Which tool can you use to detect and block malicious beaconing between a compromised host and a C2 server?

To detect and block malicious beaconing between a compromised host and a Command-and-Control (C2) server, a “Cisco Secure Firewall” would be an effective tool.

Cisco Secure Firewall (formerly known as Cisco ASA with FirePOWER Services) offers advanced threat protection capabilities, including the ability to detect and block malicious traffic. It can identify unusual patterns of communication, such as the regular, periodic traffic characteristic of beaconing to a C2 server. The firewall can be configured with security rules and threat intelligence to effectively block this type of malicious activity.

The other tools mentioned also have relevant capabilities, but with different primary focuses:

• Cisco border router equipped with anomaly detection: While this can detect unusual traffic patterns, it may not have the same level of detailed inspection and threat intelligence integration as a dedicated firewall for blocking C2 communication.
• Splunk SIEM: While a SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) system like Splunk is excellent for monitoring, detecting, and analyzing security events (including potentially beaconing traffic), it doesn’t directly block traffic but rather alerts administrators to suspicious activities.
• Cisco SASE appliance: SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines network and security functions with WAN capabilities to support the dynamic, secure access needs of organizations. While it can contribute to a broader security posture, for the specific task of detecting and blocking C2 communication, a dedicated firewall might be more directly applicable.