Cloud Computting Full Project
Cloud Computting Full Project
The adoption of cloud computing has exploded in recent years, with services like
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)
becoming integral to the functioning of businesses and institutions. Cloud service providers
(CSPs) such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud offer a range
of services that can be tailored to meet specific business needs. As more organizations move
their applications, services, and sensitive data to the cloud, they benefit from greater scalability,
as they can quickly scale up or down based on demand. This agility is critical in the current
business environment, where workloads can fluctuate dramatically, and organizations need to
respond quickly to market changes.
However, while cloud computing provides significant benefits, it also introduces a range
of security challenges. The very nature of cloud computing, which is based on shared resources
accessed over the internet, makes it vulnerable to a wide range of cyber threats. As cloud
environments are inherently multi-tenant, resources are shared across multiple users, increasing
the potential attack surface for malicious actors. Additionally, cloud systems are often
geographically distributed across various data centers, which can make security monitoring and
control more complex than in traditional on-premises systems (Modi et al., 2013). The loss of
direct control over hardware, data, and network infrastructure creates concerns for organizations,
particularly when dealing with sensitive data, such as financial records, intellectual property, or
personal customer information.
The shared responsibility model in cloud security further complicates these issues. In
this model, the cloud service provider is responsible for securing the underlying infrastructure,
including hardware, software, networking, and facilities. Meanwhile, the cloud user is
responsible for securing their own applications, data, and access controls. This division of
responsibilities can sometimes lead to security gaps, especially when users do not fully
understand their obligations in securing cloud-hosted data and applications (Amazon Web
Services, 2020). Misconfigurations, weak access controls, or inadequate security measures on the
part of the user can leave critical assets vulnerable to attacks.
One of the key security concerns in cloud computing is the ability to detect and respond
to intrusions or unauthorized access attempts. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are designed
to monitor network traffic and system activities to identify suspicious patterns that may indicate
a security breach or cyberattack. IDS solutions can be broadly classified into two categories:
Network-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) and Host-Based Intrusion Detection
Systems (HIDS). NIDS monitor network traffic for unusual patterns, such as attempts to access
restricted resources or high volumes of traffic that could indicate a Distributed Denial of Service
(DDoS) attack. HIDS, on the other hand, monitor the activities on individual cloud servers or
instances, such as changes to system files, unauthorized login attempts, or suspicious process
executions (Ghosh et al., 2019).
While both NIDS and HIDS are valuable tools in detecting intrusions, relying on a single
layer of protection is often insufficient in cloud environments. Attacks in cloud environments can
target both network and host layers, as well as exploit vulnerabilities at the application level or in
virtual machines. To address these risks, a multi-level intrusion detection system is necessary.
A multi-level IDS integrates both NIDS and HIDS to provide a more comprehensive view of
potential security threats across all layers of the cloud environment (Modi et al., 2013). By
monitoring both the network traffic and the activities on individual cloud instances, a multi-level
IDS can detect and respond to a broader range of attacks, including those that might otherwise go
unnoticed by a single-layered IDS.
Another key aspect of cloud security is the management and analysis of log data. Cloud
environments generate vast amounts of log data from various sources, including network
devices, operating systems, applications, and security systems. These logs contain valuable
information that can be used to detect security incidents, analyze the behavior of systems, and
ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. However, managing and analyzing this data in
real-time is a significant challenge due to the sheer volume of logs generated in cloud
environments (Kumar et al., 2019). Without effective log management, critical security events
may go unnoticed, and organizations may struggle to respond to incidents in a timely manner.
Log management in the cloud typically involves collecting, indexing, and analyzing log
data to identify potential security threats or performance issues. This process requires a
centralized log management system that can handle the large volumes of data generated by the
cloud. Tools like the ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) have become popular for
managing and analyzing log data in real-time. Elasticsearch is a search engine designed to index
and query log data, Logstash collects and processes log data from multiple sources, and Kibana
provides visualizations and dashboards to monitor system activity (Kumar et al., 2019). By
integrating log management with intrusion detection, organizations can gain a holistic view of
their cloud environment, enabling them to detect and respond to security incidents more
effectively.
Despite the availability of IDS and log management tools, securing cloud environments
remains a complex task. Cloud environments are dynamic and distributed, meaning that security
solutions must be able to scale to handle increasing traffic loads and additional cloud instances.
