Towards a Critical Review of Cybersecurity Risks in Anti-Poaching Systems

Abstract

Anti-poaching operations increasingly make use of a wide variety of technology for intelligence and communications. These technologies introduce cybersecurity risk, and they need to be secured to provide greater protection to the information and people involved in anti-poaching operations, ultimately protecting vulnerable animals better. A hypothetical network of anti-poaching technologies was simulated in Graphical Network Simulator 3 (GNS3), consisting of various field devices identified in the literature, and a main control room with relevant hardware devices. A virtual Kali Linux machine was connected to the network and played the role of a digital attacker or intruder. Several cyber-attacks were carried out, to show the risks inherent to such an interoperable and socio-technical network. These attacks included Man in the Middle (MitM) and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. These attacks were then mitigated via system configurations. Further risks and threat considerations were identified in the literature. Using the STRIDE, DREAD and Attack Tree threat models, the risks to an anti-poaching network were classified and calculated. The most prevalent threats and the attacks performed in the simulation were all calculated to have a high risk level, posing a great threat to an unsecured network. The STRIDE classes of Denial of Service and Elevation of Privilege posed the most risk to the system, both having a calculated average risk score of 9 out of 10. Mitigations to general network threats and those identified in the simulation are mentioned. Additionally, authentication for such a system was investigated, as improper authentication practices were deemed a risk and provides a foothold for further risks in the network. Recommendations made, include the proper configuration of network devices, especially the router and switch, and the use of anti-virus, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, as well as having an external audit performed annually. Multi-factor authentication, with a password/fingerprint combination, is recommended.