Intrusion Detection Techniques

using Machine Learning

 What is an IDS?
An Intrusion Detection System is a wall of
defense to confront the attacks of computer
systems on the internet.
The main assumption of the IDS is that the
behavior of intruders is different from legal
users.
 Types of IDS
• Anomaly approaches: Determine whether
deviations from normal usage patterns can be
flagged as intrusions
• Misuse or Signature detection approaches:
This kind of approach uses patterns of well-
known attacks to identify intrusions.
Clearly Machine Learning is well suited for the
first kind of approach.
 The 1998/1999 DARPA Intrusion set
Variable No Variable Name Variable type Variable No Variable Name Variable type
x1
x2
x3
duration
protocol_type
service
continuous
discrete
discrete
x22
x23
x24
is_guest_login
count
srv_count
discrete
continuous
continuous
• The data set contains 24 attack
x4
x5
x6
flag
src_bytes
dst_bytes
discrete
continuous
continuous
x25
x26
x27
serror_rate
srv_serror_rate
rerror_rate
continuous
continuous
continuous
types that could be classified
x7
x8
x9
land
wrong_fragment
urgent
discrete
continuous
continuous
x28
x29
x30
srv_rerror_rate
same_srv_rate
diff_srv_rate
continuous
continuous
continuous
into four main categories:
– Denial of Service(DOS),
x10 hot continuous x31 srv_diff_host_rate continuous
x11 num_failed_logins continuous x32 dst_host_count continuous
x12 logged_in discrete x33 dst_host_srv_count continuous

–
x13 num_compromised continuous x34 dst_host_same_srv_rate continuous
x14
x15
root_shell
su_attempted
continuous
continuous
x35
x36
dst_host_diff_srv_rate
dst_host_same_src_port_rate
continuous
continuous
Remote to User (R2L),
x16 num_root continuous x37 dst_host_srv_diff_host_rate continuous
x17
x18
num_file_creations
num_shells
continuous
continuous
x38
x39
dst_host_serror_rate
dst_host_srv_serror_rate
continuous
continuous
– User to Root (U2R), and
x19 num_access_files continuous x40 dst_host_rerror_rate continuous
x20
x21
num_outbound_cmds
is_host_login
continuous
discrete
x41 dst_host_srv_rerror_rate continuous – Probing
• The original data contain 744
MB data with 4,940,000
records.
• The data set has 41 attributes
for each connection record
plus one class label.
 Anomaly Detection Systems
Three main parts in anomaly detection system
are:
1. Feature selection
2. Model of normal behavior
3. Comparison
 Machine Learning Techniques:
1. Single Classifiers
2. Hybrid Classifiers
3. Ensemble Classifiers
 Single Classifiers
K-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN)
Computes the approximate distance between
different points on the input vectors and assigns
the unlabeled point to the class of its K-nearest
neighbors. The k parameter affects performance
and accuracy.
k-NN is instance based learning. It contains no
model training stage; only searches for examples
of input vectors and classifies new distances.
• Liao, Y., & Vemuri, V. R. (2002). Use of K-
nearest neighbor classifier for intrusion
detection. Computer and Security, 21(5), 439–
448.
• Li, Y., & Guo, L. (2007). An active learning
based TCM-KNN algorithm for supervised
network intrusion detection. Computer and
Security, 26, 459–467.
 Single Classifiers
Support Vector Machines (SVM)
SVM maps the input vector into a higher
dimensional feature space and obtains an
optimal separating hyper-plane in the higher
dimensional hyper plane. The decision boundary
is determined by support vectors and extremely
robust to outliers.
• Chen, W.-H., Hsu, S.-H., & Shen, H.-P. (2005). Application of SVM and ANN
for intrusion detection. Computer and Operations Research, 32, 2617–
2634.
• Heller, K. A., Svore, K. M., Keromytis, A. D., & Stolfo, S. J. (2003). One class
support vector machines for detecting anomalous window registry
accesses. In Paper presented at the 3rd IEEE conference data mining
workshop on data mining for computer security. Florida.
• Khan, L., Awad, M., & Thuraisingham, B. (2007). A new intrusion detection
system using support vector machines and hierarchical clustering. The
VLDB Journal, 16, 507–521.
• Tian, M., Chen, S. -C., Zhuang, Y., & Liu, J. (2004). Using statistical analysis
and support vector machine classification to detect complicated attacks. In
Paper presented at the proceedings of the third international conference
on machine learning and cybernetics. Shanghai.
 Single Classifiers
Artificial Neural Networks
Information is processed in units that mimic
neurons. Multi-Layer Perceptron: Consists of an
input layer including a set of sensory nodes as
input nodes, one or more hidden layers of
computation nodes and an output layer. Each
interconnection has a scalar weight associated
with it that is calculated during the training
phase.
 Artificial Neural Networks

