (e.g., an ACL can be used to filter out websites or Web content).
- 14. Page 14 Network hardening techniques I. Hardening techniques are used by administrators as a foundation to network security. Some secure protocols that can and should be used on the network are: SSH, SNMP v.3, SFTP, TLS (and possibly SSL), HTTPS, and IPsec. Topic Using secure protocols. Summary Anti-malware applications are used to protect against malware intrusions on systems. There are three main options for using these applications: host- based, network-based, and cloud-based. Each of the options has its own advantages. Using anti-malware software. Passwords and sensitive data should be kept as hashed values. The most popular hashing algorithms are MD5 and SHA. Switch port security includes adjusting VLAN settings, MAC address filtering, DHCP snooping, and DAI. To harden a router, each interface should have at least one ACL active on it. All ACLs have an implicit deny at the end of the list. Implementing switch and router security.
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