Monitoring Data - CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 - 4.5

Understanding File Integrity Monitoring and Data Loss Prevention

Overview of File Integrity Monitoring (FIM)

• Managing servers involves recognizing files that rarely change versus those that frequently do, highlighting the importance of monitoring static files for security.

• A file integrity monitor (FIM) is essential to detect unauthorized changes in critical application files, enhancing security measures.

• Windows utilizes the System File Checker (SFC) for on-demand FIM, which scans and restores modified operating system files to their original state.

Tools for File Integrity Monitoring

• Linux users can employ Tripwire for real-time file monitoring, alerting users instantly about any modifications.

• Host-based Intrusion Prevention Systems (HIPS) not only block attacks but also perform file integrity monitoring directly on the operating system.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Functionality and Importance

• DLP systems are crucial for identifying and blocking sensitive data transmissions across networks in real time.

• DLP solutions can be categorized into two types: endpoint DLP, which monitors data in use on local machines, and network-connected DLP that observes data in motion.

USB Security Concerns

• USB drives pose significant risks due to their portability; they can easily transfer sensitive information or introduce malware into secure environments.

• The 2008 incident with the US Department of Defense illustrates the dangers of unregulated USB usage leading to widespread malware infections.

Evolution of DLP Solutions

Cloud-Based Applications

• As applications migrate to cloud environments, there is a growing need for cloud-based DLP solutions that monitor traffic entering and leaving these platforms.

• Cloud-based DLP tools function similarly to traditional ones but focus on preventing sensitive data from being uploaded or stored improperly.

Email as a Threat Vector

• Email systems represent a common threat vector where sensitive information may be inadvertently sent; thus, implementing email-specific DLP is vital.

Email-Based DLP Solutions: Protecting Sensitive Information

Overview of Email-Based DLP Solutions

• Email-based Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions can monitor both inbound and outbound emails within an organization, effectively blocking fraudulent communications such as fake wire transfer requests.

• These solutions are capable of identifying and blocking outbound emails that contain sensitive data, including personal information like Social Security numbers and W-2 forms.

Case Study: Boeing Incident

• A notable incident occurred in November 2016 when a Boeing employee inadvertently sent an email with a spreadsheet containing hidden fields that revealed sensitive information for 36,000 employees.

• The exposed data included critical personal details such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth. An effective email-based DLP solution could have prevented this breach by blocking the email before it was sent.

Irony in Software Usage