How to Implement network Insider Threat in ns3

To implement the network insider threat in the ns3, first we have to create a situation in which the network’s internal node should behave spitefully like exfiltrating sensitive data, disrupting services, or bypassing security controls. Here, we provide the  detailed guide on how to implement a basic insider threat simulation in ns3.

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Step 1: Set Up ns-3 Environment

1. Install ns-3: Make certain to install ns3. Follow the installation guide suitable for your operating system.
2. Familiarize Yourself with ns-3: For the better understanding of ns3’ s basic concepts and simulation structure, we have to go through the tutorial.

Step 2: Define the Network Topology

1. Create a Simple Network: By using ns3, we can describe a basic network topology and it includes creating nodes, setting up channels, and configuring IP addresses.

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/point-to-point-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {

NodeContainer nodes;

nodes.Create(4); // Example: 4 nodes (1 server, 2 clients, 1 insider threat)

PointToPointHelper pointToPoint;

pointToPoint.SetDeviceAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“5Mbps”));

pointToPoint.SetChannelAttribute(“Delay”, StringValue(“2ms”));

NetDeviceContainer devices;

devices = pointToPoint.Install(nodes);

InternetStackHelper stack;

stack.Install(nodes);

Ipv4AddressHelper address;

address.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = address.Assign(devices);

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

Step 3: Implement Insider Threat Behavior

1. Create Insider Threat Application: We have to create an application or module that has the ability to simulate the insider threat or its behavior. This can include actions like data exfiltration, unauthorized access, or service disruption.

class InsiderThreatApp : public Application {

public:

InsiderThreatApp() {}

virtual ~InsiderThreatApp() {}

void SetInsiderBehavior(std::function<void(Ptr<Packet>)> behavior) {

m_behavior = behavior;

}

private:

virtual void StartApplication() {

// Schedule the first malicious action

Simulator::Schedule(Seconds(1.0), &InsiderThreatApp::ExecuteInsiderBehavior, this);

}

virtual void StopApplication() {

// Teardown code

}

void ExecuteInsiderBehavior() {

Ptr<Packet> packet = Create<Packet>(1024); // Example packet

m_behavior(packet);

// Reschedule the next malicious action

Simulator::Schedule(Seconds(1.0), &InsiderThreatApp::ExecuteInsiderBehavior, this);

}

std::function<void(Ptr<Packet>)> m_behavior;

};

Integrate Insider Threat Logic: For the insider threat behavior, we have to describe the logic such as exfiltrating data to an external server, disrupting network traffic, or bypassing security mechanisms.

Ptr<InsiderThreatApp> insiderApp = CreateObject<InsiderThreatApp>();

insiderApp->SetInsiderBehavior([](Ptr<Packet> packet) {

// Define insider threat behavior (e.g., exfiltrate data to an external server)

// For example, send sensitive data to an external IP address

Ipv4Address externalServer(“192.168.1.1”);

// Code to send the packet to the external server

});

Ptr<Node> insiderNode = nodes.Get(3); // Example: Insider threat node

insiderNode->AddApplication(insiderApp);

Step 4: Simulate Insider Threat Activities

1. Create Insider Threat Traffic Generator: First we have to create a traffic by developing an application, then we have to perform insider threat activities like data exfiltration or network disruption.

class InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp : public Application {

public:

InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp() {}

virtual ~InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp() {}

private:

virtual void StartApplication() {

// Schedule the first insider activity

Simulator::Schedule(Seconds(1.0), &InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp::GenerateInsiderTraffic, this);

}

virtual void StopApplication() {

// Teardown code

}

void GenerateInsiderTraffic() {

Ptr<Packet> packet = Create<Packet>(1024); // Example packet

// Perform insider activities (e.g., exfiltrate data)

// Reschedule insider activity

Simulator::Schedule(Seconds(1.0), &InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp::GenerateInsiderTraffic, this);

}

};

Ptr<InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp> insiderTrafficApp = CreateObject<InsiderTrafficGeneratorApp>();

Ptr<Node> insiderNode = nodes.Get(3); // Example: Insider node

insiderNode->AddApplication(insiderTrafficApp);

insiderTrafficApp->SetStartTime(Seconds(2.0));

insiderTrafficApp->SetStopTime(Seconds(10.0));

Step 5: Run the Simulation and Analyze Results

1. Run the Simulation: Next, we can run the simulation to witness the behavior of the insider threat and its impact on the network.

insiderApp->SetStartTime(Seconds(2.0));

insiderApp->SetStopTime(Seconds(10.0));

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

  Collect Metrics: To examine the efficiency of insider threat like its data exfiltration rates, network performance degradation, and detection accuracy by aggregating related  metrics.

  Visualize Results: Use Gnuplot or Python’s Matplotlib to visualize the simulation results and analyze the efficiency of the insider threat activities and any implemented detection mechanisms.

In this script, we completely learned how to implement the network insider threat in the ns3 tool. We can offer further information about the insider threat or the ns3 tool as per your requirement.

We ensure a successful implementation of network Insider Threat in the ns3 tool, we encourage you to connect with the team at ns3simulation.com. We also provide complete guidance and valuable project ideas to support your research work