Network Traffic Analysis and Anomaly Detection : A Comparative Case Study

Abstract: Computer security is to protect the data inside the computer, relay the information, expose the information, or reduce the level of security to some extent. The communication contents are the main target of any malicious intent to interrupt one or more of the three aspects of the information security triad (confidentiality, integrity, and availability). This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive idea of network traffic analysis, various anomaly or intrusion detection systems, the tools used for it, and finally, a comparison of two Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) tools available in the market: Splunk and Security Onion and comparing their finding to analyse their feasibility and efficiency on Anomaly detection. Splunk and Security Onion were found to be different in the method of monitoring, User Interface (UI), and the observations noted. Further scope for future works is also suggested from the conclusions made.