Detecting Device-Based Attacks

In the previous chapter, we learned about network-based attacks in which the attacker targets communications lines, and how to protect against them. In this chapter, we talk about attacks targeting network devices and how to harden your network devices against these attacks. By the end of this chapter, you will understand the risks to communications devices and learn how to protect against these risks.

In network devices, we focus on devices that are used for packet switching and forwarding, from simple Layer 2 switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers to other devices that receive and send packets through the network.

This chapter starts with an explanation of the structure of communications devices— the management, control, and forwarding planes—then, we will drill down into each one, learn about the device resources assigned to each one of them, and learn about the risks and how to protect against them.

In this chapter...