What is Intrusion Prevention System?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a critical component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. It is a network security technology that examines network traffic flows to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits, which are the main methods used by hackers to infiltrate a network. Vulnerability exploits usually come in the form of malicious inputs to a target application or service that attackers use to interrupt and gain control of an application or machine.

The primary function of an IPS is to identify suspicious activity, and when a potential threat is identified, it takes action to prevent the intrusion. It can be considered as an extension to Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) because, like an IDS, an IPS monitors network traffic. However, because an exploit may take the form of several different types of malicious activities, the action that an IPS takes when it detects a threat can vary.

Types of Intrusion Prevention Systems

There are several types of Intrusion Prevention Systems, each designed to protect against different types of threats and to operate in different types of network environments. The four main types of IPS are Network-Based, Wireless, Network Behavior Analysis, and Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems.

Each type of IPS has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for a particular network environment depends on the specific needs and resources of the organization. It’s important to understand the differences between these types of IPS in order to make an informed decision about which is the best fit for a particular network environment.

Network-Based Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS)

A Network-Based Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) monitors the entire network for suspicious activity by analyzing protocol activity. The main advantage of NIPS is that it can protect a large network, including all devices connected to the network, from threats. However, it may not be able to detect threats that are specific to a particular device or application.

NIPS are typically installed at the edge of a network, where they can monitor all inbound and outbound network traffic. They use a variety of techniques to detect threats, including signature-based detection, anomaly-based detection, and policy-based detection.

Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)

A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) is designed to monitor a wireless network for suspicious activity. It can detect a variety of threats that are specific to wireless networks, such as rogue access points, unauthorized logins, and attacks on the wireless network protocol.

WIPS can be implemented as a standalone system, or it can be integrated with a wired IPS. The main advantage of a WIPS is that it can protect a wireless network from threats that a wired IPS may not be able to detect. However, it may not be able to detect threats that are specific to a particular device or application.

How Intrusion Prevention Systems Work

Intrusion Prevention Systems work by monitoring network traffic and comparing it to known threat signatures in their databases. These signatures are patterns of activity that have been identified as potentially harmful. If the IPS detects a match between network traffic and a threat signature, it takes action to prevent the threat.

In addition to signature-based detection, IPS can also use anomaly-based detection, which involves establishing a baseline of normal network activity and then monitoring for any activity that deviates from this baseline. This can help to detect new or previously unknown threats.

Signature-Based Detection

Signature-based detection is the most common method used by IPS to identify threats. This method involves comparing network traffic to a database of known threat signatures. If a match is found, the IPS takes action to prevent the threat.

However, signature-based detection is not perfect. It can only detect threats that have been previously identified and added to the database. It cannot detect new or previously unknown threats. Additionally, it can generate false positives if benign network traffic matches a threat signature.

Anomaly-Based Detection

Anomaly-based detection is a method used by some IPS to detect new or previously unknown threats. This method involves establishing a baseline of normal network activity and then monitoring for any activity that deviates from this baseline.

If the IPS detects activity that is significantly different from the baseline, it considers this activity to be potentially harmful and takes action to prevent it. However, anomaly-based detection can generate false positives if benign network activity is mistaken for a threat.

Benefits of Intrusion Prevention Systems

Intrusion Prevention Systems offer several benefits to organizations. They provide a proactive approach to network security by preventing threats before they can infiltrate the network. This can help to reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.

IPS can also help to improve network performance by blocking malicious traffic, which can consume network resources. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into network activity, which can help to improve security policies and procedures.

Proactive Security

One of the main benefits of IPS is that they provide a proactive approach to network security. Instead of waiting for a threat to infiltrate the network and then responding to it, IPS prevent threats before they can infiltrate the network. This can help to reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.

By preventing threats before they can infiltrate the network, IPS can also help to reduce the potential damage caused by security incidents. For example, if a hacker attempts to infiltrate a network to steal sensitive data, an IPS can block the hacker’s access to the network before they can steal any data.

Improved Network Performance

IPS can also help to improve network performance by blocking malicious traffic, which can consume network resources. By blocking this traffic, IPS can help to ensure that network resources are available for legitimate traffic.

In addition to improving network performance, blocking malicious traffic can also help to protect network devices from being compromised. For example, if a hacker attempts to launch a denial-of-service attack against a network device, an IPS can block the attack traffic, preventing the device from being overwhelmed and potentially compromised.

Conclusion

Intrusion Prevention Systems are a critical component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. They provide a proactive approach to network security by preventing threats before they can infiltrate the network. This can help to reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.

While IPS are not a silver bullet for network security, they are an important tool in the arsenal of network administrators and security professionals. By understanding how IPS work and the benefits they offer, organizations can make informed decisions about implementing and managing these systems.