Final answer:
To verify intrusion detection system alerts, one should assess the credibility of the alert, investigate the source, and trace the claims to the original context. Automated responses can mitigate well-known threats, and increased security measures should be in place. Understanding hacker tactics and educating staff on avoiding scams are crucial parts of a cybersecurity strategy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To verify intrusion detection system alerts, one needs to follow a systematic approach. Initially, when an alert is received, it is critical to evaluate the severity and credibility of the alert. Considering the human factors such as the volume of decisions, as in the study by Bruno & Abrahão (2012), which can affect the accuracy, the operators should avoid making rushed decisions.Next is to investigate the source of the alert to determine whether it is a false alarm or an actual threat. Security personnel should trace the claims to the original context to understand the nature of the potential breach. This step is crucial in situations like the Target data breach, where the alert was not interpreted correctly. For more repetitive and well-known attacks, organizations can employ automated responses, such as patches or updates, that mitigate the threat without requiring an operator's decision.
Further steps include crowdsourcing falsity labels for accuracy nudges and giving researchers access to more data for better detection. Companies may also increase security measures such as two-factor authentication and stronger passwords.To mitigate well-known attacks, standard operating procedures should be in place, which include updating software, conducting regular security training for staff, and performing frequent security audits. Using machine learning and AI to assist in detecting patterns and preempting attacks can also reduce the cognitive load on operators.Addressing the tactics used by hackers - stealing data, compromising systems, and carrying out scams – is part of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Knowledge about hacker tactics and ongoing education on avoiding scams should be part of every cybersecurity professional's toolkit to reduce the success rate of hacking attempts and protect sensitive information.