Intrusion Prevention System Techniques and Procedures

Introduction

With the increase in cyber threats and attacks, it has become crucial to adopt preventive measures to secure our systems and networks. One such measure is the installation of Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). IPS is a network security solution that monitors traffic for signs of malicious activity and prevents unauthorized access. In this blog, we will discuss the techniques and procedures used by IPS to safeguard our networks.

1. What is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a security solution that identifies and blocks malicious network traffic before it reaches its intended target. IPS is a proactive measure used to protect networks from threats like malware, brute-force attacks, and denial-of-service attacks. IPS operates at the network layer and inspects packets of network traffic for signs of malicious activity.

 

2. IPS uses various techniques to prevent malicious network traffic, which includes:

a. Signature-based detection

This technique uses pre-defined signatures (rules or patterns) to identify known threats. IPS compares network traffic against a database of known threats and blocks them if found. This technique is effective for detecting known malware and viruses.

b. Anomaly-based detection

Anomaly-based detection is used to identify unknown or new types of threats. IPS analyses the network traffic to identify any unusual patterns or behavior compared to a baseline. This technique is effective for identifying zero-day attacks and other new threats.

c. Stateful Protocol Analysis

This technique is used to detect unusual activity by monitoring the network's sessions and protocols. IPS inspects the packets of network traffic and identifies any suspicious activities between hosts. This technique is effective for detecting port scanning and other exploitation attempts.

3. Procedures followed by IPS

IPS follows a sequence of procedures to detect and prevent malicious activity in the network. These procedures include:

a. Monitoring and analysis of network traffic

IPS monitors the network traffic and inspects every packet for signs of malicious activity. It analyzes the traffic in real-time and compares it against its database of known threats and behavior patterns.

b. Alert generation and notification

When IPS identifies a potential threat, it generates an alert and sends it to the network administrator. The alert provides detailed information about the threat, including the source, target, and type of attack. This procedure allows the administrator to respond quickly and prevent the attack.

c. Blocking and prevention of attacks

IPS blocks the malicious traffic or prevents it from reaching its intended target. It can also quarantine the infected host to prevent the spread of malware. This procedure ensures that the network remains secure and prevents any potential data breaches.

4. Benefits of using IPS

IPS provides several benefits to the network, which includes:

a. Increased network security

b. Improved network performance and availability

c. Reduced risk of cyber threats and attacks

d. Compliance with industry regulations and standards

5. Challenges faced by IPS

IPS faces various challenges when dealing with a constantly evolving cyber threat landscape. Some of the challenges include:

a. False positives and false negatives

b. Compatibility issues with other security solutions

c. High cost of implementation and maintenance

d. Need for constant updating and monitoring

Conclusion

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a critical security measure used to secure networks from cyber threats and attacks. It uses various techniques and procedures to detect and prevent malicious activity in real-time. However, IPS faces various challenges that organizations must overcome to ensure efficient implementation and maintenance. By using IPS, organizations can protect their network and prevent any potential data breaches.