Snort – Network IDS

Snort is an open-source network intrusion detection system capable of real-time traffic analysis and packet logging. It can detect attacks and probes using signature, protocol, and anomaly-based inspection.

Key Features

• Signature Detection: Pattern-based attack identification
• Protocol Analysis: Deep packet inspection
• Real-Time Alerting: Immediate threat notification
• Packet Logging: Traffic capture for analysis
• Rules Language: Customizable detection rules

Installation

Install Snort on Ubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snort

# Update rules
sudo snort -T -c /etc/snort/snort.conf

Usage Examples

Snort operations:

# Run in IDS mode
sudo snort -A console -q -c /etc/snort/snort.conf -i eth0

# Packet logging
sudo snort -l /var/log/snort -i eth0

# Test configuration
sudo snort -T -c /etc/snort/snort.conf

# Custom rule
alert tcp any any -> any 80 (msg:"HTTP Traffic"; sid:1000001;)

Benefits

Snort provides comprehensive network security monitoring. Its extensive rule database and active community ensure detection of current threats.

Download Snort