What is IPS? An Overview of Intrusion Prevention Systems

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is designed to proactively monitor your network for suspicious activity and help safeguard your valuable data.  

Unlike traditional firewalls, which primarily block unauthorised access, IPS goes a step further by actively identifying and neutralising potential threats before they can cause harm.  

In this blog, we’ll explore the definition of IPS, how it differs from Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), its key components and its importance in a modern security strategy.

Understanding Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

An Intrusion Prevention System is a network security solution designed to detect and prevent malicious activities and policy violations. Unlike traditional firewalls that primarily focus on blocking unauthorised access, IPS goes a step further by actively scanning incoming and outgoing traffic for signs of intrusion.  

When a potential threat is identified, the Intrusion Prevent System can take immediate action - such as blocking the offending traffic, alerting administrators or reconfiguring security rules to mitigate risks.

How IPS Works

IPS technologies use a variety of methods to detect threats, including signature-based detection, anomaly-based detection and stateful protocol analysis.

Signature-Based Detection:
This method relies on predefined patterns of known threats, similar to antivirus software. The IPS compares incoming traffic against a database of signatures to identify malicious activity.

Anomaly-Based Detection:
Instead of relying on known patterns, this approach establishes a baseline of normal network behaviour and flags any deviations from that norm as potential threats. This is particularly useful for identifying new or unknown attacks.

Stateful Protocol Analysis:
This method examines the state of network connections to ensure they adhere to established protocols. By monitoring the state and attributes of these connections, the IPS can identify irregularities indicative of an attack.

How IPS Differs from Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

While both IPS and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are crucial for network security, they serve different functions. An IDS primarily focuses on monitoring and detecting suspicious activity, generating alerts for administrators to investigate. However, it does not take direct action to stop threats. In contrast, an IPS goes a step further by not only detecting threats but also actively preventing them.

In summary, the key difference lies in their response capabilities: IDS alerts administrators to potential issues, while IPS takes action to neutralise threats immediately.

Key Components of an IPS

An effective IPS comprises several key components that work together to provide comprehensive protection.

Traffic Analysis:  
IPS solutions continuously monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity. They employ various techniques, including signature-based detection, anomaly detection and protocol analysis, to identify potential threats.

Policy Enforcement:  
IPS systems enforce security policies by blocking or allowing traffic based on established rules. These rules can be tailored to the organisation's specific security requirements to ensure only legitimate traffic is permitted.

Response Mechanisms:  
Upon detecting a threat, an IPS can implement various response actions, such as dropping malicious packets, reconfiguring firewall rules or alerting administrators to the incident.

Reporting and Logging:  
Effective logging and reporting features are crucial for incident response and compliance purposes. IPS solutions typically provide detailed logs of detected threats and actions taken, allowing organisations to analyse incidents and improve their security posture.

Importance of IPS in a Modern Security Strategy

IPS not only provides real-time protection against known threats but also adapts to evolving risks. This adaptability is critical for organisations which rely on digital infrastructure and handle sensitive data.

Moreover, as the digital landscape expands with remote work and cloud services, traditional perimeter-based security models are not enough. An IPS complements other security measures, such as firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), creating a multi-layered approach that enhances overall security.

Utilising An Intrusion Prevention System

By detecting and preventing threats in real-time, IPS solutions play a crucial role in modern cybersecurity strategies. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations must prioritise implementing effective security measures, including Intrusion Prevention Systems, to safeguard their valuable assets.

At Connected Networks, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, including the implementation of effective IPS solutions tailored to their needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you bolster your security posture and protect your valuable assets.