In this fast-paced world where a variety of technological advancements have been observed, one of the most difficult decisions has been the selection of a security system. It can be either a network-based or host-based system, but both have their advantages as well as disadvantages.
On the one hand, we consider a network-based security system somewhat attractive, all due to its ease of management and deployment. In comparison to its simplicity, a host-based system is considered complex yet MORE refined and capable system to deliver maximum security. Both can help you solve security challenges but remember YOU MUST CHOOSE WHAT SUITS YOUR BUSINESS.
Host-Based Security System (HBSS) and Network-Based Security System
Starting from the scratch, let’s see what is meant by HBSS and NBSS before moving on to their best practices and common issues! Truly speaking, host based and network based security issues can get tricky to handle
Network security is a system solely made to target all the traffic passing from the Internet to LAN and vice versa to create a secure infrastructure. It filters out all the users and is found ideal for the defense of the underlying networking structure from illegal access, misuse, or shoplifting. For enhanced security purposes of devices, applications, and customers, it guards your data against intrusions and cyber threats.
A host-Based Security System is an advanced software application, or we can say a collection of various applications that are installed on a singular server, laptop, or computer. It is made to offer consistent and fool-proof security by detecting upcoming traffic or new hosts, confirming signatures, and inspecting firewall strategies. Majorly used in the United States Department of Defense security system, HBSS analyzes and eliminates minor to major threats via robust firewall protection.
Placement
- NETWORK-BASED SECURITY SYSTEM: Customarily installed at the perimeter of the network such as Internet handoff point for identifying and catching all unlicensed entries right at the entry or exit point
- HOST-BASED SECURITY SYSTEM: Considering it a 2nd line of defense, it is installed somewhere inside the systems to detect the unauthorized entry if Network based firewall fails to block
Hardware or Software Based
- Network based security system is hardware based
- Host based security system is software based
Work On
- Network based security system is network level
- Host based security system is host level
Movement
- Network based security system is not so flexible in terms of mobility. It can only be moved when all LAN assets are migrated to a new & secure location
- HBSS is mobile-friendly as it is implemented on end machine (Computer/ Laptop)
Protection for the Same VLAN
- NBSS: Doesn’t offer internal security in end host to end host communication using similar VLAN
- HBSS: It offers maximum communication security control and protection even if operating in the same zone
Network Protection
- NBSS: Stronger defense barrier in comparison to HBSS
- HBSS: Limited defense barrier
Scalability
- NBSS: Easy to scale whenever more bandwidth is required
- HBSS: Needs hard work and effort to scale up for more installations and features
Cost
- NBSS: Lower when it comes to huge enterprise
- HBSS: Higher when it comes to huge enterprise
Issues in the Host-Based Security System (HBSS)
In HBSS, most of the problems are caught in 3 principal areas:
- Application protection – protecting agents from hostile hosts
- Host environment protection – protecting hosts from agents
- Data protection – protecting data in transit
It highlights the problem of this system is less capable and prone to be compromised by any cyber-attack. Moreover, they need additional computing power to work correctly.
Issues in Network-Based Security
- The signatures are usually outdated, not advanced, and fail to detect Zero-day attacks
- Packet inspection seems to act blindly towards encrypted traffic. Besides, it gives tough time to upgrade
- Network monitoring cannot see any host activity or any new processes carried out by the customer
- The removable media cannot be detected
- They are not capable of handling switched networks
- Network monitoring fails in the department of “log collection”
Best Practices in Network-Based and Host-Based Security Systems
- To ensure the maximum safety and remove host-based and network-based security issues, always make your password intense and unique, lengthy and unpredictable
- Keep a close check on customer’s permissions
- Always go for a well-planned and fool-proof security policy
- Prefer using Centralized Logging and never miss out on Immediate Log Analysis
- Allow a restricted number of users/team members to access the accounts and other services
- To guarantee the best flow of services and task deployment, keep security devices correctly
- Never practice Disabling the Personal Firewalls upon installing HBBS or NBSS
- Do not forget to change the default or well-known login accounts on the machine
- Quickly disable the accounts or any special services that are not in use anymore
- Make visibility your top priority
- Use Honeypots and Honeynets
- Create and implement the least-privilege principle (feasible for access management and control)
- Never skip the testing of the system’s backups and disaster recovery plan in a consistent manner, as it is an efficient solution to host-based and network-based security issues
- The easiest way to maximize the protection is to use VPNs
- Install the IDS (intrusion detection system) correctly
- The preferable option is to opt for an automated response to cyber threats
- Don’t forget to secure your network equipment physically
