Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Intrusion Prevention System is also known as Intrusion Detection and Prevention System. It is a network security application that monitors network or system activities for malicious activity. Major functions of intrusion prevention systems are to identify malicious activity, collect information about this activity, report it and attempt to block or stop it.
Intrusion prevention systems are contemplated as augmentation of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) because both IPS and IDS operate network traffic and system activities for malicious activity.
IPS typically record information related to observed events, notify security administrators of important observed events and produce reports. Many IPS can also respond to a detected threat by attempting to prevent it from succeeding. They use various response techniques, which involve the IPS stopping the attack itself, changing the security environment or changing the attack’s content.
How Does an IPS Work?
An IPS works by analyzing network traffic in real-time and comparing it against known attack patterns and signatures. When the system detects suspicious traffic, it blocks it from entering the network.
Types of IPS
There are two main types of IPS:
1) Network-Based IPS: A Network-Based IPS is installed at the network perimeter and monitors all traffic that enters and exits the network.
2) Host-Based IPS: A Host-Based IPS is installed on individual hosts and monitors the traffic that goes in and out of that host.
Why Do You Need an IPS?
An IPS is an essential tool for network security.
Here are some reasons why:
- Protection Against Known and Unknown Threats: An IPS can block known threats and also detect and block unknown threats that haven’t been seen before.
- Real-Time Protection: An IPS can detect and block malicious traffic in real-time, preventing attacks from doing any damage.
- Compliance Requirements: Many industries have regulations that require the use of an IPS to protect sensitive information and prevent data breaches.
- Cost-Effective: An IPS is a cost-effective way to protect your network compared to the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a security breach.
- Increased Network Visibility: An IPS provides increased network visibility, allowing you to see what’s happening on your network and identify potential security risks.
