Search icon CANCEL
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Automating Security Detection Engineering
Automating Security Detection Engineering

Automating Security Detection Engineering: A hands-on guide to implementing Detection as Code

eBook
R$80 R$245.99
Paperback
R$213.99 R$306.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at R$50p/m

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Automating Security Detection Engineering

Detection as Code Architecture and Lifecycle

Welcome to the courseware, where we dive deep into various aspects of automation surrounding detection engineering. Throughout various sections of this book, we’ll be putting concepts to use with follow-along labs and exercises recommended for solidifying and applying knowledge as you progress. In addition, we’ll have spotlights from industry-leading experts who provide supplemental insights that align with the practices that you will encounter.

Detection engineering operations are relied on to create robust detection use cases at scale. As the business grows, the requirements for new detections also grow and it becomes difficult to scale without continued automation. As practitioners, we need to build mechanisms that optimize consistency in detection development.

This chapter focuses on understanding the key elements of maturing a detection engineering program for developing use cases and leveraging automation. We&...

Establish requirements

This is the start of the detection life cycle phase where engineering teams should determine what is in scope for the program and what qualifies as a useful detection to develop. What qualifies as useful input depends on what tools and available data are within the enterprise environment to leverage. Using the following table, we can map example inputs with possible detection outputs based on input requirements:

...

Common Requests

Inputs Needed

Possible Outputs

New Vulnerability Exploit Detection

Network or endpoint payload information

Runtime logging

Possible code-level changes of the patch

Endpoint detection response (EDR) signature

Network intrusion detection system (NIDS) signature

Runtime application security protection (RASP) signature

Conceptualizing detection as code requirements

Now that we have established the life cycle of a use case from a detection engineering perspective, technical systems are needed to implement this to scale. As mentioned, CI/CD pipelines are part of it, but the core components will almost always require the following technical considerations:

  • Version control systems (with CI runners)
  • API support
  • Use case syntax
  • Testing instrumentation
  • Secrets management

Let’s discuss each component in detail.

Version control systems

Modern version control systems will have similar features among major brands and products. Your organization’s developer team may elect to use different systems for their own workflow preferences or compatible integrations with other secrets management systems, third-party risk, and cost considerations. When practical, consider aligning the detection-as-code program to approved and supported security patterns of the enterprise...

Planning automation milestones

Now that we’ve established our minimum viable product (MVP) requirements for a successful detection as code technical set of solutions, it’s time to make decisions on the different key components of the engineering program including scope, technology stack selection, and a target roll-out schedule. Your team has different requirements and priorities depending on the organization than other departments.

Let’s establish a basic checklist of goals that must be determined before embarking on the journey:

Program Component

Decision Examples

Team Justification

Use Case Target Scope

SIEM, EDR, and Bash shell cloud workload runtimes.

Meets all requirements including API and detection syntax support.

CI/CD Pipeline Stack Components

...

Summary

In this chapter, we’ve learned about the core concepts of what’s involved in successfully managing use cases for detection-engineering-focused teams. These include a life cycle that involves establishing requirements, development, testing, implementation, and deprecation. To facilitate that life cycle, we needed to determine what technology components and solutions were able to achieve this in a highly automated capacity.

Choosing the types of technologies based on organization-approved solutions and stack requirements included version control system, build job running compute, build time testing instrumentation, secrets management, and ensuring adequate support for each enterprise tool that was available in their APIs and an established use case syntax.

We finally wrapped up all of our decisions by utilizing a simple checklist, decision, and justification matrix to help our organization understand the impact and advantages of investing time and resources...

