What is the difference between IDS and IPS describe and explain firewall rules

A breach or intrusion is any unauthorized access or activity in a network or computing system. Threat actors exploit diverse methods and vulnerabilities to access confidential resources, steal private data, alter data, destroy resources, or block legitimate access to resources to impair productive business operation. Threat actors are motivated by a wide range of goals ranging from monetary gain, revenge, disgruntled employees, ideological or political conflict, or simply for a competitive advantage.

The attack surface is the area of your network and other digital operations potentially open to intrusion by unauthorized access. The more connected your network and resources are, the broader the attack surface.

Traditionally, internal enterprise networks were shielded from the outside world either by denying Internet access altogether or by allowing it only behind the beefy firewall in the data center. But with the advent of the digital transformation—trends in mobility, Internet access everywhere, cloud-based computing, cloud-native companies and services, work-from-home on a scale unimaginable before 2020—businesses now thrive or fail on the very extent of their connectivity. The attack surface is huge. Vigilance like IPS/IDS is imperative.

How Does IDS/IPS Detect Threats?

IDS/IPS systems detect suspicious or unauthorized activity such as phishing attacks, virus infection and distribution, malware and ransomware installation and download, denial of service (DOS), man-in-the-middle attacks, zero-day attacks, SQL injection, and more. Because of the growth in cloud WAN and mobility, stopping cyber-attacks have become more difficult all while attackers have become more sophisticated in their tactics.

Understanding Your Organization’s Threats

Known threats are typically detected by matching traffic patterns against signature patterns. Frequently updated databases contain vast troves of signatures characterizing existing threats. IDS/IPS systems continuously look for matches against known signatures.

Unknown threats are malicious patterns never seen before—sometimes evasive variations of known threats—and are significantly more arduous to detect. IDS/IPS uses behavioral analysis to pinpoint potentially anomalous traffic patterns. Models of “ordinary” network behavior are established and updated using machine learning, heuristics, and AI. IDS/IPS continuously compares actual network traffic with these models to recognize potentially inconsistent behavior that might indicate an intrusion event.

In the ever changing field of cybersecurity, understanding industry terms and technologies is required. Two technologies included in this category are Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). IT professionals should know the difference between the two and how they operate. This knowledge is needed to keep your network secure from hackers.

What is an Intrusion Detection System and an Intrusion Prevention System?

IDS and IPS systems are two parts of network infrastructure that detect and prevent intrusions by hackers. Both systems compare network traffic and packets against a database of cyber threats. The systems then flag offending packets.

What is the difference between IDS and IPS describe and explain firewall rules

The primary difference between the two is that one monitors while the other controls. IDS systems don’t actually change the packets. They just scan the packets and check them against a database of known threats. IPS systems, however, prevent the delivery of the packet into the network.

IDS and IPS definitions:

  • Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): IDS systems monitor and analyze network traffic for packets and other signs of network invasion. The system then flags known threats and hacking methods. IDS systems detect port scanners, malware, and other violations of system security policies.
  • Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): IPS systems reside in the same area as a firewall, between the internal network and the outside internet. If the IDS system flags something as a threat, the IPS system denies the malicious traffic. If the traffic represents a known threat in the databases, the IPS will shut the threat out and not deliver any malicious packets.

Some manufacturers of IDS and IPS technologies merge the two into one solution. This solution is known as Unified Threat Management (UTM).

Related Reading: From IDS and IPS to SIEM: What You Should Know

How Do They Work, and Why Are They Important to Cybersecurity?

IDS and IPS systems are important factors in any network. They work in tandem to keep bad actors out of your personal or corporate networks.

IDS systems only look for suspicious network traffic and compare it against a database of known threats. If suspicious behaviors are similar to known threats on the database, the Intrusion Detection System flags the traffic. IDS systems do not operate on their own. They require a human or application to monitor scan results and then take action.

IPS systems work proactively to keep threats out of the system. The Intrusion Prevention System accepts and rejects network packets based on a specified rule set. The process is simple. If packets are suspicious and go against a specified ruleset, the IPS rejects them. This ensures the traffic doesn’t reach the network. IPS systems also require a database that is consistently updated with new threat profiles.

While the two systems seem similar in name and operation, they have a few differences. 

What Are the Differences Between IDS and IPS Systems?

While both systems analyze threats, it’s the steps taken after threat identification that sets them apart. These differences include:

  • IDS systems require human interaction. IDS systems scan networks for threats, but require human interaction to read the scan results and determine a plan of action to resolve any identified threats. This work could require a full time position if the network generates a lot of traffic. IDS systems make an excellent forensics tool for security researchers investigating a network after a security incident.
  • IPS systems work on autopilot. An IPS system catches and drops any threatening traffic before it causes damage. IPS systems work automatically to scan network traffic and prevent known threats from entering the network.

What is the difference between IDS and IPS describe and explain firewall rules
Although both systems provide security, neither have a “set it and forget it” approach. Users should remember these systems scan against known security threats. As such, these tools need regular updates. If the databases are up to date, the system performs more effectively.

Remember, a security tool can’t check for threats it doesn’t know exist! 

What Security Problems Do Both Systems Solve?

Network security is one of the most important things for corporations to keep in mind. When a business protects sensitive customer information like names, addresses, and credit card numbers, network security is even more important. Staying ahead of cyber criminals is another way IDS and IPS systems help organizations and individuals protect their security.

These systems detect and prevent hackers from getting into the network. 

Early detection and prevention is essential for system administrators and network managers. Staying ahead of hackers is critical when protecting your network. Preventing entry into your network is easier than cleaning up after the damage is done.

IDS and IPS systems boost your cybersecurity strategy

  • Automation. In network security, automation is a huge boost. IDS and IPS systems primarily work on autopilot, scanning, logging and preventing malicious intrusions.
  • Hard-coded security policy enforcement. IDS and IPS systems are configurable and allow the systems to enforce security policies at the network level. Even if only one approved VPN is used by your company, you can block any other forms of traffic.
  • Security compliance. Compliance is important for network administrators and security professionals. If a security incident happens, you will need data to show adherence to security protocol. Technologies like IDS and IPS can provide data needed for any potential security investigations.

Not only do these systems detect and prevent intrusions, but they also give you peace of mind. Not having to sit in front of a computer to monitor traffic all day is a great feeling for security professionals.

What is the difference between IDS and IPS and firewall?

IDS won't alter network traffic while IPS prevents packets from delivering based on the contents of the packet, similar to how a firewall prevents traffic by IP address.

What are the difference between IDS and IPS?

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is defined as a solution that monitors network events and analyzes them to detect security incidents and imminent threats. An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is defined as a solution that performs intrusion detection and then goes one step ahead and prevents any detected threats.

What are different types of firewall What is the difference between IDS and firewall?

Firewall vs. IDS vs. IPS.

What is an IDS and IPS with example?

An intrusion detection system (IDS) monitors traffic on your network, analyzes that traffic for signatures matching known attacks, and when something suspicious happens, you're alerted. In the meantime, the traffic keeps flowing. An intrusion prevention system (IPS) also monitors traffic.