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Securing Network Communication: Mitigating Cyber Threats Across OSI Layers

 The Open System Interconnection Model, popularly known as the OSI Model, is a conceptual architecture that depicts the flow of data in a communication system. This model was developed by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) and provides the basis for the development of standards for system interconnection.


This model divides the flow of a communication system into seven layers. The layers are as follows:

✅ Layer 7: Application Layer: Information in a human-readable format

✅ Layer 6: Presentation Layer: Data formatting, encryption, Decryption

✅ Layer 5: Session Layer: Manages sessions for inter-host communication

✅ Layer 4: Transport Layer: Transfer Error-checked data between two devices

✅ Layer 3: Network Layer: Routes data packets using logical addressing

✅ Layer 2: Data Link Layer: Transmits data frames using physical addressing

✅ Layer 1: Physical Layer: Transmits binary signals (0, 1) over physical media

The below diagram provides a detailed overview of possible cyber attacks across different layers of OSI and how these can be mitigated with the help of different security controls in the organization's network.

Photo Source: Cyber Writes

Understanding the OSI layers helps us place appropriate controls to mitigate possible cyber security threats in each layer.

Here's a brief overview of potential cyberattacks and mitigation strategies for each OSI layer:

1. Physical Layer:

  • Attack: Eavesdropping, Wiretapping.
  • Mitigation: Use of physical security measures, encryption of transmitted data, and regular cable integrity checks.

2. Data Link Layer:

  • Attack: MAC address spoofing, ARP spoofing.
  • Mitigation: Implementing MAC address filtering, enabling port security, and using dynamic ARP inspection.

3. Network Layer:

  • Attack: IP spoofing, DoS/DDoS attacks.
  • Mitigation: Implementing IP filtering, ingress/egress filtering, enabling IPsec for secure communication, deploying firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.

4. Transport Layer:

  • Attack: TCP SYN flooding, connection hijacking.
  • Mitigation: Implementing TCP/IP stack hardening, rate limiting, using TCP sequence number randomization, and using encryption (TLS/SSL) for data in transit.

5. Session Layer:

  • Attack: Session hijacking, man-in-the-middle attacks.
  • Mitigation: Implementing strong session management, using SSL/TLS for secure sessions, and implementing mutual authentication.

6. Presentation Layer:

  • Attack: Data injection, format string attacks.
  • Mitigation: Input validation, data encoding/decoding, implementing secure coding practices.

7. Application Layer:

  • Attack: SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), malware.
  • Mitigation: Input validation and parameterized queries, using web application firewalls, implementing security patches, regular code audits, and secure software development practices.

It's important to note that cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and attackers are constantly developing new techniques. Therefore, a layered approach combining prevention, detection, and response strategies is crucial. Organizations should also stay informed about the latest threats and adopt a proactive stance toward security by continuously updating their mitigation strategies.

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