They must also be able to provide real-time detection and response to security incidents,
minimizing the time between an attack and the initiation of remediation efforts. Furthermore,
cloud environments often involve the use of third-party services and APIs, which can introduce
additional security risks if not properly secured. As cloud environments continue to grow in
complexity, so too does the need for robust, scalable, and automated security solutions.
In light of these challenges, this study aims to design and implement a Multi-Level Intrusion
Detection and Log Management System for cloud environments. By integrating both NIDS
and HIDS with a centralized log management solution, the proposed system will provide
comprehensive security coverage across multiple layers of the cloud infrastructure. The multi-
level IDS will monitor both network traffic and individual cloud instances for suspicious activity,
while the log management system will collect, process, and analyze logs in real-time to detect
potential security incidents.
The proposed system will be evaluated through a series of tests designed to simulate real-
world attack scenarios, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, brute-force login
attempts, and malware injections. Key performance metrics such as detection rate, false
positive rate, and response time will be measured to assess the system’s effectiveness in
detecting and responding to security threats. The scalability of the system will also be evaluated
by testing its ability to handle increasing traffic loads and additional cloud instances without
compromising detection accuracy or performance.
Cloud computing offers significant benefits in terms of scalability, flexibility, and cost-
efficiency. However, these advantages come with a range of security challenges, including the
need to detect and respond to intrusions in real-time and the management of large volumes of log
data. Traditional security solutions are often inadequate for addressing the unique risks posed by
cloud environments, highlighting the need for multi-layered security strategies that integrate
intrusion detection and log management. This study seeks to address these challenges by
developing a Multi-Level Intrusion Detection and Log Management System, providing
organizations with a comprehensive solution for securing their cloud environments.
As cloud computing becomes more ubiquitous, the potential for cyberattacks targeting
cloud environments has increased dramatically. Traditional security mechanisms such as
firewalls and antivirus software, which are designed for static, on-premises systems, are often
inadequate for cloud environments, which are dynamic, decentralized, and distributed (Arora et
al., 2019). The growing complexity of cloud architectures, coupled with the shared responsibility
model, creates security gaps that can be exploited by malicious actors.
One of the major challenges in cloud security is the lack of comprehensive monitoring
and detection systems that can provide visibility into both network-level and host-level activities.
Many organizations rely on basic security controls such as firewalls and access control lists
(ACLs), which are insufficient to detect advanced threats such as Distributed Denial of Service
(DDoS) attacks, malware infections, and insider threats. Moreover, cloud environments generate
vast amounts of log data, which can overwhelm traditional log management systems, making it
difficult to identify and respond to security incidents in real-time.
In this context, there is a need for a Multi-Level Intrusion Detection and Log Management
System that can provide comprehensive security coverage across cloud environments. Such a
system would integrate Network-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) and Host-Based
Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS) to detect threats across both the network and host layers.
Additionally, a centralized log management system would enable real-time collection,
processing, and analysis of log data, allowing organizations to detect and respond to security
incidents more effectively.
The primary objective of this study is to design and implement a Multi-Level Intrusion
Detection and Log Management System for cloud computing environments. Specifically, the
study aims to achieve the following:
The findings of this study will be of significant value to organizations that rely on cloud
infrastructures to store, process, and manage their data. As cloud adoption continues to grow, so
too does the need for advanced security mechanisms that can protect cloud environments from
increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By designing and implementing a multi-level IDS and
log management system, this study seeks to provide a practical solution to the security
challenges faced by cloud users and service providers.
For cloud service providers (CSPs), this research offers insights into how to enhance their
security offerings by integrating multi-layered intrusion detection and centralized log
management into their cloud infrastructures. For organizations using cloud services, the study
provides a framework for improving their security posture by implementing comprehensive
monitoring and detection mechanisms across both the network and host layers of their cloud
environments.
Additionally, this study will contribute to the academic field of cloud security by providing
empirical data on the effectiveness of multi-level IDS solutions and their integration with log
management systems. The results of this research could serve as a foundation for future studies
aimed at improving cloud security through the use of advanced detection, monitoring, and
response technologies.
