IDS vs IPS: What are the major differences?

Have you ever wondered how our digital world stays safe from constant cyber threats?

Imagine you are walking on a straight path, and it slowly diverges into two. One way is guarded by a silent observer, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which keenly watches every step you take, ready to alert you at the slightest hint of danger. The other path is observed by an assertive knight, the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), armed and vigilant, prepared to fend off threats before they harm you.

While both IDS and IPS work to keep our networks safe, they go about it in different ways. Believe it or not, understanding these differences can be crucial whether you’re running a small business or managing a large corporate network.

Ready to uncover the secrets of these digital defenders? Let’s explore how IDS and IPS work, their key difference and similarities, and why they matter in our increasingly connected world. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll see network security in a whole new light!

What are the Main Differences between IDS and IPS?

Detection

IDS doesn’t actively participate in network traffic; it monitors traffic and analyses it for suspicious patterns. IPS actively probes the traffic and can send out requests to gather additional information. This allows IPS to detect more sophisticated attacks that are not apparent from passive monitoring alone.

Detection Methods

Both IDS and IPS can use signature-based detection to identify known attacks. This method involves comparing network traffic to a database of known attack signatures. If a match is found, the system generates an alert. IPS can also use anomaly-based detection to identify unknown attacks. This method involves analysing network traffic for patterns that deviate from normal behaviour. If an anomaly is detected, the cybersecurity system generates an alert.

Prevention

IDS cannot prevent attacks on its own. It can only generate alerts that notify security personnel of potential threats. IPS can take steps to prevent attacks from occurring. It can block malicious traffic, reset connections, or take other actions to stop an attack in progress.

False Positives

IDS is more likely to generate false positives because it relies on patterns and signatures to detect attacks, and these patterns can sometimes match benign traffic. IPS is less likely to cause false positives because it can actively probe network traffic and gather additional information, allowing it to identify malicious traffic more accurately.

Response

IDS generates alerts when it detects suspicious activity. These alerts are typically sent to a security console or SIEM system for analysis. IPS can take immediate action to block or prevent attacks. This can help to prevent damage to systems and data.

Impact on network performance

IDS has a minimal impact on network performance as it does not actively participate in network traffic. IPS can impact network performance because it actively probes network traffic and takes steps to block or prevent attacks.

Scope

IDS monitors network traffic across the entire network and compares network packets against known threats using signatures or a baseline created using machine learning. IPS monitors specific network segments or hosts and either accepts or rejects network packets based on the preset rules. This is useful for protecting critical systems or applications.

Location

IDS sensors are typically deployed inside the network, where they can monitor traffic between internal hosts and devices. IPS sensors can be deployed at the network perimeter to block attacks before they reach the internal network. They can also be deployed at critical points within the network to protect specific systems or applications.

Also read:

• What are the different types of cyber security?
• AICD’s Cyber Security Governance Principles: Brief Summary

What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a passive network security solution that monitors network traffic for signs of unauthorised access or suspicious activity. Its primary role is to identify potential security threats. An IDS system analyses packet data and compares it against pre-defined signatures and security policies.

These signatures and policies are reference points for determining whether a network event is benign or a potential intrusion. A signature-based IDS can easily detect new threats and attacks. When it detects an intrusion, it sends an alert to the security team, allowing them to take appropriate action. This action can range from further investigation to implementing preventive measures to intercept the intrusion.

There are five types of IDS. They are:

1. Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS): A NIDS monitors network traffic for suspicious activity, such as unauthorised access attempts, port scans, and malware infections. 

2. Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS): A HIDS monitors the activity of individual hosts on the network, looking for signs of malicious behaviour, such as unauthorised file modifications, suspicious system calls, and changes to system configurations.

3. Protocol-Based Intrusion Detection System (PIDS): A PIDS monitors specific network protocols, such as TCP/IP, for deviations from normal behaviour. PIDS sensors are typically deployed at the network perimeter to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic.

4. Application Protocol-Based Intrusion Detection System (APIDS): An APIDS monitors specific application protocols, such as HTTP, FTP, and SMTP, for suspicious activity. 

5. Hybrid Intrusion Detection System (HIDS): A hybrid IDS combines multiple types of IDS, such as NIDS, HIDS, and PIDS, to provide more comprehensive coverage. It can give a more accurate view of network security by correlating data from multiple sources.

What is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) takes network security to the next level. While an IDS is passive and primarily focuses on alerting, an IPS is an active security solution designed to detect intrusions and prevent them from happening in the first place. It sits behind the firewall and is a robust barrier that actively blocks suspicious or malicious activities, effectively blocking potential threats.

An IPS system uses methods similar to those of an IDS, such as signature-based detection, anomaly detection, and heuristic analysis. It works by actively monitoring network traffic, analysing it for signs of unauthorised access or malicious activity, and taking real-time action to prevent potential threats. This proactive approach helps protect networks and systems from various cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

There are four types of IPS. They are:

1. Network-based IPS (NIPS): A NIPS monitors and analyses network traffic for suspicious activity, similar to a network intrusion detection system (NIDS).
2. Wireless IPS (WIPS): A WIPS monitors and analyses wireless network traffic for suspicious activity. It can detect attacks such as unauthorised access attempts, rogue access points, and malware infections. 
3. Network behaviour analysis (NBA): An NBA system analyses network traffic to identify patterns that deviate from normal behaviour. This can help detect attacks not known to the IPS, such as zero-day attacks. 
4. Host-based IPS (HIPS): A HIPS monitors the activity of individual hosts on the network, similar to a host intrusion detection system (HIDS). However, instead of just generating alerts, it can take action to block or prevent attacks on the host. 

