Network Visualization and Vulnerability Detection (CSOL 570)

Introduction

Computer networks are crucial infrastructure for handling a large amount of data traffic within an organization and over the internet. Each computer within the network is capable of complex communication, and when left unchecked, can create an onramp for cybercriminals. The most effective way to manage the network complexities is to start with a network visualization map. It will often help you visualize where your infrastructure is lacking and what needs to be upgraded/replaced. Having an adequately documented schematic of your entire network and connections can also ensure you can troubleshoot issues in a systematic order when they arise (Parker, 2021). An adequately mapped network is critical to staying on top of your overall network and system health. In the same way that a road map can help you find your way as you drive a car, a network map will help you and your team plot your way around design issues. Mapping your network will help you spot early signs of trouble before they become problems, and it will act as an excellent reference document for your staff—both old hands and newcomers to your team (Helpsystems, 2021).

Below is the final class project where I created a virtualized environment and ran multiple security tools, including scanners mapping my entired wired and wireless network topology.

Coursework

Reflection

When a large amount of data is stored and transferred over a network, graphs and charts help the reader understand its meaning quickly. Graphs and charts can connect link critical data points revealing trends in seconds. The ability to visualize large amounts of data at a glance could mean the difference between a successful attack or stopping it. Weaknesses in network protocols are complicated when system administrators and users have limited knowledge of the networking infrastructure (JulianJang-Jaccard, 2014). In a computer network, visualizations are great at displaying anomalies and suspicious activities at a glance. Data sets are so large that it's downright impossible to discern anything useful from them.

There are a large amount of data traveling through even the smallest of computer networks. The more devices that exist on the network, the larger the data flow through the web. Communication protocols direct data flow over the different layers of the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model describes seven computer systems' seven layers communicate over a network (Imperva, 2021). As one can imagine, data flow over the web can be captured, allowing cybercriminals to modify the protocols and data properties to breach the systems. That's where data visualizations come in (CHAPMAN, 2021). In CSOL 570, I implemented security testing tools over a virtualized environment, and I created an infrastructure map to view my network as a whole. Network visualization is a crucial first step in securing an organization's network infrastructure.

References

Avast.com. (2021). How do TCP and IP differ? Retrieved from https://www.avast.com: https://www.avast.com/c-what-is-tcp-ip

CompTIA. (2021). What Is a Network Protocol, and How Does It Work? Retrieved from https://www.comptia.org/: https://www.comptia.org/content/guides/what-is-a-network-protocol

CyberVista. (2018). Ethical Hacking Tools You Should Use. Retrieved from https://certify.cybervista.net: https://certify.cybervista.net/ethical-hacking-tools-you-should-use/

Parker, J. (2021). Top 11 Network Diagram, Topology & Mapping Software. Retrieved from https://www.pcwdld.com/: https://www.pcwdld.com/top-10-network-diagram-topology-and-mapping-software#wbounce-modal

Porup, J. (2018). What is Wireshark? What this essential troubleshooting tool does and how to use it. Retrieved from https://www.csoonline.com/: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3305805/what-is-wireshark-what-this-essential-troubleshooting-tool-does-and-how-to-use-it.html

CHAPMAN, C. (2021). A Complete Overview of the Best Data Visualization Tools. Retrieved from https://www.toptal.com: https://www.toptal.com/designers/data-visualization/data-visualization-tools

Imperva. (2021). OSI Model. Retrieved from https://www.imperva.com: https://www.imperva.com/learn/application-security/osi-model/

JulianJang-Jaccard, S. (2014). A survey of emerging threats in cybersecurity. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022000014000178