Understanding the nuances of different types of intrusion detection systems (IDS) can be tricky, but it is important to know the difference between something like a network intrusion detection system and a basic intrusion prevention system. Knowing the differences in these tools can ensure that your organization is best informed to make a decision when selecting a new IDS tool.
Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are both incredibly similar network security tools, but they do have some key differences. NIDS continuously monitors network traffic for patterns indicative of an attack, and when something suspicious is detected it raises an alert for further investigation. IPS, on the other hand, will actively block any traffic that displays signs of malicious activity based on predefined rules.
To put it simply, NIDS is a very passive security tool, while IPS is much more active. This does not come without risk, however, as IPS can accidentally block legitimate safe traffic in the event of a false positive. It is also important to note that many NIDS tools can be configured to run as a network-based IPS, so the main difference between these two tools often comes down solely to the user settings.
The purpose of NIDS is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity across your entire network. This is different than the purpose of a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS), which monitors individual devices or servers (hosts) within the network for suspicious activity. Both of these systems function basically the same way. They monitor traffic, analyze the packets for evidence of threats, and alert when potentially malicious traffic is identified. The only real difference is whether they are monitoring individual devices or the network as a whole.
There isn't a single "better" option between HIDS (Host-based Intrusion Detection System) and NIDS (Network Intrusion Detection System). They complement each other and provide different areas of focus in your overall security strategy. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be more relevant for your needs:
HIDS:
NIDS:
The best approach is often to implement both HIDS and NIDS for a layered defense. This provides comprehensive security coverage by monitoring individual devices and network traffic simultaneously.
There are several compelling reasons why network intrusion detection system software is essential for robust network security. Here are some of the key benefits:
You need a network security platform that doesn’t generate an endless stream of useless alerts across part of your network, and instead automatically identifies alerts of interest and notifies you of only serious and imminent threats. Your organization deserves response-ready detection with visibility into your entire network regardless of the environment with easy access to all the contextual evidence you need to stop an attack before it can cause damage. Replace your legacy IDS with a modern network detection and response platform that gives you these features and more.
The Stamus Security Platform™ is a network-based threat detection and response solution that eliminates the challenges of legacy IDS while lowering your response time. Stamus Security Platform harnesses the full potential of your network, bringing state-of-the-art threat detection, automated event triage, and unparalleled visibility to the security team.
Book a demo to see if the Stamus Security Platform is right for your organization.
To learn more about replacing your legacy IDS, check out the following resources:
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