How to Simulate Network Insider Threat in OMNeT++
To implement the network insider threat setup in OMNeT++ encompasses mimicking a network situation where one or more trusted entities like employees, contractors participate in malicious activities like data exfiltration, unauthorized access, or sabotage. The aim is to learn how such threats can manifest in a network and calculate the efficiency of detection and mitigation strategies.
Steps to Implement Network Insider Threat in OMNeT++
- Define the Network Environment:
- Make a network with nodes demonstrating numerous entities, like routers, servers, and workstations. Some of these nodes will be trustworthy insiders who have authentic access to network resources.
simple WorkstationModule
{
parameters:
@display(“i=block/pc”);
gates:
inout ethg;
}
simple ServerModule
{
parameters:
@display(“i=block/server”);
gates:
inout ethg;
}
simple RouterModule
{
parameters:
@display(“i=block/router”);
gates:
inout ethg;
}
network InsiderThreatNetwork
{
submodules:
workstation1: WorkstationModule;
workstation2: WorkstationModule;
server: ServerModule;
router: RouterModule;
connections:
workstation1.ethg <–> router.ethg[0];
workstation2.ethg <–> router.ethg[1];
server.ethg <–> router.ethg[2];
}
- Designate Insider Nodes:
- Choose one or more nodes to act as insiders. This nodes will have authentic access to the network but will execute malicious activities.
class WorkstationModule : public cSimpleModule {
private:
bool isInsider = false;
protected:
virtual void initialize() override {
isInsider = par(“isInsider”).boolValue();
// Schedule activities based on whether this node is an insider
if (isInsider) {
scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“startTime”), new cMessage(“insiderActivity”));
} else {
scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“startTime”), new cMessage(“normalActivity”));
}
}
virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {
if (isInsider && strcmp(msg->getName(), “insiderActivity”) == 0) {
performInsiderActivity();
scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“interval”), msg);
} else if (strcmp(msg->getName(), “normalActivity”) == 0) {
performNormalActivity();
scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“interval”), msg);
} else {
cPacket *pkt = check_and_cast<cPacket*>(msg);
processPacket(pkt);
delete pkt;
}
}
void performInsiderActivity() {
// Example of insider activity: Unauthorized data access or exfiltration
cPacket *maliciousPkt = new cPacket(“unauthorizedAccess”);
send(maliciousPkt, “ethg$o”);
EV << “Insider activity performed: Unauthorized access attempt” << endl;
}
void performNormalActivity() {
// Example of normal activity
cPacket *normalPkt = new cPacket(“normalTraffic”);
send(normalPkt, “ethg$o”);
EV << “Normal activity performed” << endl;
}
void processPacket(cPacket *pkt) {
// Handle incoming packets
EV << “Packet received: ” << pkt->getName() << endl;
}
};
- Implement Detection Mechanisms:
- Implement a detection module that observes network traffic and system activities for signs of insider threats. It can contain monitoring for uncommon access patterns, data exfiltration attempts, or unofficial resource usage.
class DetectionModule : public cSimpleModule {
private:
int detectedThreats = 0;
protected:
virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {
cPacket *pkt = check_and_cast<cPacket*>(msg);
if (detectInsiderThreat(pkt)) {
detectedThreats++;
EV << “Insider threat detected: ” << pkt->getName() << endl;
}
delete pkt;
}
bool detectInsiderThreat(cPacket *pkt) {
// Example detection logic: Detecting unauthorized access attempts
if (strcmp(pkt->getName(), “unauthorizedAccess”) == 0) {
return true;
}
// Add more sophisticated detection logic here
return false;
}
virtual void finish() override {
recordScalar(“Detected Insider Threats”, detectedThreats);
EV << “Total detected insider threats: ” << detectedThreats << endl;
}
};
- Simulate and Analyse Insider Threats:
- Run the simulation with various scenarios, with several kinds and intensities of insider activities. Examine how well the detection mechanisms find these threats and how the network reacts to them.
virtual void finish() override {
// Record and analyze the outcomes of the simulation
}
Example Scenario: Data Exfiltration by an Insider
In this setup, one of the workplaces is designated as an insider. This workstation executes unofficial data exfiltration by sending sensitive information to an external server. The detection module watches the network and flags any unofficial access or suspicious data transfers. We can monitors how rapidly and exactly the detection system finds the insider threat when running the simulation.
Over this setup, we had learned complete process to execute the Network Insider Threat using OMNeT++. We are here to provide full support for implementing Network Insider Threat using the OMNeT++ tool. You can rely on the omnet-manual.com team for tailored guidance that fits your unique requirements. If you’re looking for original project ideas, feel free to reach out to us.