Network Flow

Network Flow: Summary of a communication relationship between endpointsEndpointA user or server device that communicates with a network and runs workloads or applications. over a specific period. ImplementationImplementationThe practical realization of a security design, requirement, or control in a system or process. should consider architecture, permissions, hardening, monitoringMonitoringThe continuous observation of systems, identities, networks, and controls for relevant changes., dependencies, and operational recoveryRecoveryThe controlled restoration of systems, data, and business services after a disruption. in an integrated manner.

How it works and where it fits

Network Flow concerns communication between systems and therefore addressing, protocol state, trust boundaries, and reachable services. Security analysis must look beyond individual packets to direction, session, identity, encryption, and intended purpose. Different network layers introduce their own controls, assumptions, and failure modes.

Practical security relevance

Communication paths should be documented, unnecessary connections prevented, and permitted flows defined as narrowly as practical. Segmentation, secure protocols, authentication, and logging reinforce one another. Monitoring should cover known signatures as well as unusual destinations, volumes, and timing; rule and topology changes belong in a controlled process.

Related concepts

• Network Detection and ResponseNetwork Detection and ResponseAnalyzes network traffic to detect and investigate suspicious activity.: Analyzes network traffic to detect and investigate suspicious activity.
• Network ForensicsNetwork ForensicsReconstruction and analysis of security-relevant events based on network data.: Reconstruction and analysis of security-relevant events based on network data.
• Network Behavior AnalysisNetwork Behavior AnalysisDetection of anomalous communication patterns based on network metadata and behavior.: Detection of anomalous communication patterns based on network metadata and behavior.
• Security Information and Event ManagementSecurity Information and Event ManagementCollects and correlates security events for monitoring, alerting, and evidence gathering.: Collects and correlates security events for monitoring, alerting, and evidence gathering.