Intrusion Prevention System

What is an intrusion prevention system?

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a cybersecurity technology that identifies and intercepts malicious activities within an organization’s computer network or system or unauthorized access to it. 

It is a crucial element of an organization's security infrastructure. It helps protect networks, servers, and endpoints from various cyber threats, including viruses, worms, malware, and hacking attempts. 

Companies utilize intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to implement this technology.

Types of intrusion prevention systems

The following are the primary types of IPS:

• Network-based IPS (NIPS) is installed at the network perimeter or within specific network segments and helps monitor and protect the entire network. It analyzes network traffic for signs of suspicious or malicious activity and takes action in real time, to block or mitigate any detected threat.
• Wireless IPS (WIPS) helps monitor and protect against threats specific to Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies. It’s useful for detecting unauthorized clients, rogue access points, and other wireless vulnerabilities.
• Host-based IPS (HIPS) is deployed on individual host systems, such as servers or workstations, protecting them from threats specific to the host. It continually analyzes system activities, processes, and network connections on the host and can react to threats affecting that specific system.
• Virtual IPS (VIPS) is deployed in virtualized environments, such as cloud infrastructure or data centers. It offers security for virtual networks and virtual machines (VMs), ensuring the integrity of resources in such environments.
• Network behavior analysis (NBA) is a security technique used to monitor network traffic to detect suspicious activities. It primarily focuses on understanding a network's normal patterns and behaviors and then pinpointing deviations from those patterns, which usually indicate security threats or anomalies.

Benefits of intrusion prevention systems

An intrusion prevention system is crucial for modern cybersecurity, helping organizations proactively defend against several cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Some of the notable benefits of an intrusion prevention system include:

• Traffic monitoring: Intrusion prevention systems monitor network traffic and analyze data packets to spot suspicious or malicious activities. They are useful to inspect both inbound and outbound traffic.
• Anomaly-based detection: Intrusion prevention systems come with anomaly detection features to spot suspicious behavior. This is useful in detecting previously unknown or zero-day cyberattacks.
• Logging and reporting: Intrusion prevention systems generate and store logs and reports on detected incidents and network activities. These logs can be used for analyzing digital forensics.
• Signature-based detection: IPS uses a database of known attack signatures to compare incoming traffic against these signatures. If a match is found, the system triggers an alert or takes predefined actions to isolate or mitigate the threat.
• Real-time response: When suspicious activity is detected, an IPS can take immediate action to block the offending traffic or isolate the affected system to prevent further damage.
• Packet filtering: IPS is useful for filtering and blocking certain types of traffic or content based on defined policies. For instance, it can block traffic to or from certain IP addresses or ports.
• Integration with other security solutions: Intrusion prevention systems can integrate with other security tools, such as firewall software, antivirus software, and security information and event management (SIEM) software, providing a layered defense approach against cyber attacks.

Intrusion prevention system vs. intrusion detection system

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems are both technologies meant to enhance the security of computer networks. However, they have different purposes and distinct functionalities.

Intrusion detection systems monitor network or system activities and alert administrators of potential security incidents. They offer visibility into threats but do not take any direct action to block or mitigate them. On the other hand, intrusion prevention systems not only detect threats but actively intervene, in real time, to block or mitigate them, offering a proactive defense mechanism.

Both IPS and IDS use the same detection techniques, but IPS combines them with automated responses. While IDS is primarily focused on alerting and incident response, IPS goes even further by actively preventing malicious activities and unauthorized access to a network.

Learn more about what an intrusion detection system (IDS) is and why it matters.