This study focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Multi-Level Intrusion
Detection and Log Management System for cloud environments. The system will be designed
to work in a public cloud infrastructure using virtual machines (VMs) and other cloud-native
components. The study will primarily focus on the following:
2.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews existing research on intrusion detection systems, log management, and
the various security challenges associated with cloud computing. It also explores the integration
of multi-level IDS and log management to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.
Cloud computing environments face a unique set of security challenges, primarily due to
their shared infrastructure, multi-tenancy, and remote accessibility. According to Mell and
Grance (2011), cloud environments are vulnerable to a wide range of attacks, including:
Data breaches
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
Insider threats
Man-in-the-middle attacks
Virtualization vulnerabilities (Grobauer, Walloschek, & Stöcker, 2011)
Research by Subashini and Kavitha (2011) highlighted that cloud security challenges are
exacerbated by the lack of transparency between service providers and clients, as well as the
shared responsibility model for security. This underscores the importance of implementing
robust intrusion detection mechanisms and centralized log management systems in cloud
environments to ensure timely identification and mitigation of security incidents.
A NIDS monitors network traffic for signs of abnormal or suspicious behavior. In cloud
environments, NIDS focuses on inspecting data packets moving through cloud networks and
identifying potential threats like DDoS attacks, malware propagation, or brute-force attacks
(Modi et al., 2013). Snort and Suricata are widely used open-source NIDS tools that provide real-
time traffic analysis and packet logging capabilities.
Research by Lu et al. (2011) emphasized the importance of deploying scalable NIDS in cloud
environments, as these systems need to process large volumes of network traffic in real-time.
The authors proposed the integration of NIDS with machine learning algorithms to improve
the accuracy of anomaly detection in large cloud infrastructures.
Research by Kholidy and Baiardi (2012) explored the use of agent-based HIDS in cloud
computing. Their study demonstrated how HIDS agents deployed on cloud virtual machines
could monitor system logs, file integrity, and user behavior to detect potential attacks. However,
scalability remains a significant challenge for HIDS, especially in large cloud environments with
thousands of virtual machines.
Hybrid IDS combines both NIDS and HIDS to provide comprehensive protection across
multiple layers of the cloud infrastructure. According to Garcia-Teodoro et al. (2009), hybrid
IDS can overcome the limitations of individual detection systems by leveraging both network
and host data for more accurate threat detection. This approach is particularly useful in multi-
tenant cloud environments where threats can originate from both the network and compromised
hosts.
Log management plays a crucial role in cloud security by enabling the collection,
storage, and analysis of logs generated by network devices, virtual machines, applications, and
other cloud services. These logs provide valuable insights into the security posture of cloud
environments, aiding in real-time threat detection, auditing, and forensic analysis.
Logs are essential for understanding the behavior of cloud systems and identifying
anomalies that could indicate security incidents. Modi et al. (2013) stressed the importance of
efficient log management in cloud environments, where vast amounts of data are generated by
diverse sources. Without proper log management, it becomes difficult to detect malicious
activities, perform forensic investigations, or meet compliance requirements.
According to Kent and Souppaya (2006), an effective log management system should support:
Centralized log collection: Aggregating logs from all cloud services, applications, and
devices into a centralized platform.
Log correlation: Correlating logs from different sources to identify patterns and detect
complex attacks.
Real-time log analysis: Monitoring and analyzing logs in real-time to detect emerging
threats.
Secure log storage: Ensuring logs are tamper-proof and securely stored for future
reference.
Various tools are available for implementing log management in cloud environments,
such as the ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) and Splunk. The ELK Stack provides
a powerful open-source solution for aggregating, analyzing, and visualizing logs from diverse
sources. Logstash, for instance, is used to ingest and process log data, while Elasticsearch
indexes the data for efficient retrieval. Kibana offers real-time visualizations and dashboards for
monitoring system logs (Rathore et al., 2017).
A study by Zhou et al. (2010) highlighted the need for scalable log management systems that can
handle the large volumes of data produced by cloud environments. The authors proposed a
distributed log management architecture that utilizes NoSQL databases to store logs efficiently,
enabling faster retrieval and analysis.
Integrating multi-level IDS with log management offers several key benefits:
1. Comprehensive Threat Detection: By combining data from NIDS, HIDS, and log
management systems, it becomes possible to detect complex, multi-stage attacks that may
go unnoticed by individual detection systems (Modi et al., 2013).
