In a largerly-wide organization to enterprise-size, managing data can be challenging due a large volume of data needed to be processed to be able to generate accurate insights for the organization, as well as building protection from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber attacks. In this way, the implementation of Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can help organizations take a proactive approach to threat prevention by analyzing system activity and identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals
To support your organization’s need in creating a comprehensive cybersecurity system and mitigate threats effectively, Multimatics offers cybersecurity training and consultancy services which include Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Digital Forensic, and Security Assessment.
Defining Intrusion Prevention System and Intrusion Detection System
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is software or hardware device that monitors network traffic for signs of malicious activity and automatically blocks or filters it before it reaches its intended destination. On the other hand, Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a software or hardware device that analyze network traffic or system logs in real-time or after-the-fact to identify patterns or anomalies that indicate a security incident.
An IPS operates in real-time and can automatically block or filter network traffic based on predefined security policies or behavior-based algorithms. IPS can stop known vulnerabilities, such as software bugs and known attack signatures, as well as zero-day attacks that have never been seen before. Meanwhile, IDS is a passive security technology that monitors network traffic or system events for signs of malicious activity, unauthorized access, or policy violations. IDS can’t prevent an attack from happening, but can alert security personnel or automated systems to take action.
What are the differences between IPS and IDS?
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Active vs Passive Response: IPS provides an active response by blocking or filtering malicious traffic, while IDS provides a passive response by alerting security personnel to potential security breaches.
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Time Sensitivity: IPS systems operate in real-time, whereas IDS can analyze network traffic or system events either in real-time or retrospectively.
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Prevention vs Detection: IPS is designed to prevent security breaches by stopping malicious activity, while IDS is designed to detect security breaches and provide information to prevent future incidents.
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Dependence on Signatures: IPS relies heavily on signature-based detection, while IDS is less dependent on signatures and can detect unknown threats based on behavior-based algorithms.
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Cost and Complexity: IPS can be more expensive and complex to deploy than IDS due to its active response capabilities and the need to configure and manage security policies to avoid blocking legitimate traffic.
Intrusion types of systems are put in place to serve a business needs for meeting an objective of network security. The IDS and IPS are to provide a foundation of technology meets to tracking, identifying cyber attacks to which detect through logs of IDS systems and prevent an action through IPS systems. If the host with critical systems, confidential data and strict compliance regulations, then it’s a great to use of IDS, IPS or both in network environments.
This might raises a question: Which one should be implemented for better security protection? The decision to use an IPS or IDS depends on the security objectives, resources, risk tolerance, regulatory compliance, and network architecture of an organization. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and consider all relevant factors before making a decision.
The Implementation of IPS in Cloud Environment
In response to the dynamic business activity, organizations are demand for more space and flexibility in managing their data and information. Nevertheless, cloud infrastructure offers more flexibility and cost-effective resources for organizations. Successful cloud adoption depends on setting the right defenses against modern cyberattacks. Therefore, cloud infrastructure should include effective intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to mitigate cyberattacks
Cloud IPS is an integral component of an organization’s cloud security plan. A cloud IPS is an IPS that has been implemented in the cloud to secure sensitive resources while they are accessed remotely or, alternatively, to protect cloud-based resources as part of IaaS security.
Why Is Cloud IPS becoming more essential than ever?
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Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
Bots are used to overwhelm systems with a massive volume of packets, making it impossible to use the cloud environment.
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User to Root (U2R) Attack
Hackers gain access to the credentials of a legitimate user before using system flaws (buffer overflow) to get root privileges.
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Port Scanning
The attacker uses port scanning to discover whether ports are open, closed, filtered, and unfiltered.
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Backdoor Channel Attack
This is a passive attack in which a node is compromised and used as a bot to carry out attacks like DDoS attacks.
Therefore, Cloud IPS is essential to deploy.
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When deployed to secure access in cloud infrastructure, all traffic is monitored to find and block suspicious connections.
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When deployed to secure branch office connections to the organization’s data centers, a generic router is inspected for known vulnerabilities.
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When deployed to secure IaaS environments, a cloud IPS monitors traffic and blocks any suspicious access attempts.
What are the Benefits of Cloud IPS?
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Remote Access Protection: Cloud IPS is frequently incorporated into secure remote access systems and can offer protection in cloud infrastructure.
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Cloud Protection: Cloud IPS is a crucial part of a business’ cloud security plan.
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Managed Security: IPS functionality enables organizations to assign duties for parts of its cloud or remote work security to a security provider.
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Scalability: The inherent scalability of cloud-based infrastructure can be used by cloud IPSs, enabling them to easily protect the cloud-based infrastructure while scaling to suit the business needs.
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Flexibility: Cloud-based services are used to deploy cloud IPS solutions to deploy, reconfigure, or retire an IPS in accordance with business demands and adjustments to the corporate cloud architecture.
Today's market is flooded with solutions that can assist businesses in defending against the inevitable network and cyberattack. Only two of many resources that can be used to improve visibility and control within a corporate computing environment are IDS and IPS technologies. IDS and IPS are to offer a foundation of technology that satisfies the need for tracking, identifying cyber attack to detect through IDS systems' logs and stopping an activity through IPS systems. It's a terrific idea to employ IDS, IPS, or both in network environments if the host has crucial systems, sensitive data, and stringent compliance requirements.
Multimatics provides cybersecurity training and consultancy services, such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, digital forensics, and security assessment, to assist your organization's requirement to develop a thorough cybersecurity system and effectively neutralize attacks.
Reference:
Abdel-Aziz, A. (2022) Intrusion Detection and Response – Leveraging Next Generation FireWall Technology. In: SANS Institute Reading Room Site Report.
Kim, K., Aminanto, M.E., Tanuwidjaja, H.C. (2018). Network Intrusion Detection using Deep Learning – A Feature Learning Approach. Springer Nature.
Möller, D.P.F. (2023). Intrusion Detection and Prevention. In: Guide to Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation. Advances in Information Security, vol 103 . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26845-8_3
Tiwari, R., Kumar, R., Bharti, A., Kishan, J. (2017). Intrusion Detection System. In: International Journal of Technical Research and Application, Vol. 5, pp. 38–44