Further reading

To learn more about the topics that were covered in this chapter, take a look at the following:

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon
Download code icon Download Code

Key benefits

  • Create automated CI/CD pipelines for testing and implementing threat detection use cases
  • Apply implementation strategies to optimize the adoption of automated work streams
  • Use a variety of enterprise-grade tools and APIs to bolster your detection program
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

Today's global enterprise security programs grapple with constantly evolving threats. Even though the industry has released abundant security tools, most of which are equipped with APIs for integrations, they lack a rapid detection development work stream. This book arms you with the skills you need to automate the development, testing, and monitoring of detection-based use cases. You’ll start with the technical architecture, exploring where automation is conducive throughout the detection use case lifecycle. With the help of hands-on labs, you’ll learn how to utilize threat-informed defense artifacts and then progress to creating advanced AI-powered CI/CD pipelines to bolster your Detection as Code practices. Along the way, you'll develop custom code for EDRs, WAFs, SIEMs, CSPMs, RASPs, and NIDS. The book will also guide you in developing KPIs for program monitoring and cover collaboration mechanisms to operate the team with DevSecOps principles. Finally, you'll be able to customize a Detection as Code program that fits your organization's needs. By the end of the book, you'll have gained the expertise to automate nearly the entire use case development lifecycle for any enterprise.

Who is this book for?

This book is for security engineers and analysts responsible for the day-to-day tasks of developing and implementing new detections at scale. If you’re working with existing programs focused on threat detection, you’ll also find this book helpful. Prior knowledge of DevSecOps, hands-on experience with any programming or scripting languages, and familiarity with common security practices and tools are recommended for an optimal learning experience.

What you will learn

  • Understand the architecture of Detection as Code implementations
  • Develop custom test functions using Python and Terraform
  • Leverage common tools like GitHub and Python 3.x to create detection-focused CI/CD pipelines
  • Integrate cutting-edge technology and operational patterns to further refine program efficacy
  • Apply monitoring techniques to continuously assess use case health
  • Create, structure, and commit detections to a code repository

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jun 28, 2024
Length: 252 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781837636419
Category :
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing

Product Details

Publication date : Jun 28, 2024
Length: 252 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781837636419
Category :
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
R$50 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
R$500 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just R$25 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
R$800 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just R$25 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total R$ 661.97 948.97 287.00 saved
The Ultimate Kali Linux Book
R$213.99 R$306.99
Practical Threat Detection Engineering
R$233.99 R$334.99
Automating Security Detection Engineering
R$213.99 R$306.99
Total R$ 661.97 948.97 287.00 saved Stars icon

Table of Contents

15 Chapters
Part 1: Automating Detection Inputs and Deployments Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1: Detection as Code Architecture and Lifecycle Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Scoping and Automating Threat-Informed Defense Inputs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Developing Core CI/CD Pipeline Functions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Leveraging AI for Use Case Development Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2: Automating Validations within CI/CD Pipelines Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Implementing Logical Unit Tests Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Creating Integration Tests Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: Leveraging AI for Testing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3: Monitoring Program Effectiveness Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: Monitoring Detection Health Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: Measuring Program Efficiency Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Operating Patterns by Maturity Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.6
(11 Ratings)
5 star 81.8%
4 star 9.1%
3 star 0%
2 star 9.1%
1 star 0%
Filter icon Filter
Top Reviews

Filter reviews by




Eduardo Aug 15, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
O livro abre a mente para projetos
Subscriber review Packt
Amazon Customer Jul 09, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Most books talk about the importance and skipping over how to actually automate security detection but Mr. Chow doesn’t skip any steps!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
LA-Listing Jul 31, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Automating Security Detection Engineering" by Dennis Chow is a comprehensive guide that delves into the automation of detection engineering processes, from lifecycle planning to practical implementation. The book systematically covers key areas such as threat-informed defense inputs, CI/CD pipeline functions, and the use of AI for use case development and testing. The hands-on labs offer readers practical experience in automating security workflows and conducting validation testing. The text also explores critical metrics for monitoring detection health and measuring program efficiency, providing actionable insights for both tactical and strategic improvements. Overall, it's a recommended read for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and application of automation in security detection engineering.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Duy Vo Oct 17, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Automating Security Detection Engineering" by Dennis Chow is an invaluable resource for cybersecurity professionals looking to advance their skills in detection engineering. Its focus on automation, practical labs, and expert insights make it a must-read for those aiming to implement and optimize a DAC program. While it may be challenging for beginners, those with a foundational understanding of cybersecurity will find this book immensely beneficial in enhancing their detection capabilities.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Sanjay Reddy Jul 04, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
As someone who started out as a technical business analyst and has since specialized in security operations, I have to say that this book written by Dennis is an absolutely wonderful guide for security automation detection.So much time is spent on repetitive tasks when security professionals really need time to investigate larger and more impactful issues.Automation is so crucial to ensuring a security operations center can maintain efficiency and effectively address issues.Dennis really knows what he’s talking about in this book. This guide is truly essential for any security professional.A big thanks to Dennis for sharing this knowledge with us!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is included in a Packt subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