2. Real-Time Monitoring: The integration allows for continuous monitoring of cloud
environments, with real-time alerts generated when suspicious activities are detected
(Zhou et al., 2010).
3. Automated Incident Response: Centralized log management systems can be configured
to trigger automated responses based on predefined rules, such as blocking malicious IP
addresses or quarantining compromised virtual machines (Rathore et al., 2017).
4. Scalability: Both IDS and log management systems can be designed to scale with the
growing size of cloud environments, ensuring efficient monitoring and analysis of large
data volumes.
Despite its potential, integrating multi-level IDS and log management systems in cloud
environments presents several challenges:
Scalability: As cloud infrastructures grow in size and complexity, the amount of log data
generated increases significantly, requiring scalable storage and processing solutions
(Zhou et al., 2010).
Data Overload: The large volumes of data generated by NIDS, HIDS, and logs can
overwhelm administrators, leading to alert fatigue. Developing advanced filtering and
correlation techniques is essential to prioritize critical events (Gonzalez et al., 2012).
Latency: Real-time log analysis can introduce latency in detecting and responding to
security incidents, particularly in large-scale cloud environments. Improving processing
times and optimizing detection algorithms are necessary to reduce response times (Modi
et al., 2013).
The application of machine learning (ML) to intrusion detection and log analysis has
gained significant traction in recent years. Machine learning techniques enable the detection of
anomalies and zero-day attacks by analyzing patterns and deviations in data (Xia et al., 2015).
ML algorithms can also improve the accuracy of IDS by reducing false positives and automating
the correlation of log data to detect sophisticated attacks.
A study by Tang et al. (2016) proposed a machine learning-based IDS for cloud
environments, where the system learned from historical attack data to identify new threats.
Similarly, Rathore et al. (2017) demonstrated the effectiveness of using machine learning
algorithms, such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Random Forests, for real-time log
analysis.
2.7 Summary
This chapter has reviewed key research on intrusion detection systems, log management,
and their integration in cloud computing environments. The literature highlights the importance
of multi-level IDS for detecting threats across network, host, and application layers.
Furthermore, the review emphasizes the critical role of centralized log management systems in
monitoring cloud environments, correlating events, and facilitating real-time threat detection.
The next chapter will focus on the design and implementation of a multi-level IDS
integrated with a centralized log management system, addressing the challenges of scalability,
real-time detection, and automated incident response.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the methodology employed in the research, focusing on the design,
implementation, and evaluation of the multi-level intrusion detection and log management
system in cloud computing environments. The methodology adopted in this study combines
Network-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS), Host-Based Intrusion Detection Systems
(HIDS), and centralized log management to monitor, detect, and respond to security threats
effectively. The chapter covers the research design, system architecture, implementation steps,
data collection, testing scenarios, and evaluation methods, all contributing to a robust approach
toward addressing cloud security challenges.
The research design adopted is experimental in nature, intended to develop and test a
cloud security solution in a simulated cloud environment. This is based on the principles of
action research, where a problem is identified, a solution is proposed, and the solution is
implemented and evaluated under controlled conditions. According to Rittinghouse & Ransome
(2016), cloud security remains a critical concern, requiring continuous evolution of security
measures like intrusion detection.
The solution proposed in this study— a multi-level intrusion detection and log
management system— addresses the unique security requirements of cloud computing, including
threats arising from shared infrastructure and virtualized environments. The research follows an
iterative cycle of system development, testing, and improvement based on evaluation results, a
technique commonly used in security research to refine and optimize solutions (Mell & Grance,
2011).
Quantitative methods are employed for system evaluation, with key metrics such as
detection rate, false positive rate, response time, and resource consumption being recorded
during the tests. Experiments are designed to simulate various cyberattacks, including
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), brute-force login attempts, and malware injections, to
gauge the system's effectiveness in real-world scenarios (Rashid et al., 2013).
The system is designed to provide multi-layered security by integrating NIDS, HIDS, and
centralized log management. This approach allows for real-time monitoring of network traffic,
system activities, and log data, ensuring a comprehensive defense against cyberattacks (Metti,
2011).
