It is wise to take precautions to protect your company's data from cyber criminals who are constantly trying to access a company's network. An organization can protect itself from hackers with tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
Both aid in the detection of database attacks on businesses. Companies are reducing the impact these actors can have on their systems by utilizing these detection and response solutions. But understanding the distinctions between them will enable a company to operate most effectively by determining which is best for your particular type of business.
Let's talk about IDS and IPS first before continuing to learn more about IDS vs. IPS.
What is an IDS?
An IDS is a top security tool that immediately notifies users of a system breach when it detects one. It prompts a security operations center (SOC) analyst to investigate the incident and decide whether it necessitates further action.
Even if a problem arises, IDS guarantees that you protect the server's assets without hindering traffic. An intrusion prevention system advances this detection and disables the network to deny access or stop further movement in a network.
What is IPS?
On the other hand, an IPS acts independently or otherwise addresses the issue. Similar to an intrusion detection system, this kind of network security hardware or software continuously scans network activity for threats.
It responds appropriately to counteract the threats it detects. This involves taking steps like reporting, blocking traffic from a specific source, dropping packets, or resetting the connection.
IDS VS IPS: How They Compare
IDS and IPS are very similar to one another, especially in terms of how they detect threats. IDS and DIPS keep an eye on servers, devices, and network activity. Let's examine what they do differently now.
1. Response to Threat
Only an IPS will take the necessary action after identifying a potential threat, but both solutions will first notify you of the discovery and related action. An IDS will terminate at the detection stage, leaving your department and you free to decide what to do.
Depending on the settings and policies, an IPS will either try to contain the threat or stop unauthorized users from infiltrating your network further.
2. Security
An IPS or IDS system will probably learn to recognize suspicious behaviors and reduce false positives, depending on the detection system it employs. An IPS does provide more security because it operates automatically, giving an attacker little time to continue compromising an organization.
3. Flexibility
Both systems capture what is seen and what occurs next, which enables a precise evaluation of the system's performance. While an IPS can perform the duties of an IDS, the reverse is not possible.
4. Location and Range
IDS monitors and analyzes traffic in real-time while operating throughout the enterprise network. IPS typically work in the same network location as a firewall, intercepting traffic at the intersection of the internal network and the public internet.
Conclusion
When a threat is detected, an IDS will automatically take minimal action because it is designed for detection and surveillance. IPS is a control-based solution that evaluates network packets against predefined rulesets before accepting or rejecting them.
