Common Use Cases

This section covers fundamental use cases that help users leverage Ridgeback effectively. Each of these use cases not only optimizes network reliability but also bolsters security, forming a comprehensive approach to network health and integrity.

Each of these use cases supports both the reliability and security of a network by addressing potential risks, improving visibility, and reinforcing policy compliance. By implementing Ridgeback in these scenarios, organizations can enhance their ability to detect and mitigate threats while maintaining an efficient, well-regulated network environment.

Ridgeback is a versatile tool with numerous applications tailored to fit the unique needs of any network setup. While the following common use cases provide an excellent starting point, Ridgeback’s adaptability allows it to address a virtually limitless range of scenarios based on your network’s architecture and specific requirements.

Reconcile or Audit DNS Entries

Why it matters: Regularly reconciling and auditing DNS entries is crucial for identifying discrepancies between expected and actual DNS configurations. Misconfigured or outdated DNS entries can lead to traffic misdirection, system failures, or potential exposure to attackers exploiting subdomain takeovers. Ridgeback's metadata analysis helps verify that DNS activity aligns with approved entries, ensuring that network resources are correctly routed and protected from exploitation.

Eliminate Insecure Hostname Queries (e.g., LLMNR or mDNS Requests)

Why it matters: Hostname resolution protocols like Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR) and multicast DNS (mDNS) can be leveraged by attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks or gather network intelligence. These insecure queries often occur unintentionally and can lead to potential vulnerabilities. By detecting and eliminating such queries, Ridgeback reduces attack vectors, ensuring a more secure and streamlined network resolution process.

Eliminate Reconnaissance Threats (Basic Endpoint Enumeration)

Why it matters: Network reconnaissance is a common initial phase in cyber-attacks, where attackers map out endpoints and network architecture to identify targets. By analyzing network traffic for signs of unauthorized enumeration activities, Ridgeback can help prevent attackers from gaining critical insight into the network's structure. This enhances security by disrupting the early stages of an attack, making it significantly harder for potential intruders to plan their strategies.

Eliminate Active Threats (Attempts to Exchange Data with Unused Endpoints)

Why it matters: Detecting communication attempts directed at unused or unallocated IP addresses can indicate the presence of active probing or unauthorized data exchange attempts. Such attempts can be exploited by attackers to uncover vulnerabilities within the network. These endpoints, if improperly configured or overlooked, may serve as footholds for exploitation, allowing attackers to initiate malicious activity or breach network defenses. Ridgeback helps identify and block these activities, ensuring that suspicious traffic is flagged and mitigated promptly. This not only protects against potential data exfiltration but also highlights areas where network policy enforcement may need to be strengthened. By addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can reinforce their security posture and reduce the risk of exploitation through unused network assets.

Eliminate Unused or Unapproved Services

Why it matters: Running unused or unapproved services on the network can expose vulnerabilities and provide attackers with entry points. Such services often go unnoticed and can be exploited if not properly managed. Ridgeback helps detect unexpected or unauthorized services, enabling network administrators to decommission them and maintain a streamlined, secure network environment. This also aids in reducing the attack surface and optimizing resource allocation.

Detect Data Leakage Between Network Segments

Why it matters: Data leakage between segmented network areas can undermine security strategies designed to compartmentalize and protect sensitive data. Ridgeback's ability to monitor network metadata helps identify unintentional or unauthorized data transfers between these segments, allowing for quick response to prevent potential breaches. Maintaining proper data flow segmentation ensures compliance with security policies and reduces the risk of sensitive data exposure.

Identify and Remove Unauthorized Devices

Why it matters: Unauthorized devices on a network can act as entry points for attackers or introduce vulnerabilities. Such devices can bypass traditional security measures and pose significant risks if they are compromised. Ridgeback aids in identifying these devices by analyzing network activity for unknown or rogue devices attempting to communicate within the network. Removing or quarantining these unauthorized devices strengthens the overall security posture and ensures only approved devices have access.