According to Kheirkhah & Babaie (2020), the network layer is often the first point of
contact for external threats, making it critical for detecting and mitigating attacks before they
penetrate deeper into the cloud infrastructure. By deploying NIDS sensors across different
regions of the cloud infrastructure, the system ensures scalable, real-time monitoring of traffic
across all segments of the network.
The system’s rule-based and anomaly-based detection methods allow it to identify both
known and previously unseen threats, improving overall detection accuracy (Kheirkhah &
Babaie, 2020).
The Host Layer utilizes a Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) to monitor
activities within individual cloud instances. Each instance has a HIDS agent installed to monitor
system logs, file integrity, user activities, and process behavior. This layer provides critical
insights into potential internal threats, such as unauthorized file changes, malware execution, or
privilege escalation attempts (Amro, 2019).
HIDS tools such as OSSEC or Wazuh are utilized in this study for their real-time
monitoring capabilities, which include file integrity checking, rootkit detection, and log analysis.
These tools are particularly effective in identifying suspicious activities within cloud instances,
where traditional network-based monitoring might not provide sufficient visibility (Amro, 2019).
The HIDS agents report all detected anomalies to the centralized log management
system, where they are further analyzed in conjunction with network-level data. This dual-
layered approach enhances the system’s ability to detect sophisticated attacks that may attempt to
evade detection at a single layer (Rashid et al., 2013).
The Centralized Log Management Layer provides a unified platform for collecting,
storing, and analyzing log data from both the NIDS and HIDS layers. The system is built on the
ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), a widely adopted solution for log management
and analysis (Amro, 2019).
Elasticsearch indexes and stores the collected log data, making it easily searchable.
Logstash aggregates log data from various sources, processes it, and forwards it to
Elasticsearch.
Kibana provides an intuitive interface for visualizing the log data and creating
dashboards, enabling administrators to monitor system performance and security events
in real-time.
By centralizing log data, the system is able to correlate security events across different layers,
providing a comprehensive view of potential threats. This centralized approach to log
management also improves the system’s scalability, making it suitable for large, distributed
cloud environments (Metti, 2011).
The first step in the implementation process involves setting up a simulated cloud
environment using a cloud service provider such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft
Azure. Cloud instances are created to simulate a variety of services, such as web servers,
databases, and application servers (Amro, 2019). This setup mimics a real-world cloud
environment, with normal traffic and user activity, providing a realistic testbed for the system.
In the network layer, Snort is configured as the NIDS to monitor traffic between the cloud
environment and external networks. Snort is known for its versatility and effectiveness in
detecting a wide range of network attacks, such as DDoS, SQL injection, and brute-force login
attempts (Fayaz et al., 2015).
The NIDS is set up to send alerts to the centralized log management system whenever suspicious
traffic patterns are detected. These alerts provide detailed information about the source,
destination, and type of traffic involved in the potential attack (Amro, 2019).
The HIDS layer is implemented using OSSEC, which is installed on all cloud instances to
monitor system-level activities. OSSEC is configured to perform real-time file integrity checks,
monitor user activities, and detect unauthorized access attempts (Metti, 2011).
Each HIDS agent continuously monitors the host for any suspicious activity and reports it to the
centralized log management system. This ensures that system-level threats are detected and
addressed before they can compromise the entire cloud infrastructure (Kheirkhah & Babaie,
2020).
3.4.4 Step 4: Implementing Centralized Log Management
The centralized log management system is implemented using the ELK Stack, with Logstash
configured to collect log data from both NIDS and HIDS sources. Elasticsearch indexes this data,
while Kibana provides a dashboard interface for real-time visualization and analysis of security
events (Amro, 2019).
The final step involves integrating all components and conducting tests to evaluate the system’s
effectiveness. Integration testing is carried out to ensure that NIDS, HIDS, and the centralized
log management system work together as expected (Metti, 2011).
A variety of attacks are simulated, including DDoS, brute-force login attempts, and malware
infections, to evaluate the system’s ability to detect and respond to these threats. The system’s
performance is measured in terms of detection accuracy, false positive rate, response time, and
resource consumption (Fayaz et al., 2015).
Data collection in this study consists of security events and log data generated by the NIDS,
HIDS, and centralized log management system. Logs are collected and analyzed to determine the
system’s effectiveness in detecting and responding to simulated attacks (Amro, 2019).