Chen, Y., Abraham, A., & Yang, B. (2007). Hybrid flexible neural-tree-based intrusion
detection systems. International Journal of Intelligent Systems, 22, 337–352.
• Chen, Y., Abraham, A., & Yang, B. (2007). Hybrid flexible neural-tree-based
intrusion detection systems. International Journal of Intelligent Systems,
22, 337–352.
• Joo, D., Hong, T., & Han, I. (2003). The neural network models for IDS based
on the asymmetric costs of false negative errors and false positive errors.
Expert System with Applications, 25, 69–75.
• Liu, G., Yi, Z., & Yang, S. (2007). A hierarchical intrusion detection model
based on the PCA neural networks. Neurocomputing, 70, 1561–1568.
• Moradi, M., & Zulkernine, M. (2004). A neural network based system for
intrusion detection and classification of attacks. In Paper presented at the
proceeding of the 2004 IEEE international conference on advances in
intelligent systems – Theory and applications. Luxembourg.
• Zhang, C., Jiang, J., & Kamel, M. (2005). Intrusion detection using
hierarchical neural network. Pattern Recognition Letters, 26, 779–791.
 Single Classifiers
Self-Organizing Maps (SOM)
Used to reduce the dimension of data for visualization.
SOM projects and clusters high dimensional input vectors
into a low dimensional (usually 2) visualization map.
Consists of an Input layer and a Kohonen layer.
The Kohonen layer is a two dimensional arrangement of
neurons that maps the n-dimensional input to two
dimensions. SOM maps similar input vectors onto the
same or similar output units on the two dimensional map.
Outputs self-organize to an ordered map and output units
with similar weights are placed nearby after training.
Hierarchical SOM architecture (a) Architecture (b) Data partitioning

Kayacik, H. G., Nur, Z.-H., & Heywood, M. I. (2007). A

hierarchical SOM-based intrusion detection system.
Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 20,
439–451.
 Single Classifiers
Decision Trees
A sample is classified through a sequence of
decisions, in which the current decision helps to
make the subsequent decision. Tree structure
where each node is a decision and each leaf a
classification category.
 Final
Randomly Decision Decision
Feature Fitness Decision
Generated Tree Tree Computation
Selection Tree
Population Constructor Evaluator
Classifier

Training Validation Testing

Data Data Data

Generate Next
Generation

GA/Decision Tree Hybrid

Stein, G., Chen, B., Wu, A. S., & Hua, K. A. (2005). Decision
tree classifier for network intrusion detection with GA-based
feature selection. In Paper presented at the proceedings of
the 43rd annual Southeast regional conference. Kennesaw,
Georgia.
 Single Classifiers
Naïve Bayes Networks (NBN)
Provides an answer to questions like “What is
the probability that it is a certain type of attack,
given some observed system events”, by using a
conditional probability formula. Usually
represented by a directed acyclic graph (DAG),
where each node represents one of the system
variables and each link encodes the influence of
one node upon another.

Scott, S. L. (2004). A Bayesian paradigm for designing

intrusion detection systems. Computational Statistics and
Data Analysis, 45, 69–83.
 Single Classifiers
Genetic Algorithms (GA)
Uses the computer to implement the natural
selection and evolution. GA usually starts by
randomly generating a large population of candidate
programs. Some type of fitness measure is used to
evaluate the performance of each individual in a
population. A large number of iterations is then
performed where low performing programs are
replaced by genetic recombinations of high-
performing programs.
Abadeh, M. S., Habibi, J., Barzegar, Z., & Sergi, M. (2007). A parallel genetic local search
algorithm for intrusion detection in computer networks. Engineering Applications of Artificial
Intelligence, 20, 1058–1069.
Liu, Y., Chen, K., Liao, X., & Zhang, W. (2004). A genetic clustering method for intrusion
detection. Pattern Recognition, 37, 927–942.
 Single Classifiers
Fuzzy Logic
Fuzzy set theory the degree of truth of a
statement is not 0 or 1 but it can range between
the two truth values (true/false).

