9 Open Source Tools for Telecom Incident Response
While telecom companies are big entities, they’re not immune to problems. After all, telecom networks cover everything from texts to phone calls, and all the data resulting from those actions. Consequently, telecom networks and IoT providers can be subject to cybersecurity threats. When the worst happens, the teams behind the scenes need to have an incident response (IR) protocol in place.
That’s where open source tools enter the picture as critical components of the intervention and response process. They don’t cost money for companies to use, and they can be tailored to accommodate unique needs. Keep reading to learn about nine open source tools that are ideal solutions for IoT and telecom companies.
1. Suricata to Detect Malicious Activity
As an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Suricata can monitor traffic in your network and create alerts right away. Cybersecurity threats can emerge at any time, and if the engine notices unusual patterns, you’ll know. Suricata offers real-time oversight for high-volume traffic, and it can intervene to stop suspicious traffic if needed.
Turn to Suricata if you need a highly customizable solution. Use it to check roaming traffic and IoT gateways. And know that you can scale it to multi-machine scenarios.
2. Zeek for Real-Time Analysis
Zeek can view and analyze network traffic, so you’re always aware of what’s happening. You’ll end up with detailed logs that help you determine what happened in the event of an incident. While Zeek won’t block attacks, it will allow you to manage high-performance networks, and it’s highly customizable. Zeek produces logs and detects activity for HTTP, DNS, and IoT.
3. Graylog for Centralized Logging
Graylog is a log management platform that can collect data from different servers, including cloud services or billing software, and store it in one centralized hub. With fast search speeds, Graylog’s potent analysis tools can detect problems and alert teams quickly. For users, Graylog is among the most effective incident response tools, making it easier to sift through information and spot patterns across different systems. Further, Graylog’s clear visualizations and dashboards offer a user-friendly approach to security monitoring.
4. Wazuh as a Flexible Solution
Wazuh is a comprehensive tool that can detect and monitor threats and provide rapid IR. As a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) option, Wazuh is a flexible solution that secures different endpoints. It also integrates with other threat intelligence solutions for a more thorough monitoring system. Wazuh can spot bad logins, system adjustments, or file changes that could indicate malicious activity.
5. TheHive for Centralized Alert Management
TheHive can work in tandem with other security tools to give you the most robust incident response system. TheHive gathers security alerts from a variety of sources and locates them in one dashboard where users can access and assign cases. Cybersecurity teams located around the world can rely on TheHive for collaborative case management and a guided, quick response. TheHive’s use of automation, in conjunction wth Cortex and streamlined workflows, allows teams to communicate and respond swiftly.
6. Cortex to Analyze Observables
Cortex simplifies analysis by using automation to enhance threat intelligence. Thanks to analyzers, Cortex can collect information on observables, such as URLS or IP addresses, quickly in the event of an incident. Many users pair Cortex with TheHive to reap the greatest benefits, and it’s a very customizable platform.
7. Osquery and SQL-Based Queries
If you’re used to SQL for queries, Osquery might offer a more familiar solution. You can ask questions using SQL-like language to determine which files have changed recently, for instance. You’ll be able to keep a closer eye on processes or software changes that could suggest a threat. For telecom incident response, Osquery allows teams to look for unusual programs or settings that could impact how their networks operate. Mapping out queries at set intervals can ensure routine monitoring.
8. MISP for Threat Intelligence Awareness
MISP, which stands for Malware Information Sharing Platform, allows users to share and verify cybersecurity threat details. If there are known threats in the form of IP addresses or file hashes, that data can be shared through this open-source platform. MISP can help find patterns and loop in various IoT networks on potential fraud or malware threats.
9. Velociraptor
As a digital forensics IR tool, Velociraptor is among the best for endpoint collection. Users can track down suspicious activity and explore a Virtual File System of data. Velociraptor can scale to accommodate bigger networks, too, letting individuals parse data quickly and respond to threats.
Managing IR
Telecom and IoT networks can’t afford to be derailed by cybersecurity threats. Teams need to be monitoring data for malicious activity and communicating constantly as they determine their actions. With the help of these open source tools, it’s easier than ever to craft a robust, efficient response. Each tool offers different advantages, and teams may benefit from customizing and using a few together to maintain security oversight.