Testing scenarios include both network-based attacks, such as DDoS and port scanning, and
host-based attacks, such as privilege escalation and file tampering. The system is evaluated under
different levels of traffic load and user activity to simulate real-world conditions (Kheirkhah &
Babaie, 2020).
CHAPTER FOUR
SYSTEM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
4.1 Introduction
The goal of this chapter is to explain how the system is designed to detect and mitigate potential
intrusions at multiple levels while managing logs centrally to provide a comprehensive view of
the security posture of the cloud environment.
1. Real-Time Detection: The system must detect intrusions in real-time to minimize the
window of opportunity for attackers.
2. Multi-Level Monitoring: By monitoring both network traffic and host-level activities,
the system ensures comprehensive coverage of the cloud environment (Amro, 2019).
3. Centralized Log Management: Logs from various sources are collected and analyzed
centrally to facilitate quick identification and correlation of security events (Fayaz et al.,
2015).
4. Scalability and Flexibility: The system must be scalable to accommodate the dynamic
nature of cloud environments, where resources can be added or removed frequently
(Rashid et al., 2013).
The architecture of the system is designed to provide a robust defense against various types of
cyberattacks by layering security across multiple points of entry into the cloud environment. The
following subsections provide a detailed overview of each architectural layer.
The Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) monitors the activities occurring
within individual cloud instances or virtual machines (VMs). Unlike the NIDS, which focuses on
network traffic, the HIDS focuses on system-level events, such as file modifications, system
logs, process execution, and user activity (Amro, 2019). By monitoring these activities, the HIDS
can detect internal threats, such as privilege escalation attempts, malware infections, or
unauthorized file access.
The HIDS component of the system uses OSSEC, a highly regarded HIDS tool that
provides real-time log analysis, file integrity checking, rootkit detection, and active response
capabilities. OSSEC is installed on each VM in the cloud environment and is configured to send
alerts to the centralized log management system when suspicious activities are detected
(Kheirkhah & Babaie, 2020). For example, if a malicious user attempts to modify critical system
files or install a rootkit, OSSEC will immediately log the event and trigger an alert.
The combination of NIDS and HIDS ensures that the system can detect both external
attacks and internal security breaches. This multi-layered approach is particularly effective in
cloud environments, where internal threats can often go undetected by network-based monitoring
alone (Metti, 2011).
The Centralized Log Management System (CLMS) plays a critical role in ensuring
that security events detected by both NIDS and HIDS are captured, stored, and analyzed
effectively. Centralizing the log data allows administrators to correlate events across different
layers of the system, providing a more comprehensive view of the security posture of the cloud
environment (Rashid et al., 2013).
The system uses the ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) to handle log management
and analysis:
Elasticsearch: Acts as the storage and indexing engine for the log data. It allows for fast
retrieval of security events based on user-defined queries.
Logstash: Collects log data from NIDS and HIDS, processes it, and forwards it to
Elasticsearch for storage and indexing.
Kibana: Provides a user-friendly interface for visualizing log data and creating
dashboards to monitor security events in real-time (Fayaz et al., 2015).
By centralizing all log data, the CLMS makes it easier to identify patterns or trends that may
indicate a coordinated attack. For example, a combination of network anomalies detected by the
NIDS and file modifications detected by the HIDS could indicate that an attacker has
successfully breached the network perimeter and is attempting to escalate privileges within the
system (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2016).
The data flow in the system is designed to ensure that security events are detected, logged, and
acted upon in real-time. When the NIDS or HIDS detects a potential intrusion, an alert is
generated and forwarded to the CLMS. The log data from the NIDS and HIDS is collected by
Logstash, processed, and sent to Elasticsearch for indexing. The system administrator can then
use Kibana to analyze the log data and generate reports or visualizations to aid in the detection
and investigation of security incidents (Kheirkhah & Babaie, 2020).
The implementation process involves setting up the various components of the system in
a cloud environment, configuring them to work together, and testing the system’s performance
under different attack scenarios. The following sections provide a step-by-step overview of the
implementation process.
4.4.1 Step 1: Setting Up the Cloud Environment
The cloud environment is set up using Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure,
or a similar cloud service provider. A virtual private cloud (VPC) is created to simulate a typical
cloud infrastructure, with virtual machines (VMs) running web applications, databases, and other
services (Amro, 2019). This simulated environment allows the system to be tested under realistic
conditions.
