AI And ML Techniques For Intrusion Detection

Abstract:
With the exponential growth of the internet and interconnected networks, the
need for reliable and efficient intrusion detection systems (IDS) has become
more vital. Traditional IDSs suffer from various limitations such as high false
positive rates, inability to detect unknown attacks, and limited scalability. The
integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques
has shown promising results in improving the accuracy and efficiency of IDSs.
In this paper, we presented several AI and ML techniques for intrusion
detection systems, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and
ensemble learning. These techniques aim to improve the performance of IDSs
by enhancing their ability to detect and prevent malicious activities.

Keywords: Network Intrusion Detection System(NIDS), Deep Learning,

Reinforcement Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Decision
trees, K-nearest neighbor(KNN), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector
Machines (SVM), Fuzzy logic, Artificial neural networks(ANN).

Introduction:
Cyber attackers often target businesses with large websites using methods
such as viruses, malware, worms, fraudulent logins, and spyware.
Organizations require security applications to protect their networks against
such malicious attacks and misuse. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are used
to detect and prevent data breaches by stopping intrusions. There are two
types of IDS - misuse detection and anomaly detection. Misuse detection relies
on patterns or information, while anomaly detection relies on behavior.
However, current IDS have a high detection rate, leading to many false alarms,
and thus false positives should be minimized. An intrusion detection system
(IDS) is a security mechanism that monitors network traffic and system events
to detect malicious activities. IDSs are designed to identify, log, and alert
system administrators about security threats, such as viruses, malware, and
other types of attacks. However, the traditional IDSs suffer from several
limitations, including high false alarm rates, inability to detect unknown
attacks, and limited scalability. To overcome these limitations, researchers
have explored the integration of AI and ML techniques in IDSs. AI and ML
techniques can analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and predict
future behaviors, making them effective tools in improving the accuracy and
efficiency of IDSs.
Deep Learning: Deep learning is a subset of ML that uses artificial neural
networks to learn from data. Deep learning algorithms can analyze large
amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions. In IDSs, deep
learning algorithms can be trained on large datasets to detect and classify
different types of attacks. For instance, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)
can analyze network traffic to identify malicious activities such as DDoS attacks
and port scanning. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) can be used to analyze
system logs to detect anomalies and identify intrusion attempts.[6]
Reinforcement Learning: Reinforcement learning is a type of machine learning
where an agent learns to make decisions based on rewards and penalties. In
IDSs, reinforcement learning can be used to train agents to make decisions
about network traffic based on predefined policies. For instance, an agent can
be trained to block network traffic from a specific IP address if it exceeds a
certain threshold of requests within a specified time. Reinforcement learning
can also be used to optimize IDS parameters, such as the thresholds for
different types of attacks, to improve their performance.
Ensemble Learning: Ensemble learning is a technique that combines multiple
models to improve their accuracy and reliability. In IDSs, ensemble learning can
be used to combine the outputs of different machine learning algorithms to
improve their detection capabilities. For example, a decision tree-based
algorithm can be combined with a logistic regression algorithm to improve
their accuracy in detecting network intrusions.

Intrusion Detection Systems:

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are security mechanisms that aim to
safeguard computer systems, networks, and resources from unauthorized
access. They are created to continuously monitor system and network
activities, analyzing them for any indications of suspicious or malicious
behavior. Whenever such activities are detected, IDS generates alerts or takes
appropriate actions to prevent ormitigate potential security threats.
Essentially, IDS is a critical cybersecurity tool that is used to ensure that the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and resources are
not compromised. Intrusion detection systems can be categorized as either
host-based or network-based. Host-based IDS is installed on individual
computers or servers and monitors their activities for suspicious or
unauthorized behavior. Network-based IDS, on the other hand, is designed to
observe activities on network segments or throughout an entire network to
detect any signs of potential intrusion.
In addition, IDS can also be classified as signature-based or anomaly-based.
Signature-based IDS utilize a database of known malicious patterns, also
referred to as "signatures," to identify and detect attacks. In contrast,
anomaly-based IDS work by analyzing normal system and network activities to
detect any irregular or suspicious patterns that could potentially indicate a
security threat. By using a combination of these approaches, IDS can help
organizations detect and prevent cyber attacks, minimizing the risks of security
breaches and data theft. Several types of IDS are commonly used in modern
cybersecurity strategies. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) not
only detect security breaches but also take active measures to block or prevent
them. Honeypots are also used as a decoy mechanism to attract attackers
away from real systems and applications, providing security teams with an
opportunity to detect and prevent potential cyber attacks. Additionally,
Intrusion detection as a service (IDaaS) is gaining popularity as a cloud-based
IDS solution that offers efficient and scalable threat detection capabilities.
Overall, IDS is an essential element of modern-day cybersecurity strategies that
assist organizations in safeguarding their critical systems and data from a
broad range of cyber threats, including malware, hacking, and insider attacks.
By deploying IDS, businesses can improve their ability to detect and respond to
potential security incidents in a timely and effective manner, minimizing the
likelihood of data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.[5]

