IDS vs. IPS: How the Systems Work and Why You Need Them

Blog / IDS vs. IPS: How Each System Works and Why You Need Them

Losing sensitive information because of a cyber attack has been a concern for businesses and enterprises for nearly two decades. In the early 2000s, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) became a security best practice to help businesses protect themselves against evolving data breaches. Before then, firewalls had been very effective in countering the threat landscape of the 1990s.

IDS vs. IPS

While the systems have changed over time, having a robust IDS/IPS system in place is just as critical today. So what role to IDS/IPS systems play in today’s cybersecurity landscape? This article covers how each system works, how they are different and why you need them.

How Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) Work

While the lines between IDS/IPS have become blurred over time, some unique differences essential to note include:

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). The IDS contains a database of known attack signatures and compares the inbound traffic against to the database. Think of your IDS system as a security guard who can search potential attackers for weapons, but he cannot run around and prevent people from sneaking in. He’s only able to examine what people are bringing into your network. When a known event is detected a log message is generated detailing the incident.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). The IPS sits between your firewall and the rest of your network so that it can stop the suspected malicious traffic from getting to the rest of the network. Think if your IPS system as a security guard who can prevent attackers from entering your network. When a known event is detected the packet is rejected.

The main difference is that an IDS only monitors traffic.

If an attack is detected, the IDS reports the attack, but it is then up to the administrator to take action. That’s why having both an IDS and IPS system is critical. A good security strategy is to have them work together as a team.

High-level example of how IDS and IPS work together to provide comprehensive protection

IDS vs. IPS

Why IDS/IPS Systems are Critical for Cybersecurity

While many companies leverage IDS/IPS systems to fulfill a compliance checkbox, both systems are vital to protecting your network. According to research, your website is hit with 22 cyber attacks every day. IDS/IPS ensures any potential threats that sneak through the firewall are addressed as soon as the attack occurs.

IDS vs. IPS

How Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) Work

The main difference is that an IDS only monitors traffic.

High-level example of how IDS and IPS work together to provide comprehensive protection

Why IDS/IPS Systems are Critical for Cybersecurity

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