Cisco Technology, Inc.

Ravishankar Ganesh Ithal

James Anthony Aviani, Jr

Jean-Philippe Champagne

Michael Todd Hall

Ravi Kumar Gadde

Matthew Richard Gnagy

Systems and methods for virtualizing network intrusion detection system (IDS) functions based on each packet's source and/or destination host computer operating system (OS) type and characteristics are described. Virtualization is accomplished by fingerprinting each packet to determine the packet's target OS and then vetting each packet in a virtual IDS against a reduced set of threat signatures specific to the target OS. Each virtual IDS, whether operating on a separate computer or operating as a logically distinct process or separate thread running on a single computer processor, may also operate in parallel with other virtual IDS processes. IDS processing efficiency and speed are greatly increased by the fact that a much smaller subset of threat signature universe is used for each OS-specific packet threat vetting operation.

Source/destination operating system type-based IDS virtualization

A process for managing encrypted group communication according to a single security association (SA) for network traffic from a sender includes receiving a request for an encrypted communication among a plurality of network devices. A common decryption key and a common security parameters index (SPI) are provided to each of the network devices participating in the communication. The common security parameters index facilitates locating, in respective databases associated with each of the network devices, security association information that is associated with the common security association. Information is encrypted based on the common security association, and unicasted to each of the network devices. In an embodiment, the common security parameters index provided to each network device is established by the sender. For example, the SPI is established by a conference server and sent to each device participating in a voice conference.

Method and apparatus for encrypted unicast group communication

A method and system for preventing the detection of an operating system by an intruder, the operating system installed on a host in a network, is provided. The intruder transmits a network probe for operating system detection. The network probe is identified and a response is generated to the network probe, generated by the operating system, is modified. The modified response provides the intruder with false information related to the operating system, thereby misleading the intruder about the type of operating system.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Ravishankar Ganesh Ithal