The Snort NIDS is configured to monitor traffic flowing to and from the VPC. Snort rules
are created to detect common network-based attacks, such as DDoS, SQL injection, and brute-
force login attempts (Fayaz et al., 2015). The NIDS is placed between the internet and the VPC
to ensure that all incoming and outgoing traffic is inspected.
The ELK Stack is installed and configured to handle log management and analysis.
Logstash is set up to collect log data from Snort and OSSEC, process it, and forward it to
Elasticsearch for storage. Kibana is configured to provide visualizations of the log data, allowing
administrators to monitor security events in real-time (Metti, 2011).
Performance testing is a crucial part of the system evaluation process. To ensure that the system
is effective in detecting and mitigating intrusions, a series of performance metrics are measured
during testing.
The false positive rate is an important metric in any intrusion detection system, as too
many false positives can overwhelm system administrators and reduce the effectiveness of the
system. The system is tuned to minimize false positives without sacrificing detection accuracy
(Fayaz et al., 2015).
Response time refers to the time it takes for the system to detect an intrusion and trigger
an alert. A low response time is critical in minimizing the damage caused by an attack, as it
allows administrators to take action before the attacker can cause significant harm (Metti, 2011).
The system’s resource consumption is measured in terms of CPU, memory, and network
bandwidth usage. The system is designed to be lightweight and scalable, ensuring that it can
handle large amounts of traffic and log data without significantly impacting the performance of
the cloud environment (Rashid et al., 2013).
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
Chapter Five offers a comprehensive review of the project by summarizing the research
findings, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations based on the results of the multi-
level intrusion detection and log management system for cloud computing. The study was driven
by the growing security challenges that cloud environments face due to their increasing
complexity and vulnerability to attacks. In this chapter, we highlight the key findings, explore
the implications of the system’s performance, and suggest future directions to improve security
in cloud computing.
The primary objective of this study was to design and implement a multi-level intrusion
detection system (IDS) integrated with centralized log management for cloud computing
environments. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits such as scalability, resource pooling,
and cost efficiency, but it also exposes sensitive data and infrastructure to a wide range of
potential cyberattacks. To address these concerns, the system proposed in this research provides
a robust security framework that employs both Network-Based Intrusion Detection Systems
(NIDS) and Host-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS) (Metti, 2011).
The research was driven by the problem of securing cloud infrastructures, where
traditional security approaches often fall short due to the decentralized and dynamic nature of the
cloud. Cloud environments, by their very nature, introduce new attack vectors and increase the
risk of security breaches (Amro, 2019). Moreover, security events in the cloud generate vast
amounts of data, making manual analysis impractical. Thus, a multi-level IDS combined with
centralized log management was proposed to offer real-time monitoring and detection
capabilities across both network and host levels while providing a centralized system for log
analysis and event correlation.
5.2.2 Research Objectives
To design a system capable of detecting intrusions in real-time at both the network and
host levels.
To centralize the log management process to ensure effective analysis, storage, and
retrieval of security events across the cloud environment.
To integrate NIDS and HIDS systems into a unified framework that enables effective
monitoring of internal and external threats (Fayaz et al., 2015).
To provide a scalable and flexible security solution that can adapt to the dynamic nature
of cloud computing environments.
The system was tested using simulated cyberattacks, including DDoS, SQL injection, and
brute-force attacks. The evaluation focused on several key performance metrics:
Detection accuracy: The ability of the system to correctly identify intrusions without
generating false positives (Amro, 2019).
Response time: The time it takes for the system to detect and alert administrators of an
intrusion (Fayaz et al., 2015).
Scalability: The system’s ability to handle increases in traffic and log data without
degradation in performance (Rashid et al., 2013).
The results indicated that the system was effective in detecting both external and internal threats
while maintaining low false-positive rates and fast response times. The centralized log
management system also proved effective in correlating events across multiple layers of the
system, providing administrators with a comprehensive view of the security posture of the cloud
environment (Metti, 2011).
The integration of both network-based and host-based intrusion detection systems proved
effective in improving the detection of cyber threats. The NIDS component was able to detect
external threats such as DDoS and SQL injection attacks, while the HIDS component was
successful in identifying internal threats such as privilege escalation and malware infections
(Kheirkhah & Babaie, 2020). The combination of these two systems provided a more
comprehensive security solution compared to using either system in isolation.
