A Python-Based Approach for Monitoring and Troubleshooting Snort IDS in Distributed Firewall Environments
Andrei-Daniel Tudosi · 2023
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of a novel script-based framework for monitoring and troubleshooting Snort Intrusion Detection System in distributed firewall environments. The framework provides a comprehensive solution for continuous monitoring by utilizing Python scripting and key libraries, including subprocesses, requests, and time. The script contains crucial functions for evaluating network connectivity, database server availability, resource limitations, and Snort configuration. By performing these tests on a periodic basis, the framework effectively identifies potential issues that could compromise the optimal operation of Snort IDS. This research contribution is distinguished by its focus on distributed firewall environments and its script-based methodology. Real-world flexibility, scalability, and implementation simplicity are ensured by the framework's modular architecture and integration of widely used Python libraries. Through comprehensive evaluations and simulated experiments, the framework demonstrates its ability to identify network connectivity issues, promptly address database server problems, manage resource constraints, and validate Snort configuration. The script-based framework presented here makes a significant contribution to the field of network security by offering a dependable and effective solution for monitoring and troubleshooting Snort IDS in distributed firewall environments.