What is the Difference Between IDS and IPS?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) lies in their response to detected threats. Here are the key differences:
- IDS: An IDS is a passive monitoring solution that detects and alerts security personnel about potential security incidents. It does not take any action to block or remediate the detected threats, leaving the response to the security team.
- IPS: An IPS, on the other hand, is an active control system that not only detects potential security incidents but also takes action to block or remediate the threats autonomously. This proactive approach helps prevent damage to the target system and reduces the window for an attacker to cause harm.
Both IDS and IPS have similarities in their monitoring and alerting capabilities, as they both monitor networks, traffic, and activity across devices and servers. They also learn to spot suspicious behaviors and minimize false positives over time. However, an IPS offers more protection because it acts automatically, leaving little time for an attacker to continue compromising an organization.
When selecting between an IDS and an IPS for a specific use case, it is essential to consider the tradeoffs between system availability and usability, as well as the need for an immediate response to detected threats. A highly sophisticated system will have a lower total error rate, reducing the chances of false positives or false negatives.
Comparative Table: IDS vs IPS
Here is a table comparing the differences between Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS):
| Feature | IDS (Intrusion Detection System) | IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Monitors network events and analyzes them to detect security incidents. | Controls network traffic and autonomously stops threats before they cause damage. |
| Function | Detects threats by comparing network traffic against a database of known cyber attack. | Works similarly to IDS, but also proactively thwarts potential cybersecurity threats. |
| Response | Requires human interaction to read the scan results and determine a plan of action to resolve any issues. | Operates autonomously, removing the need for constant human monitoring. |
| Configuration | IDS is generally set to operate in the inline mode, with security teams specifying the appropriate options. | IPS is configured to either work in line or out of line with network traffic, blocking threats accordingly. |
Both IDS and IPS systems work to protect networks, detecting threats by comparing network traffic against a database of known cyber attacks. The main difference between the two is their response to detected threats: IDS requires human interaction to resolve issues, while IPS can autonomously stop threats before they cause damage.