Chavan, S., Shah, K. D. N., & Mukherjee, S. (2004). Adaptive neuro-fuzzy intrusion
detection systems. In Paper presented at the in proceedings of the international
conference on information technology: Coding and computing (ITCC’04).
Florez, G., Bridges, S. M., & Vaughn, R. B. (2002). An improved algorithm for fuzzy data
mining for intrusion detection. In Paper presented at the proceedings of the North
American fuzzy information processing society conference (NAFIPS 2002). New Orleans,
LA.
 Correct Incorrect
Teacher (Training Needed)
(No Training)

Winner
(Decision)

Y(1) Y(2) Y(3) Y(n)

Φ1 Φ2 Φ3 Φn

w1 w2 w3 wn

X(1) X(2) X(3) X(4)

Chavan, Sampada, et al. "Adaptive neuro-fuzzy intrusion detection

systems. "Information Technology: Coding and Computing, 2004.
Proceedings. ITCC 2004. International Conference on. Vol. 1. IEEE,
2004.
 Hybrid Classifiers
Typically consists of two functional components.
• The first one takes raw data a input and
generates intermediate results.
• The second one takes the intermediate
result as an input and produces the final result.
 Examples of Hybrid Classifiers
a. Cascading classifiers: For example neuro-
fuzzy techniques
b. Clustering based approach to process the
input and eliminate outliers, then results are
used as training examples for a classifier.
c. Integrating techniques where the first aims to
optimize the learning performance
(parameter tuning) of the second model for
prediction
• Peddabachigari, S., Abraham, A., Grosan, C., &
Thomas, J. (2007). Modeling intrusion
detection system using hybrid intelligent
systems. Journal of Network and Computer
Applications, 30, 114–132.
• Shon, T., & Moon, J. (2007). A hybrid machine
learning approach to network anomaly
detection. Information Sciences, 177, 3799–
3821.
Hybrid Decision Tree SVM Approach
Support Vector Machine

Intrusion
Detection
Data

Decision Trees

Peddabachigari, Sandhya, et al. "Modeling intrusion detection system

using hybrid intelligent systems." Journal of network and computer
applications 30.1 (2007): 114-132.
Shon, T., & Moon, J. (2007). A hybrid machine learning approach to
network anomaly detection. Information Sciences, 177, 3799–3821.
 Ensemble Classifiers
Combination of multiple weak learners. The
learners are trained on different samples to
improve the overall performance. To combine
the outputs of the weak learners the most
common techniques are:
a. Majority Rule
b. Boosting
c. Bagging
Intrusion Detection as a Pattern Recognition Problem

Multiple Classifier System for Intrusion Detection

Giacinto, Giorgio, Fabio Roli, and Luca Didaci. "Fusion of multiple classifiers
for intrusion detection in computer networks." Pattern recognition letters
24.12 (2003): 1795-1803.
 Neural Networks
(Backpropagation)

Neural Networks (Scale

Conjugate Gradient)

Data Neural Network (One

preprocessor Step Secant)
Ensemble

Support Vector Machine

Multivariate Regression
Splines

Mukkamala, Srinivas, Andrew H. Sung, and Ajith Abraham. "Intrusion

detection using an ensemble of intelligent paradigms." Journal of
network and computer applications 28.2 (2005): 167-182.
 Classification Problems
Inputs are divided into two or more classes, and
the learner must produce a model that assigns
unseen inputs to one or more of these classes.
This is typically tackled in a supervised way.
Anomaly detection can be described as a
classification problem: Activities are divided into
“normal” and “not normal”.
Outlier detection:
Closed world assumption

The idea that specifying only positive examples and

adopting the standing assumption that the rest are
negative… is not of much practical use in real-life
problems because they rarely involve “closed” worlds in
which you can be certain that all cases have been
covered.
High cost of errors
►A very small rate of false positives can render a NIDS
unusable: operators wasting too much time looking at
incident reports of benign activity.
►Even one false negative might compromise the entire
IT infrastructure.
Diversity of network traffic
Network characteristics
► Bandwidth
► Duration of connections
► Application mix
Can vary a lot, rendering them unpredictable over
short intervals of time
Semantic gap
It is very challenging to translate the
results from a classifier into a report that
can be read by a human.
Systems are not designed to identify
malicious behavior, but rather, behavior
that has not been seen before.
 Only two publicly available
datasets:
►DARPA Network traces
dataset
►KDD Cup dataset.
Best way to train is real
KDD network data, but it is
difficult to anonymize.
Lack of training Data
 Recommendations for using machine
learning
• Understand what the system is doing
• Understand the “Threat Model”
– Target environment
– Attack cost
– Who are the attackers
– Robustness requirements
• Keep the scope narrow
• Reduce the costs