10 Resources Every Security System Admin Should Know to Better Flag Suspicious Jump Host Activity

The reason most security system admins struggle to flag suspicious jump host activity is because they lack the necessary resources and tools to effectively monitor and detect potential threats. This happens because jump hosts are often prime targets for attackers to gain access to critical systems and data, and admins need the proper resources to stay one step ahead.

In this blog post, we're going to walk you through ten essential resources that every security system admin should know to better flag suspicious jump host activity. These resources will provide invaluable insights, tools, and techniques to enhance your ability to detect and respond to potential threats effectively.

We’re going to cover the following main points:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools
• User Behavior Analytics (UBA) Solutions
• Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) Tools
• Log Management Solutions
• Threat Intelligence Feeds
• Incident Response Platforms
• Vulnerability Scanning Tools
• Security Information Sharing Communities
• Security Blogs and News Sources
• Continuous Training and Certifications

By leveraging these resources, you'll be able to identify and mitigate suspicious jump host activity, ultimately enhancing the security posture of your organization.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools

SIEM tools are essential for monitoring and detecting suspicious activities on jump hosts. They provide a centralized platform for collecting and analyzing security event data from various sources. According to Gartner, the SIEM market is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2023[¹].

One example of a SIEM tool is Splunk, which offers real-time log analysis, correlation, and visualization capabilities. By utilizing SIEM tools like Splunk, admins can gain insights into potential threats and enable timely incident response.

However, a common mistake is relying solely on manual log analysis, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. To overcome this, admins should implement a SIEM tool that suits their organization's needs, allowing for efficient and automated analysis of log data.

For example, suppose an admin notices an unusual pattern of failed login attempts on a jump host using a SIEM tool. This triggers an alert, leading the admin to investigate further and identify a potential unauthorized access attempt. The takeaway here is that leveraging SIEM tools can significantly improve the ability to identify and respond to suspicious activity on jump hosts.

User Behavior Analytics (UBA) Solutions

UBA solutions play a crucial role in detecting abnormal behavior and identifying potential insider threats. Research shows that 33% of breaches involve insiders[²]. UBA solutions utilize advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to analyze user behavior and detect deviations from normal patterns.

One popular UBA solution is Exabeam, which offers behavioral modeling, anomaly detection, and threat hunting capabilities. By deploying UBA solutions like Exabeam, security admins can proactively detect suspicious user activities and take appropriate actions.

Neglecting to monitor user activity and behavior is a common mistake. It can result in missed signs of potential malicious intent. To avoid this, admins should consider implementing UBA solutions to enhance the security posture of their organization.

For instance, with UBA in place, an admin notices an employee accessing sensitive data outside of regular working hours, triggering an alert. Prompt action can then be taken to investigate and mitigate the potential insider threat. The key takeaway is that UBA solutions complement traditional security measures by adding a behavioral perspective to flag suspicious jump host activity.

Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) Tools

NTA tools are essential for monitoring network traffic and detecting abnormalities or potential threats. Ponemon Institute reported that approximately 83% of companies are unaware of a data breach for weeks or more[³]. NTA tools provide visibility into network traffic and enable the detection of suspicious activities like lateral movement.

One example of an NTA tool is Darktrace, which utilizes machine learning and AI algorithms to analyze network behavior and detect anomalies. By implementing NTA tools like Darktrace, admins can gain real-time insights into their network traffic and identify potential threats swiftly.

Overlooking network traffic analysis is a common mistake that can result in delayed incident response and prolonged breach detection. Effective implementation of NTA tools is crucial for enhancing threat detection capabilities and minimizing the impact of potential breaches.

For example, an admin using NTA tools might notice unusual network traffic patterns indicative of a botnet attempting to propagate through the network. This enables the admin to take immediate action, mitigating the potential risk. The key takeaway here is that NTA tools empower security admins with real-time insights into network traffic, strengthening the ability to flag suspicious jump host activity.

Log Management Solutions

Log management solutions play a vital role in centralizing log collection, storage, and analysis to identify suspicious activity. On average, organizations take over 200 days to identify a data breach[⁴]. Log management solutions help consolidate logs, simplify analysis, and improve incident response.

Elastic Stack is an example of a comprehensive log management solution that offers log ingestion, storage, and analysis capabilities. By utilizing log management solutions like Elastic Stack, admins can efficiently analyze logs to detect potential security threats and respond promptly.

Neglecting log management can make it difficult to trace and investigate suspicious activities effectively. Admins should implement log management solutions to ensure logs are properly collected, stored, and readily available for analysis.

For instance, with log management in place, an admin might identify a series of unsuccessful login attempts from an unknown IP address. This prompts the admin to strengthen security measures and potentially prevent a breach. The takeaway here is that implementing log management solutions enables comprehensive log analysis, enhancing the ability to flag suspicious jump host activity efficiently.

Threat Intelligence Feeds

Threat intelligence feeds provide up-to-date information on known threats, vulnerabilities, and malicious activities. The National Vulnerability Database reported a 200% increase in reported vulnerabilities in 2019[⁵]. Threat intelligence feeds offer valuable insights to detect potential threats proactively.

Security professionals should subscribe to threat intelligence feeds from reputable sources such as SANS Internet Storm Center, IBM X-Force Exchange, or ThreatConnect. These feeds provide alerts on emerging threats, enabling admins to take necessary actions to mitigate risks.

Ignoring threat intelligence feeds is a common mistake that can lead to missed critical information about emerging threats. Continuously leveraging threat intelligence feeds improves the ability to anticipate and defend against new and evolving threats.

For example, an admin receives a threat intelligence alert about a recently discovered vulnerability. The admin quickly applies a patch to address the vulnerability, preventing potential exploitation. The key takeaway is that threat intelligence feeds provide valuable insights to enhance threat detection and response efforts.

Incident Response Platforms

Incident response platforms streamline and automate the process of detecting, investigating, and responding to security incidents. The average cost of a data breach is $3.92 million[⁶]. Incident response platforms enhance incident detection, minimize response time, and reduce the impact of breaches.

FireEye Helix is an incident response platform that integrates threat intelligence, automation, and orchestration capabilities. By utilizing incident response platforms like FireEye Helix, admins can effectively manage and respond to security incidents in a coordinated manner.

Lacking an incident response platform is a common mistake that can result in uncoordinated incident handling and potential escalation of the breach. Admins should adopt incident response platforms to streamline their incident response processes.

For example, during a security incident, an admin can leverage an incident response platform to gather necessary information, collaborate with team members, and contain the breach swiftly. The takeaway here is that incident response platforms are essential for efficient and effective incident handling.

Vulnerability Scanning Tools

Vulnerability scanning tools are crucial for identifying weaknesses in software, systems, and configurations. Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report found that 60% of breaches involved unpatched vulnerabilities[⁷]. Vulnerability scanning tools enable proactive identification and patching of vulnerabilities, reducing the attack surface.

Qualys is one example of a vulnerability scanning tool that provides comprehensive vulnerability assessments and reporting. By employing vulnerability scanning tools like Qualys, admins can proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.

Neglecting regular vulnerability scanning is a common mistake that leaves systems vulnerable to known security weaknesses. Admins should conduct regular vulnerability scans to maintain a secure environment and mitigate potential risks.

For instance, an admin conducting a vulnerability scan might identify outdated software with critical vulnerabilities. Prompt patching can then be performed to address these vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture. The