As cybersecurity concerns continue to rise, businesses of all sizes need to be proactive in protecting their assets from unauthorized access and malicious activities. One way to accomplish this is through the use of intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and intrusion detection systems (IDS), two commonly employed tools in the cybersecurity industry.
Network administrators rely on these tools to protect their networks and prevent malicious actors from gaining access. Understanding the differences between these two categories of tools, which are best suited for certain types of organizations, and how to maximize their effectiveness is crucial for any business seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
What is Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a tool that helps identify possible cyber-attacks on a computer or application. It keeps a watch on the data flow within a network and sends a report to the administrator if it finds any suspicious activity.
However, an IDS is a listen-only device. It cannot automatically stop or prevent an attack. It only alerts the administrator so they can take action.
Five Types of IDS and their functions:
- Network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS): Monitors an entire network infrastructure by analyzing traffic flowing to and from devices. NIDS is deployed at strategic points, such as vulnerable subnets, to determine packet contents and metadata.
- Host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS): Monitors a specific endpoint, such as a computer, by analyzing traffic, logging malicious activity, and notifying designated authorities. HIDS is used to protect against both internal and external threats.
- Protocol-based intrusion detection system (PIDS): Monitors the protocol between a user/device and a server, often installed on a web server. PIDS sits at the front end of a server and monitors the behavior and state of the protocol.
- Application protocol-based intrusion detection system (APIDS): Tracks and interprets correspondence on application-specific protocols. APIDS usually sits inside the server party and monitors the SQL protocol to the middleware while transacting with the web server.
- Hybrid intrusion detection system: Combines two or more intrusion detection approaches, such as system or host agent data with network information, to provide a comprehensive view of the system. Hybrid IDS, like Prelude, is more powerful compared to other systems.
What is Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?
IPS solutions can help stop the harmful activity before it even gets to other security systems. This means security teams don’t need to spend as much time checking for threats, and other security systems can work more efficiently. IPS solutions are also great at discovering and preventing vulnerability exploits. Often, there is a period of time after a vulnerability is discovered when hackers can attack before a security patch can be put in place. That’s where intrusion prevention systems come in, blocking these attacks quickly. IPS appliances were originally released as stand-alone devices in the mid-2000s, but now they are integrated into unified threat management (UTM) solutions and Next-Generation Firewalls. Today’s IPS solutions are also connected to cloud-based computing and network services.
4 Commonly Used Types of IPS
IPS solutions come in different types, each with its own unique purpose. Below are some of the commonly used types:
- Network-based intrusion prevention system (NIPS): This type of IPS is strategically deployed at various points in the network to scan all traffic and detect threats.
- Host intrusion prevention system (HIPS): Installed on a specific endpoint, HIPS monitors inbound and outbound traffic to and from that device. Often combined with NIPS, it provides a last line of defense against threats.
- Network behavior analysis (NBA): NBA examines network traffic patterns to detect abnormal traffic flow and identify new malware or zero-day vulnerabilities.
- Wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS): WIPS scans a Wi-Fi network for unauthorized access and removes any unauthorized devices.
What’s the key difference between IPS and IDS?
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) are two network security tools that are essential in protecting against cyber-attacks. Here are their key differences:
- IDS is a listen-only device, while IPS can take action to prevent malicious activity.
- IDS alerts the administrator of a possible attack, while IPS can actively block the attack before it reaches other security systems.
- IDS is best used for detecting and reporting suspicious activity, while IPS is best used for actively preventing cyber-attacks.
- IDS requires manual intervention by the security team, while IPS reduces the manual effort of security teams and allows other security products to perform more efficiently.
Do you need both IPS and IDS?
Yes, it is recommended to have both an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and an Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
Imagine that your business is like a house that you want to protect. An IDS is like a security camera that helps you see if anyone is trying to break in. An IPS is like a security guard who can actually stop someone from breaking in if they see them trying. Both tools are important because the security camera can help you see if there is a problem, but it can’t actually stop the problem. The security guard can stop the problem, but they need to know there is a problem first. In the same way, an IDS can help you see if there is suspicious activity happening in your network, but it can’t stop the activity. An IPS can actually stop the activity, but it needs to know that there is suspicious activity happening first.
