IDS vs IPS Device | Explained by Cyber security Professional

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains the differences between Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). IDS primarily detects suspicious activity within a network and alerts administrators without taking action, while IPS not only detects but also actively prevents threats by blocking malicious traffic. The video covers various types of IDS and IPS, such as network-based and host-based, and the technologies behind them, like signature-based detection and anomaly detection. The speaker emphasizes the critical role of IPS in actively protecting corporate networks by stopping attacks in real-time.

Takeaways

• 😀 IDS (Intrusion Detection System) detects malicious activities in the network but doesn't take action to block them.
• 😀 IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) not only detects malicious traffic but actively blocks it in real-time.
• 😀 IDS is placed outside the network (parallel to switches or routers) to passively monitor network traffic.
• 😀 IPS is placed inline within the network to actively analyze and prevent traffic, offering real-time protection.
• 😀 IDS can be either network-based or host-based, with software solutions installed on individual devices for host-based IDS.
• 😀 IPS can also be network-based or host-based and has the ability to prevent attacks by blocking harmful traffic.
• 😀 IDS uses signature-based detection to identify known attack patterns and anomaly-based detection to identify unusual behavior.
• 😀 IPS also uses signature-based and anomaly-based detection but takes immediate action by blocking malicious traffic.
• 😀 The main difference between IDS and IPS is that IDS only detects and logs threats, while IPS can block and prevent them.
• 😀 Network Behavior Analysis (NBA) in IPS helps identify threats like DDoS attacks and malware by analyzing traffic patterns.
• 😀 While IDS introduces minimal latency, IPS may cause network latency due to its inline placement in the network.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between an IDS and an IPS?

The primary difference is that an IDS (Intrusion Detection System) detects and alerts on potential threats, while an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) actively prevents and blocks malicious traffic in real-time.

How does an IDS work within a network?

An IDS works by monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity. It is typically placed outside the network and detects threats by sniffing packets and analyzing them against known attack patterns or anomalies.

Where is an IPS placed within the network, and why is this placement important?

An IPS is placed inline, meaning it is positioned between the network and the router, directly controlling and filtering all traffic. This placement allows it to take immediate action to block malicious traffic.

What are the types of IDS, and how do they differ?

The types of IDS are Network-Based IDS (NIDS), which monitors traffic across the network, and Host-Based IDS (HIDS), which is installed on individual devices. NIDS analyzes overall network traffic, while HIDS focuses on activity on specific systems.

What are the types of IPS, and what roles do they serve?

The types of IPS are Network-Based IPS (NIPS), which monitors and blocks traffic across the network, Host-Based IPS (HIPS), which protects individual devices, and Network Behavior Analysis (NBA), which identifies abnormal traffic patterns like DDoS or malware attacks.

Can an IDS also function as an IPS?

Yes, an IDS can function as an IPS if it has the capability to not only detect but also prevent certain types of attacks. However, IDS is primarily designed for detection and alerting.

What is the advantage of an inline IPS device?

The advantage of an inline IPS is that it can actively block malicious traffic in real-time, preventing attacks before they reach critical systems, unlike IDS which only detects and alerts.

What kind of traffic analysis methods do IDS and IPS use?

Both IDS and IPS use signature-based detection (looking for known attack patterns) and anomaly-based detection (identifying unusual behavior). However, IPS can also block traffic based on these analyses, while IDS only alerts.

What is the role of network behavior analysis in an IPS?

Network Behavior Analysis (NBA) in an IPS monitors network traffic for abnormal patterns or deviations from normal behavior, such as DDoS attacks or malware, helping to detect more sophisticated threats that may not match known attack signatures.

Why is the placement of IDS outside of the network important?

The placement of IDS outside the network allows it to passively monitor traffic and detect potential threats without affecting the flow of data. It can analyze packets for suspicious activity without interfering with network performance.