A subscription provides you with full access to view all Packt and licnesed content online, this includes exclusive access to Early Access titles. Depending on the tier chosen you can also earn credits and discounts to use for owning content

How can I cancel my subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

To cancel your subscription with us simply go to the account page - found in the top right of the page or at https://subscription.packtpub.com/my-account/subscription - From here you will see the ‘cancel subscription’ button in the grey box with your subscription information in.

What are credits? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Credits can be earned from reading 40 section of any title within the payment cycle - a month starting from the day of subscription payment. You also earn a Credit every month if you subscribe to our annual or 18 month plans. Credits can be used to buy books DRM free, the same way that you would pay for a book. Your credits can be found in the subscription homepage - subscription.packtpub.com - clicking on ‘the my’ library dropdown and selecting ‘credits’.

What happens if an Early Access Course is cancelled? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Projects are rarely cancelled, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If an Early Access course is cancelled or excessively delayed, you can exchange your purchase for another course. For further details, please contact us here.

Where can I send feedback about an Early Access title? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you have any feedback about the product you're reading, or Early Access in general, then please fill out a contact form here and we'll make sure the feedback gets to the right team. 

Can I download the code files for Early Access titles? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We try to ensure that all books in Early Access have code available to use, download, and fork on GitHub. This helps us be more agile in the development of the book, and helps keep the often changing code base of new versions and new technologies as up to date as possible. Unfortunately, however, there will be rare cases when it is not possible for us to have downloadable code samples available until publication.

When we publish the book, the code files will also be available to download from the Packt website.

How accurate is the publication date? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The publication date is as accurate as we can be at any point in the project. Unfortunately, delays can happen. Often those delays are out of our control, such as changes to the technology code base or delays in the tech release. We do our best to give you an accurate estimate of the publication date at any given time, and as more chapters are delivered, the more accurate the delivery date will become.

How will I know when new chapters are ready? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We'll let you know every time there has been an update to a course that you've bought in Early Access. You'll get an email to let you know there has been a new chapter, or a change to a previous chapter. The new chapters are automatically added to your account, so you can also check back there any time you're ready and download or read them online.

I am a Packt subscriber, do I get Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Yes, all Early Access content is fully available through your subscription. You will need to have a paid for or active trial subscription in order to access all titles.

How is Early Access delivered? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is currently only available as a PDF or through our online reader. As we make changes or add new chapters, the files in your Packt account will be updated so you can download them again or view them online immediately.

How do I buy Early Access content? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is a way of us getting our content to you quicker, but the method of buying the Early Access course is still the same. Just find the course you want to buy, go through the check-out steps, and you’ll get a confirmation email from us with information and a link to the relevant Early Access courses.

What is Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Keeping up to date with the latest technology is difficult; new versions, new frameworks, new techniques. This feature gives you a head-start to our content, as it's being created. With Early Access you'll receive each chapter as it's written, and get regular updates throughout the product's development, as well as the final course as soon as it's ready.We created Early Access as a means of giving you the information you need, as soon as it's available. As we go through the process of developing a course, 99% of it can be ready but we can't publish until that last 1% falls in to place. Early Access helps to unlock the potential of our content early, to help you start your learning when you need it most. You not only get access to every chapter as it's delivered, edited, and updated, but you'll also get the finalized, DRM-free product to download in any format you want when it's published. As a member of Packt, you'll also be eligible for our exclusive offers, including a free course every day, and discounts on new and popular titles.