Advanced Correlation
Advanced Correlation
Advanced correlation is an integral component of Security Operations Center as a service. No cyber security apparatus is complete and failsafe without comprehensive advanced correlation. All cyber security tactics and the larger strategy rely on information. Every intelligence input, the following threat assessment and subsequently the preventative response, depends on information and its analysis. Advanced correlation provides much of this essential information.
Introduction to Advanced Correlation
The process of gathering information from network logs, assessing the data to detect patterns, and identifying relationships, is known as advanced correlation. An IT infrastructure, including networks and cloud based services, is perpetually exposed to external threats. There is no single origin and path of such external threats. Attempts to break into an IT or ICT infrastructure can happen from one or multiple sources. Thus, the mantle of cyber security should be absolute to prevent intrusions of every kind from all sources at any point in time.
Functions of Nexsus Advanced Correlation
Similar to several aspects of our SOC as a service, advanced correlation is a 24x7x365 operation. The perennial activity can be split into the following functions:
- Real Time Monitoring of All Logs
- Analysis and Correlation of All Logs
- Advanced Log Management
- Detecting & Assessing Log Patterns
- Flagging Suspicious Activity or Event
- Identifying Threats to Cyber Security
- Issuing Alarms & Triggering Countermeasures
- Formulating Rules for Automated Processes
- Determining Root Causes of Negative Events
- Improving Cyber Security Protocols
Benefits of Nexsus Advanced Correlation
Nexsus SOC as a service is always customized. Likewise, advanced correlation is also a bespoke process. The specific functions and benefits always pertain to the type of infrastructure, its size and relevant systems, their strengths & weaknesses, and nature of operations. Here are some of the common benefits of Nexsus advanced correlation service.
- Detection of Unauthorized Access
Every activity within a network is documented. These records or logs can be used to determine if a specific access request is authorized or unauthorized. Advanced correlation lays down the rules that determine if a particular access should be granted or disallowed. This enables our advanced correlation system, also referred to as software or engine, to detect unauthorized access.
For example, if an email address is used after a long period of dormancy, then it should be considered with suspicion. If an active email address is accessed through a device or system that has never been used before, then it could be treated with suspicion. Any and every unauthorized access should be prevented. This is only possible when advanced correlation identifies such logs and thence detects the anomaly.
- Stopping Suspicious Activity
Nexsus advanced correlation collects all raw data. Every log is studied and the raw data is converted into actionable intelligence inputs. Log patterns are assessed by our advanced correlation system to detect irregularities. Whenever there is anything out of the ordinary, an access or activity that is not supposed to happen, the advanced correlation engine raises the red flag. This leads to effectively stopping the suspicious activity.
For example, a database server is supposed to interact with systems that have the authorization to exchange information. If there is a system, whether network or device, that tries to establish a connection with the database server, without due authorization, then such an activity must be flagged as suspicious. Our advanced correlation system, having studied patterns and clearly demarcated what is authorized or unauthorized, can detect suspicious attempts at interaction and establishing contact. This detection precedes countermeasures, which must stop the suspicious activity.
- Flagging of an Intrusion Attempt
Like unauthorized access and exchange of information, an intrusion attempt can be detected and flagged with the help of advanced correlation. Unauthorized access and information sharing are also intrusions. However, there can be more sophisticated intrusions, wherein the objective could be to establish control. Logins, accesses, and exchange of information may not always imply that a hacker has asserted control of the network, server, or systems. Any attempt at such intrusion can also be flagged by advanced correlation engine of Nexsus Cyber Solution.
- Prompt Notification Alerts
Nexsus Cyber Solution advanced correlation detects, flags, and stops suspicious login attempts, accesses, and intrusions. These are facilitated by automated systems. For instance, there can be an automated shut off option for a particular system, which would prevent unauthorized access whenever the advanced correlation engine raises the red flag. In some cases, automated features may not be adequate. Such incidents require prompt notification alerts.
Advanced correlation rules can raise real-time notification alerts. This will inform the team of cyber security specialists that a serious breach or intrusion attempt is about to happen, or to some extent underway. These notification alerts are imperative for the team to launch immediate countermeasures.
- Intrusion Detection Alarms
Unauthorized accesses, suspicious activities, and intrusion attempts are not always successful. This could be due to firewalls in simple cases. The complex incidents are dealt with by advanced correlation. In cases of sophisticated intrusions, a concerted intervention by cyber security specialists may be necessary. Nexsus advanced correlation can detect such attempts and raise appropriate intrusion detection alarms.
- Triggering Cyber Security Protocols
Intrusion detection alarms precede actions as per the cyber security protocols for an organization. Nexsus SOC as a service has bespoke cyber security protocols for companies, depending on the infrastructure, needs of the business, preferences of the management, and assessment of threats. These cyber security protocols are triggered when an advanced correlation system issues the intrusion detection alarm.
- Counterintelligence Protocols
Intelligence inputs are one of the most crucial benefits of advanced correlation by Nexsus Cyber Solution . Every suspicious activity, abnormal log pattern, anomaly, or an outright but unsuccessful intrusion attempt, is an intelligence input. These inputs are assessed and analyzed. Such extensive assessments and analyses are used to develop counterintelligence protocols. The counterintelligence protocols are rules that will further improve advanced correlation and the larger cyber security apparatus, including countermeasures. In other words, advanced correlation contributes to immediate, short term and long term improvements in cyber security.
- Compliance Management & Reporting
A company has to adhere to its own compliance standards. There are industry specific compliance requirements. Then, there are local or national laws that demand a certain degree of compliance. Advanced correlation plays a vital role in all such kinds of compliance management and reporting. All cyber attacks can be cascaded down to some kind of vulnerability. If these vulnerabilities are detected proactively, then appropriate measures can be taken to prevent the probable cyber attacks. This naturally enables a company to adhere to the increasingly stringent compliance standards.
Contact Nexsus Cyber Solution and receive a free & nonobligatory quote for SOC as a service, including advanced correlation.