Also Read:

• What is cyber security awareness? Why is it important?
• How Can You Avoid Downloading Malicious Codes?

What are the Similarities between IDS and IPS?

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) share several similarities in functionality and purpose.

1. Purpose: Both are designed to protect computer networks from unauthorised access and security threats.
2. Monitoring: They both monitor network traffic and analyse it for signs of potential security breaches.
3. Detection Methods: Both systems use pre-defined attack signatures and behavioural analysis.
4. Alerting: IDS and IPS can alert network administrators in real-time when suspicious activity is detected.

The Role of IDS and IPS in Network Security

Both Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) play important roles in maintaining network security:

1. Continuous Monitoring: Both IDS and IPS monitor network traffic 24/7, ensuring constant vigilance against potential threats.
2. Threat Intelligence: These systems help organisations stay informed about the latest cyber threats and attack patterns.
3. Compliance: IDS and IPS help meet various regulatory compliance requirements by monitoring and protecting sensitive data.
4. Incident Response: They provide valuable data for incident response teams, helping to investigate and mitigate security breaches quickly.
5. Network Visibility: IDS and IPS offer deep insights into network traffic patterns, helping to identify anomalies and potential vulnerabilities.
6. Proactive Defence: While IDS focuses on detection, IPS takes it a step further by actively preventing identified threats from causing harm.
7. Performance Optimisation: By identifying and addressing security issues, these systems can help maintain optimal network performance.

Benefits of IDS and IPS

1. IDS and IPS can provide detailed insights into network traffic patterns, helping to identify suspicious activity and potential threats early on before they can cause significant damage.
2. Both can be configured to detect and block known attack signatures, preventing these attacks from reaching and exploiting vulnerabilities on the network.
3. They can help prevent data breaches by blocking malicious traffic attempting to steal sensitive data.

Limitations of IPS and IDS

1. IDS and IPS can sometimes generate false positives, alerts that indicate a potential attack when there is no threat.
2. They can only monitor the traffic they can see, which means that they may not be able to detect attacks from outside the network perimeter or use encryption to hide their activity.
3. They can be resource-intensive, especially in large or complex networks, which impacts network performance and may require additional hardware or software to support the deployment of these systems.

How do IDS and IPS work together?

While IDS and IPS solutions have different functions, they can work together to enhance network security. They complement each other in network security. An IDS provides valuable insights and alerts about potential threats, while an IPS takes immediate action to prevent those threats from causing harm. Together, they create a more robust security posture for organisations.

Integrating IDS or IPS solutions offers several advantages. Firstly, it simplifies the security infrastructure by combining intrusion detection and prevention systems into a single system. This reduces complexity and makes it easier to manage and maintain. Integrating IDS and IPS allows for a faster and more efficient response to security incidents, as both detection and prevention can be automated.

Also Read:

• SOC 1 vs SOC 2 vs SOC 3: What’s the difference?
• In-House SOC VS. MSSP: Which is the right option for your business?

Some Misconceptions About IDS/IPS

• IPS will slow down my network to a crawl: While IPS may impact performance, modern systems are pretty savvy about minimising slowdowns. It’s not like going from broadband to dial-up!
• IDS and firewalls are the same thing: They are close but not the same. Firewalls are like bouncers at a club’s entrance, while IDS is more like a security camera inside. They work differently but can team up for better security.
• Small businesses don’t need IDS/IPS: This is a dangerous myth. Cybercriminals often target smaller companies because they think they’re easy prey. Size doesn’t matter in cybersecurity!
• Cloud environments don’t need IDS/IPS: They need protection, too. In fact, with more businesses moving to the cloud, having these systems is more important than ever.
• Once installed, they don’t need any maintenance: Nope! Just like a car, these systems need regular check-ups. New threats pop up daily, so your IDS/IPS needs constant updates to stay on top of its game.

IDS vs IPS: Which detection method is better for you?

When to consider implementing an IDS?

If your primary goal is to gain deeper insights into network activity and identify suspicious behaviour, an IDS is a suitable choice. It provides passive monitoring and alerts you to potential threats, allowing you to investigate further. IDS might be better if you have a limited budget or security personnel, as it requires less configuration and ongoing maintenance than an IPS.

When to consider implementing an IPS?

An IPS is a right choice if you want to block or actively prevent attacks in real-time. It immediately stops malicious traffic, preventing damage or data breaches. If your network is frequently targeted by IP address-based attacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or botnet attacks, you should consider implementing an IPS.

When should you use both IDS and IPS together?

Using IDS and IPS creates a comprehensive security strategy for networks with high-value assets or critical infrastructure. These two systems work together to create a strong security posture. IDS can detect and alert, while IPS can block, and other security measures, such as firewalls and endpoint security, can further strengthen the defence. If your network has a wide range of traffic types and protocols, using IDS and IPS can ensure comprehensive coverage.

Also read: ACSC Essential 8 Strategies For Cyber Security: A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

In the complex world of network security, the choice between an IDS and IPS often simply boils down to your specific needs and objectives. The choice between IDS and IPS is crucial in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. We encourage you to assess your network’s specific needs and vulnerabilities.

Are you more inclined towards being a vigilant observer or a proactive protector? Understanding the strengths of each system will enable you to make informed decisions that best suit your cybersecurity strategy.

So, what’s your next move? Whether you’re considering the vigilant observer, the proactive protector, or a combination of both, our experts at Binary IT will provide insights and solutions to ensure your network remains safeguarded. Contact us today to discuss your network security goals.