Intrusion Detection System Vs Prevention System: What is the Difference?

Cybercrimes are on the rise, worldwide. In order to protect critical business assets enterprises are deploying preventive technologies that can minimize cyber-attacks.  This is where intrusion detection and prevention systems enter the scene.

What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

IDS or the intrusion detection system is a monitoring tool that can either be in the form of a software application or a physical device. IDS monitors systems or networks for policy violations and malicious activities and sends a notification to the administrator upon detection. 

The system is not designed to take any action on its own. 

How Does an Intrusion Detection System Work?

The IDS employs three common detection variants to monitor intrusions. 

Signature-based detection: This type of intrusion detection works against known cyberattacks because it works when the system is able to identify specific attack patterns called signatures. 

Anomaly-based detection: It works on both computer and network intrusions and reports to the administrator if the monitoring system picks up any activity that can be classified as anomalous. 

Reputation-based detection: This type of intrusion detection tracks potential cyber threats by assessing network communications basis the assigned reputation scores of the network host. 

IDS solutions can be made more robust and stronger with better access control installation that can leverage data to proactively improve system security.

What is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

Unlike the IDS, the intrusion prevention system has been designed to trace possible malicious activity, log information, report attempts of unauthorised entry and make every effort to prevent them from happening. 

This is the first line of defence for network security that sits just behind the firewall. 

How Does an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) Work?

The IPS system operates by screening all network traffic using one or more of these detection mechanisms. 

Signature-based detection: This is similar to how the IDS works. The IPS also monitors packets in a network with pre-configured and pre-determined attack patterns referred to as signatures. 

Statistical anomaly-based detection: Again, the working is similar to that of the IDS but has the propensity to trigger false positives on occasions due to poor configuration. 

Stateful protocol analysis detection: Deviations in protocol states are identified by comparing observed events that come with pre-defined profiles of commonly agreed upon definitions of non-malignant activity.

IPS solutions can analyse the security system vulnerabilities, strengthen security strategies and document current threats. It also deters individuals from committing security policy violations. 

Which is better: IDS vs IPS? 

The basic difference between IDS and IPS is their ability to take action when malicious activity is detected. If it is a case of choosing between the two, the selection must be made taking into consideration key factors like IT budget, compliance requirements, network architecture and the overall security strategies. 

So, if your business needs an IDS, IPS or even a CCTV provider, be sure to check out the offerings by MDS PACC, a trusted security solutions partner for enterprises based in the Middle East.