Method and apparatus for predicting and preventing attacks in communications networks

Abstract

In one embodiment of a method and apparatus for predicting and preventing network attacks, data is collected from network devices during an attack. The collected data is analyzed to identify specific temporal precursors of the attack. The future network activity is then monitored for the presence of the identified temporal attack precursors. When the presence of a precursor is detected, appropriate protective action is taken. Preferably, all steps in this process occur automatically. In the preferred embodiment, the process is performed under the control of one or more network or element management systems. The possible network domain includes data, voice, and video networks and multiple, interconnected network technologies. In one embodiment, triggers responsive to the presence of the identified precursors are placed into a network or element management system. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes machine-learning algorithms for discovering precursors of attacks, but any suitable algorithm may be used. The invention may be used in 'attack autopsy' mode only, monitoring mode only, or both. Among other uses, the invention allows integration of Intrusion Detection Systems with Network Management Systems.