SIEM Alerts To Expect During a Pentest
A penetration test (pentest) is an authorized simulated attack on a computer system to evaluate the security of the system. During a pentest, the tester attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the system to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges. In such a scenario, the security information and event management (SIEM) system plays a critical role in detecting and alerting on suspicious activity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the SIEM alerts to expect during a pentest.
- Failed login attempts
One of the most common tactics used by attackers during a pentest is to perform a brute force attack on login credentials. This can result in multiple failed login attempts, triggering an alert in the SIEM system. SIEM systems should be configured to alert on a certain number of failed login attempts, as this is a clear sign of malicious activity.
- Account lockouts
As a result of failed login attempts, the system may lock the user’s account to prevent further access. This event will trigger an alert in the SIEM system, which can help the security team identify suspicious activity.
- Access to privileged accounts
Attackers aim to gain access to privileged accounts during a pentest. These accounts have elevated permissions and can be used to perform actions that regular users can’t. Any access to privileged accounts should trigger an alert in the SIEM system, as this is a clear sign of malicious activity.
- Suspicious network traffic
During a pentest, the tester may attempt to exfiltrate data or communicate with a command and control (C2) server. This traffic can be detected by the SIEM system, which can trigger an alert. SIEM systems should be configured to monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- File or directory changes
Attackers may attempt to modify files or directories on the system during a pentest. Any changes to critical files or directories should trigger an alert in the SIEM system, as this is a clear sign of malicious activity.
Conclusion
A SIEM system is a critical component of any organization’s security infrastructure. During a pentest, the SIEM system can help detect and alert on suspicious activity, allowing the security team to respond quickly and effectively. By configuring SIEM systems to alert on specific events, such as failed login attempts, account lockouts, access to privileged accounts, suspicious network traffic, and file or directory changes, organizations can improve their security posture and reduce the risk of a successful attack. At Vijilan Security, we offer comprehensive SIEM services that can help organizations detect and respond to security threats in real-time.
