Network monitoring is very important in todays world. The internet is a scary place. People have taken steps to raise their awareness by installing Intrusion Detection Systems(IDS) such as SNORT.
The problem with most of these systems is that upon first installing them they are vigilantly watched. After a week the allure wears off and they are no longer monitored, silently churning away in the depths of the network.
By moving the visualization outside of the computer we make it easier to notice, providing the information at a glance and to a larger audience.
The Visual Threat Level Indicator (VTLI) requires a network connection and power. It does not need to be directly attached to a computer, this way it can be placed anywhere there is network access.
A python script is run on the IDS which connects the the Arduino and updates the display.
Step 2: Brief overview
The VTLI process runs on the IDS and the Arduino.
The Arduino listens for incoming connections to update the display.
The IDS machine has a python script running that will look at the last 24 hours of the snort log to generate the threat level. It connects over the network to the Arduino to update the display. This should run out of cron an interval appropriate to the environment, 5 minutes is a good guess.
Step 3: Program Arduino
vtli.ino2 KBParts
You will need the following:
-An IDS running SNORT http://www.snort.org/
-Arduino Uno
-Arduino Ethernet Shield
-Arduino Proto Shield
-10x 470Ω resistors
-10 Segment LED bar graph
-Solder, wires, soldering iron
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About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation, and engineering. I have a clear and simple writing style and am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and is able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.