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Testing Methodology

Testing your Tripwires deployment is essential to ensure that the system is correctly configured and will detect real attacks when they occur. This section covers how to safely test your Tripwires without causing false alarms or disrupting your production environment.

Overview

Tripwires testing helps you:

  • Verify Detection: Confirm that tripwires are correctly detecting simulated attack activities
  • Validate Alerting: Ensure alerts are properly configured and delivered to the right recipients
  • Check Integration: Test webhook integrations with SIEM systems and other monitoring tools
  • Assess Response: Validate that your incident response procedures work with Tripwire alerts

Testing Types

General Tripwires Testing

Test standard tripwires including AWS credentials, MySQL dumps, and Windows process monitors. General tripwire testing only validates Horizon3 infrastructure and does not impact your customer environment.

Learn more about General Tripwires Testing →

AD Tripwires Testing

Test Active Directory-specific tripwires including domain user scraping detection, Kerberoasting, and AS-REP roasting. AD tripwire testing generates real events in your customer environment and requires careful coordination.

Learn more about AD Tripwires Testing →

Testing Methodology

Safe Testing Practices

When testing Tripwires, follow these guidelines to avoid disrupting production systems:

  1. Use Test Credentials: Only use designated test accounts and credentials
  2. Coordinate with Security Team: Inform your security team before conducting tests
  3. Test During Maintenance Windows: Schedule tests during off-peak hours when possible
  4. Document Test Activities: Keep detailed logs of all testing activities
  5. Clean Up After Testing: Remove test artifacts and reset systems as needed

Test Types

Functionality Testing

Verify that tripwires are correctly placed and functional:

  • Check that tripwire files are present on target systems
  • Confirm tripwire services are running where applicable
  • Validate network connectivity to Horizon3.ai monitoring systems

Detection Testing

Test the actual detection capabilities:

  • Simulate attacks against deployed tripwires
  • Verify that alerts are generated within expected timeframes
  • Check that alert details contain accurate information

Integration Testing

Validate external system integrations:

  • Test webhook delivery to SIEM systems
  • Verify email alert delivery
  • Check portal notification functionality

Testing Best Practices

Pre-Test Preparation

Before conducting any tripwire testing:

  • Notify security and operations teams
  • Verify backup alert recipients are configured
  • Document baseline system state
  • Prepare rollback procedures if needed
  • Set up monitoring for test results

During Testing

While conducting tests:

  • Follow documented test procedures
  • Monitor for unexpected system behavior
  • Record detailed test logs
  • Track alert generation timing
  • Note any integration failures

Post-Test Validation

After completing tests:

  • Verify all expected alerts were generated
  • Check alert delivery to all configured endpoints
  • Review test logs for anomalies
  • Clean up test artifacts
  • Document test results and recommendations

Troubleshooting Test Issues

Common Testing Problems

Alerts Not Generated

  • Check network connectivity from target systems
  • Verify tripwires are properly deployed
  • Confirm monitoring services are operational

Delayed Alerts

  • Network latency may cause delays
  • Check for DNS resolution issues
  • Verify webhook endpoint availability

Missing Integration Alerts

  • Test webhook endpoints independently
  • Check SIEM system connectivity
  • Verify authentication credentials

Getting Help

If you encounter issues during testing:

  1. Check the specific testing guides for detailed troubleshooting steps
  2. Review system logs for error messages
  3. Contact Horizon3.ai support with detailed test logs
  4. Provide specific error messages and timestamps

Testing Considerations

When to Use UI Testing vs Manual Testing

Use UI Testing When:

  • You want to validate alert delivery and integration functionality
  • Testing in production environments where you want to avoid impact
  • Performing regular testing schedules
  • Verifying webhook and email configurations

Use Manual Testing When:

  • You need to validate end-to-end tripwire functionality
  • Testing in development or lab environments
  • Troubleshooting specific detection issues
  • Performing comprehensive security validation

Testing Frequency

  • Weekly: UI testing of critical alert delivery mechanisms
  • Monthly: Mixed UI and manual testing of different tripwire types
  • Quarterly: Comprehensive manual testing in lab environments
  • Annually: Full-scale testing as part of security assessments

Continuous Testing

Regular testing ensures ongoing tripwire effectiveness:

Monthly Testing Schedule

  • Test a subset of deployed tripwires
  • Rotate testing across different tripwire types
  • Validate alert delivery mechanisms

Quarterly Reviews

  • Comprehensive testing of all tripwire types
  • Review and update testing procedures
  • Assess integration health and performance

Annual Assessments

  • Full-scale testing exercise
  • Review tripwire placement strategy
  • Update testing documentation and procedures

Regular testing of your Tripwires deployment ensures that your deception technology remains effective and your security team is prepared to respond to real threats when they occur.