One of the most significant benefits of the system is its real-time monitoring and response
capabilities. The use of the Snort NIDS and OSSEC HIDS allowed the system to detect
intrusions in real-time and trigger immediate alerts to administrators. This reduced the window
of opportunity for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities or escalate privileges within the cloud
environment (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2016). The real-time nature of the system also improved
the overall response time, allowing administrators to take corrective action before attackers could
cause significant damage.
The centralized log management system, implemented using the ELK Stack, played a
critical role in correlating security events from multiple sources (Fayaz et al., 2015). By
aggregating log data from both the NIDS and HIDS components, the system was able to identify
patterns and trends that may have been missed by either system alone. For example, the
combination of unusual network traffic detected by the NIDS and suspicious file modifications
detected by the HIDS could indicate a coordinated attack. This ability to correlate events across
multiple layers of the system significantly improved the accuracy of intrusion detection (Rashid
et al., 2013).
The system was designed to be scalable and flexible, ensuring that it could handle the
dynamic nature of cloud computing environments (Amro, 2019). The use of cloud-based
infrastructure allowed the system to easily scale as the number of cloud instances increased or
decreased. Additionally, the modular nature of the system allowed for the integration of
additional security components, such as firewalls or intrusion prevention systems (IPS), if
needed. This flexibility ensures that the system can adapt to changes in the cloud environment
without requiring significant modifications (Kheirkhah & Babaie, 2020).
5.3.5 Reduced False Positives
One of the challenges of traditional intrusion detection systems is the high rate of false
positives, which can overwhelm administrators and reduce the effectiveness of the system
(Rashid et al., 2013). The combination of NIDS, HIDS, and centralized log management in this
study helped to reduce false positives by providing a more comprehensive view of the security
events. The system was able to correlate events across multiple layers, reducing the likelihood of
false alarms and ensuring that only legitimate security threats were flagged (Fayaz et al., 2015).
5.4 Conclusion
The combination of Snort NIDS, OSSEC HIDS, and the ELK Stack for centralized log
management proved effective in providing comprehensive security coverage across multiple
layers of the cloud environment. By integrating these components, the system was able to detect
a wide range of cyber threats and provide administrators with actionable insights to respond to
security incidents quickly (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2016).
Overall, the system's real-time detection capabilities, scalability, and flexibility make it a
valuable tool for securing cloud environments. The use of centralized log management further
enhances the system’s effectiveness by enabling the correlation of security events across multiple
sources, improving the accuracy of intrusion detection and reducing false positives.
5.5 ecommendations
Based on the findings of this research, several recommendations are made to further
enhance the security of cloud computing environments:
5.5.1 Integration with Machine Learning Techniques
One area for future improvement is the integration of machine learning techniques into
the intrusion detection system. Machine learning algorithms have shown great promise in
identifying previously unknown or evolving threats by analyzing patterns in security data. By
integrating machine learning with NIDS and HIDS, the system could improve its ability to detect
zero-day attacks or novel attack vectors that do not have predefined signatures (Fayaz et al.,
2015). Machine learning models could also be used to reduce false positives by learning to
distinguish between legitimate and malicious activities more accurately (Rashid et al., 2013).
While this study focused primarily on intrusion detection and log management, it is
important to recognize that data encryption and privacy measures are also critical components of
cloud security (Kheirkhah & Babaie, 2020). Future research should explore how to integrate
advanced encryption techniques into the system to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest.
Additionally, privacy-preserving mechanisms such as homomorphic encryption could be
implemented to ensure that cloud providers cannot access the contents of customer data even
while performing security monitoring.
Securing cloud computing environments is a complex and evolving challenge. This study
provides a comprehensive solution by combining multi-level intrusion detection with centralized
log management, significantly enhancing the detection and mitigation of cyber threats in cloud
environments. While the system presents many strengths, there are opportunities for further
improvement, particularly in the areas of machine learning integration, encryption, and automatic
response mechanisms. These advancements would not only improve the system's effectiveness
but also contribute to the overall goal of securing cloud infrastructures against a growing array of
cyber threats.
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