Types of IPS: Understanding the Different Intrusion Prevention Systems

When it comes to securing your network, understanding the types of IPS (Intrusion Prevention Systems) is crucial for effective protection against cyber threats. Different types of IPS offer varying levels of security, performance and functionality, making it essential to choose the right one for your organisation's needs.  

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of IPS, their pros and cons and when to use each type to keep your network safe.

Overview of Each Type of IPS

Network-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (NIPS) are designed to monitor and protect entire networks. They operate at the network perimeter, scanning all incoming and outgoing traffic to identify potential threats.  

NIPS are ideal for organisations that manage large volumes of traffic, as they can provide comprehensive protection across multiple devices and applications. However, because they focus on network traffic as a whole, NIPS may struggle to provide deep visibility into specific endpoints or applications.

On the other hand, Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (HIPS) are installed on individual devices, offering protection at the endpoint level. HIPS monitor system calls, application activity and file changes to detect malicious behaviour.  

This type of IPS is particularly beneficial for environments where sensitive data is stored locally, such as financial institutions or healthcare providers. While HIPS offer targeted protection and can prevent attacks that originate from within the network, they can be resource-intensive and may impact device performance.

Cloud-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (CIPS) focus on securing cloud environments, monitoring traffic to and from cloud applications. As organisations increasingly migrate to the cloud, CIPS have become essential for ensuring data remains secure in cloud infrastructures.  

These systems can scale easily to accommodate growing workloads and diverse cloud services. However, CIPS may lack visibility into on-premises threats, making them less effective in hybrid environments where both cloud and local resources are in use.

Pros and Cons of Each Type

Network-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (NIPS)

Pros:

• Comprehensive network-wide protection

• Centralised management for easier policy enforcement

Cons:

• Can be a single point of failure if compromised

• Limited visibility into encrypted traffic without decryption capabilities

Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (HIPS)

Pros:

• Protects individual devices from localised threats

• Can monitor and block unauthorised application activity

Cons:

• Resource-intensive and may slow down system performance

• Requires installation and maintenance on each endpoint

Cloud-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (CIPS)

Pros:

• Flexible and scalable to accommodate changing workloads

• Provides real-time monitoring of cloud traffic

Cons:

• May lack visibility into on-premises threats

• Relies on third-party providers for security measures

Use Cases and Scenarios for Different Types of IPS

Choosing the right type of IPS often depends on the specific needs of the organisation. For instance, a large corporation with multiple locations and high traffic volumes may benefit most from a Network-Based Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS). By deploying NIPS, the organisation can maintain a comprehensive overview of its network traffic, enabling quick detection and response to potential threats.

In contrast, a financial institution may find Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (HIPS) to be more effective. By implementing HIPS on workstations that handle sensitive customer data, the institution can monitor for unauthorised activity and block threats before they escalate.

Cloud-Based Intrusion Prevention Systems (CIPS) are ideal for startups that heavily utilise cloud services. With CIPS, these businesses can ensure their applications and data are secure from external threats while maintaining the flexibility to scale operations as needed.

Types of IPS – Connected Networks Can Help

Understanding the types of IPS is vital for any organisation aiming to bolster its cybersecurity strategy. Each type of Intrusion Prevention System has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to choose the right one based on your specific security needs and infrastructure.

At Connected Networks, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, including selecting and implementing the right IPS solutions for their unique environments. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in enhancing your security posture and protecting your valuable assets.