Dissertation Title: Enhancing Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems with Customized Vulnerability Signatures

 

🧠 Dissertation Title: Enhancing Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems with Customized Vulnerability Signatures

📅 Completed: September 2021

📄 Click here to access my dissertation 

🔍 Abstract:
Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are essential tools in computer network defense, yet they often rely solely on manufacturer-provided data and lack customization for unique organizational threats. As cyberattacks continue to evolve in sophistication, there is a growing need for adaptable, targeted defense mechanisms—especially against internal threats like privilege escalation and ransomware.

This exploratory qualitative study examined the feasibility of developing a supplementary database capable of cross-tabulating various network vulnerabilities and attack patterns to enhance existing IDS/IPS signature-based models. By interviewing eleven cybersecurity professionals through purposive sampling and open-ended questioning, the study uncovered key themes supporting the need for customizable IDS/IPS configurations.

Findings revealed three core themes, emphasizing the practicality, interest, and potential impact of tailored IDS/IPS implementations. While participants acknowledged some data sanitization and integration challenges, the majority expressed strong support for incorporating customized vulnerability signatures to strengthen network defenses.

📌 Keywords: cybersecurity, network security, IDS, IPS, anomaly detection, signature-based detection, adaptive security, threat mitigation