Types of Intrusion Detection Systems:

There are various types of intrusion detection systems (IDS) that detect
suspicious activities using different techniques.

Some of the commonly used IDS are:

Network intrusion detection system (NIDS): It is placed at strategic points
within the network and monitors incoming and outgoing traffic to and from all
devices in the network.
Host intrusion detection system (HIDS): It is installed on all computers or
devices in the network that have direct access to both the internet and the
internal network. HIDS has an added advantage over NIDS, as it can detect
anomalous network packets that originate from inside the organization or
malicious traffic that NIDS has failed to detect.
Signature-based intrusion detection system (SIDS): SIDS monitors all network
packets and matches them against a database of known attack signatures or
attributes of malicious threats, similar to antivirus software.[5]
Anomaly-based intrusion detection system (AIDS): AIDS monitors network
traffic against a pre-established baseline for the network in terms of
bandwidth, protocols, ports, and other devices to determine what is
considered normal.

honeypots: Honeypots are a type of intrusion detection system that involves

deploying decoy systems or applications that are designed to divert attackers
away from actual systems or applications. These dummy systems can simulate
real systems to trick attackers into thinking they have found a vulnerable
target, thereby luring them into a controlled environment. Honeypots can be
used as a tool to study the behavior and tactics of attackers and to collect
threat intelligence, enabling security teams to better understand and respond
to emerging security threats. By analyzing the data gathered from honeypots,
organizations can improve their security posture and develop more effective
strategies for protecting their critical systems and data. There are different
types of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), including active and passive
systems. Passive IDS monitor network traffic and generate alerts to notify
network administrators of any abnormal activity. The responsibility of taking
action to address the security threat falls on the administrator.

On the other hand, active IDS also function as Intrusion Prevention Systems
(IPS). They not only detect suspicious activity but also take immediate action to
prevent and resolve security issues. This is done by monitoring the network
traffic in real-time and applying pre-defined security policies to prevent and
mitigate the detected security threat.
While passive IDS can be less complex and easier to manage, active IDS/IPS
provides a more proactive approach to security, providing a higher level of
protection against security threats. Organizations should carefully consider
their security needs and resources to determine which type of IDS is most
appropriate for their specific circumstances.

Intrusion prevention systems:

An IPS or IDPS is a security system that not only detects intrusions but also has
the ability to prevent them. While an IDS does not necessarily have to detect
attacks at the exact moment they occur, an IPS must be able to detect attacks
in real-time so that it can prevent them. In the case of network attacks, the
prevention actions could include closing connections, blocking IPs, or limiting
data throughput.
Requiring real-time attack detection can significantly impact the methods used
to detect attacks. For instance, an IDS might issue an alert even if it is unsure
whether the activity is an anomaly. However, an IPS must be certain before
taking action.

Intrusion detection systems VS Intrusion prevention systems:

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are
two distinct types of security tools that help safeguard computer networks and
systems from unauthorized access, attacks, and intrusions. While both IDS and
IPS have the same purpose, they have different approaches to identifying and
mitigating security threats.
IDS primarily identify and alert on potential security threats, such as malware,
unauthorized access, or hacking attempts, by analyzing network and system
activity. IDS monitor for suspicious behavior, patterns, and anomalies, and
generate alerts when a threat is detected. This allows security teams to
investigate and respond to the threat.
IPS, on the other hand, not only detect security threats but also take active
measures to prevent them. IPS analyze network and system activity in real-
time, looking for known attack signatures and anomalies that indicate potential
attacks. When IPS identify a security threat, they can take automated actions
to block or prevent it, such as ending a suspicious connection or blocking an IP
address. While both IDS and IPS are valuable components of a comprehensive
security strategy, organizations must carefully evaluate their security
requirements and risk tolerance to determine which approach is most
appropriate for their specific circumstances.=---------