IPS – Intrusion Prevention System is a cybersecurity tool designed to monitor network or system activities for malicious behavior and proactively block threats before they can cause harm. It is often used in conjunction with firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) as part of a comprehensive security strategy.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Threat Detection: IPS identifies suspicious activities or patterns in network traffic, such as known attack signatures, abnormal behavior, or policy violations.
- Real-Time Blocking: Unlike IDS (which only detects threats), IPS actively prevents attacks by blocking malicious traffic, terminating harmful sessions, or dropping packets.
- Automation and Speed: IPS systems are designed to respond automatically to detected threats, minimising the time it takes to mitigate risks and reducing potential damage.
Why Use IPS?
An IPS is critical for organisations to protect against fast-moving cyber threats, such as malware, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and exploitation of vulnerabilities. It provides a proactive defense layer, reducing the burden on human operators and minimising security incidents.
Common Use Cases for IPS:
- Network Protection: Blocking malware and malicious traffic from entering or spreading within a network.
- Compliance: Enforcing security policies required by regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
- Mitigating Zero-Day Threats: Stopping unknown or emerging threats based on behavior patterns.
- DDoS Protection: Preventing distributed denial-of-service attacks from overwhelming systems.
Think of an IPS as an automated security guard at the gate of your digital infrastructure. It not only spots intruders but also actively stops them from getting inside, ensuring your systems stay safe and operational.